<p>Hi–I’m an indepenent college counselor, twice a Penn alum (UPenn, Wharton MBA), married to a Penn and USC alum (Wharton MBA, USC). No ties to UVA except good friends!</p>
<p>I recommend UPenn for graduate school, but not necessarily undergrad. It is a very serious, pre-professional place, requiring that you are already “grown-up” and have your professional trajectory intact. It is in a tough, urban environment that is not big on fun, but focused on achievement. I was ready for that when I went to UPenn as an undergrad, very sure of what I wanted until I changed…but it is not for everyone.</p>
<p>Both USC and UVA will offer you professional direction, great education, and prestige, as well as more school spirit, nicer weather and R&R. Both are well-endowed schools on their way up, who can afford to buy facilities, professors, and scholarships for talented people. </p>
<p>The choice between USC and UVA comes down to—which coast do you want to be on, and where do you see your future—East or West?</p>
<p>We took our son to see Penn when he was in high school, but it was too urban and claustrophobic for him. He ended up going to Emory, just finished his freshman year, did very well, and had a terrific time.</p>
<p>There will be plenty of years in your future to work hard in an ugly, dangerous, urban environment with serious, competitive colleagues. What do you want out of your college experience? Look for academic challenge certainly, as well as transformational growth. Wherever you can find that, in a reasonably elite environment, go for it. It doesn’t have to be Penn.</p>