UPenn vs. Pomona

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hello!</p>

<p>I am a student from Turkey- so, I did not have a chance to visit either UPenn or Pomona- intending to study either Neuroscience or Psychology. I have less than a week now to decide which school to go, so this is a little urgent. </p>

<p>First of all, I must mention this: Last year when I got out from SAT center, I was making jokes saying " If nothing works well, I will be in Pomona next year.", knowing absolutely nothing about the school. But later, I've learnt that it has one of the best Neuroscience programs in the US. Still, I have questions about the quality of faculty and education, comparing it with UPenn. Also, I do not know much about the social atmosphere there. </p>

<p>I am not a party person -a non-drinker-. I know it sounds a little boring, but it is as such. I cannot say I am a quite or a very social person in general, because it depends on the environment; that is why I do not know what I'm looking for exactly, but for sure I would prefer a place where is easy to make friends.</p>

<p>On the other hand, there is UPenn, an ivy league school. I applied to Biological Basis of Behavior Program, can change into Psychology. But ,being famous for its business and economics programs, UPenn may not be a good choice for such a major. Also, fitting in is an issue there, I guess, since it is a huge school. </p>

<p>There is also UCLA and UC Berkeley that I am considering, but because of the financial aid issues, I am not very comfortable with them.</p>

<p>When it comes to financial stuff, Pomona pays for everything including my flight, and there is a $10,000 gap where my family should pay for UPenn.</p>

<p>That is the situation. To be honest, I am afraid of wasting all my efforts that I made during my high school years by making a wring decision.</p>

<p>I need and appreciate all your comments!!
Thanks :)</p>

2

<p>Would the 10,000 gap for UPenn put financial stress on your family?</p>

3

<p>They say they can afford it, but I do not want them to pay for it. Still, I can find some scholarships from here. So, it would be better if we think regardless of money issue.</p>

4

<p>Although Wharton stands out, Penn is a world-class university, and you will get a superior education in whatever field you study.</p>

<p>Here is my question for you – what do you plan to do when you finish your education, return to Turkey? Move elsewehere? If you plan to return home, what is Pomona’s reputation? We know that Penn is an Ivy and known everywhere as being an elite school.</p>

<p>(Please note, I am saying nothing about the quality of education at either school, or quality of undergrad life in either school).</p>

<p>Socially – its impossible to answer that question, especially if you haven’t visited. In all likelihood, you’ll find a great social scene at either.</p>

<p>In any event – while Pomona is a fantastic school with an excellent reputation, I do not believe it’s reputation equals Penn’s either in the US or internationally. All other things being equal, if you and your family can afford it without undue hardship, I would recommend Penn. That being said, it’s really a no-lose decision whichever way you decide.</p>

5

<p>I am not planning to return Turkey without having a grad education in the US. What is my chances getting into a good graduate program after having an undergraduate education at Pomona?</p>

6

<p>Pomona is highly respected by graduate schools as is Penn.</p>

7

<p>Both are elite colleges. 10k more for Penn might be worth it.</p>

8

<p>I believe Penn is stronger at sciences.</p>

9

<p>Biggest difference here will be environment. </p>

<p>Pomona - smaller, more tight-knit, campus location is kind of remote inland suburbs of L.A. (public transportation is non-existant…you’ll need a car to get anywhere to see Southern California)</p>

<p>Penn - larger, more dynamic, urban, in heart of Philadelphia, much better public transportation</p>

<p>Both have stellar academic reputations and will get you where you need to go. But the environments could not be more different.</p>

10

<p>My son had narrowed it down to the same two schools a few years ago and ultimately chose Pomona. No regrets for him. Both schools have an excellent track record for getting their students into graduate schools, so I’m not sure that should be a factor. </p>

<p>For him, it came down to size and personal attention from the faculty. We’ve been very impressed with the relationships he has developed with his professors and the interest they have shown in him. They have given him advice about classes, internships and research projects at a level I am not sure an undergraduate would have seen at a large university. </p>

<p>Trips to LA are possible, although obviously its not as convenient as actually going to school in an urban environment like Penn. My son has taken the train to LA a few times, and many people on campus seem to have cars (plus zip cars are available on campus), so that’s always an option as well.</p>

