Hey everyone,
I am a senior who has been accepted to all three of these awesome but quite different schools. Obviously, I have looked at the rankings of these schools and though they vary based on different sites UPenn is the top (tied for 6), followed by ND (15), and Gtown (24). However, I personally look for the feel of a school and the possibilities after graduation as very important aspects of my college experience outside of the purely academic aspect. Also important to mention that I was accepted as a liberal arts student at Penn and to the business schools at the other two. Im curious about the social experiences at each respective school as well as how the city vs non city aspect affects social life and general culture of the students. Also curious about the connections for jobs and internships following my time there. Ive heard of the incredible networks at each school, but curious about experiences or knowledge of each.
Thanks in advance. All help appreciated
Also Im sad that I cant revisit and attend accepted students days, but virtual will have to do.
It depends on several factors: first of all, do you like cities, a college town, or a college campus a little on the outside of a city? Next, are you set on business? What are the financial aspects?
If you like a college town in a rural setting, pick ND.
If you like a smaller school near a city, pick Gtown.
If you like a diverse larger student body on a beautiful campus within a city, pick UPenn.
I have never been to ND, but spent time attending Gtown and live outside Philadelphia. My daughter is in your situation, but we finally went down (masks and gloves) and walked around UPenn yesterday. It’s very deserted except for exercisers, everyone keeping a courteous distance. Penn is gorgeous. I vote for Penn.
ND is not a college town and definitely not rural. South Bend is a city of about 100,000, and with the adjoining communities of Mishawaka and Granger, is about 250,000. ND student life really focuses on campus and the immediate surrounding area. Neither sports nor Catholicism/religion can be ignored at ND. If that is not what someone wants as part of their college experience, it would not be the right fit. At the same time, ND alumni network is famous for a reason, with dedicated alums stepping up to help current students and recent grads in their career search. Mendoza students generally do well, and finance majors do very well.