<p>Its really a shame you haven’t been able to visit both schools. Their environments are so different, it should really come down to which one you prefer. Academically they are peers.</p>

11

<p>Zephyr, there is virtually no reputational difference between Penn and Pomona. One is regarded as an elite, top 5 LAC and the other is known as a top 10 research university.</p>

12

<p>

Actually, Penn is among the top 10 or so schools in the country in both Psychology and Neuroscience, with an eminent record of world-class research and development in both fields. And Penn’s Biological Basis of Behavior program is one of the oldest, most comprehensive, and most respected interdisciplinary undergraduate Neuroscience programs in the country, utilizing the extraordinary faculty and resources of Penn’s esteemed Psychology and Biology Departments, as well as its top-ranked Medical, Veterinary, and Nursing schools and their affiliated research institutions. So no worries there. :)</p>

<p>Plus, as others have pointed out, Penn has an eminent academic reputation across the board. with many top-10 and top-20 departments.</p>

<p>It’s really a matter of personal preference when choosing between these two schools, as both offer excellent academics and eminent reputations, but completely different types of campuses, settings, and atmospheres. You can’t go wrong either way!</p>

<p>Something else to throw into the mix, however, is Penn’s geographic location relative to other northeastern cities, in case you want to explore them while in college. The Penn campus is literally just minutes away from the rich array of cultural and historic attractions, and the robust restaurant scene and night life, of Center City Philadelphia. But it’s also just minutes away from frequent bus service that costs $10 or less, and takes you to New York City in 2 hours, or Washington, D.C. in 2 1/2 hours.</p>

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<p>There is a train that goes from the Pomona campus to Union Station in LA.</p>

14

<p>^ Fair enough. I forgot about Metrolink trains. Pomona is still an hour outside downtown L.A. Getting to LAX for a direct flight back to Turkey will be a trek.</p>

15

<p>That issue would be valid only if Pomona were a regional school attracting only SoCal kids and the OP. It’s not. It has students from all over the world, many of whom will have to take a flight home during the breaks. That means there will almost certainly be a transportation network of some kind to facilitate getting students to and from the airport.</p>

16

<p>Direct flights from Istanbul to LAX are pretty frequent. For Philadelphia to Istanbul, looks like you’ll need to connect through Chicago O’Hare or Toronto.</p>

17

<p>^ Huh??? You’re thinkin’ like a Southern California Boy. :p</p>

<p>Lots of direct flights from Philly to European cities, which then go on (or connect) to Istanbul–Philly is a main hub for US Air (soon to be the “new” American) flights to Europe. Not to mention that Philly’s only 1-2 hours by bus from NYC-area airports.</p>

18

<p>@goldenboy</p>

<p>Amongst those who know educational institutions, Pomona is certainly known to be a top-top school. I believe that the quality of student is equivalent at each, and the quality of education is tops at both – though in certain areas, one or the other may be superior. For getting into Grad School, I suspect that there is little or no advantage to either (since grad schools know the reputations of the top schools).</p>

<p>In fact, I was a somewhat surprised that OP suggested it was his safety school. However, since they offered him a total free ride, I guess he was right!!</p>

<p>My point, however, is that in the world at large, Penn is much better known (i.e., there are many people who don’t know how good Pomona is). Internationally, I would guess, internationally, even more so. Hence, my comment that I feel Penn has a better rep. I believe it is better known.</p>

19

<p>45%, yeah, I am a SoCal Valley Boy. <em>Like, yeah!</em> Haha!<br>

I forget about that. Probably just as long to get from Pomona to LAX. :P</p>

20

<p>Pomona is very respected by grad schools so you will have no worry on that front. It is very welcoming and students are happy there which says a lot for where you want to spend the next four years of your life. </p>

<p>There are four other fabulous and highly respected colleges in the consortium and you can take classes at any of them. The professors teach the class, care about teaching and they mentor the students. The weather, with exception to one hot month in the academic year is great. There is much to love about the experience and it is cheaper for you. Save your money for grad school expenses.</p>