<p>I know this is a strange comparison, but the schools are actually similar, in my opinion. I am going to apply to one of these places early decision. I want to major in economics, statistics, or something like that. I am currently in Florida, so maybe my idea of Vanderbilt is influenced by being in the South, but the the numbers don't lie. </p>
<p>My main goal is to get good grades and get into a great grad school. </p>
<p>I love Vanderbilt for the weather, well-balanced atmosphere, and great academics. I like Penn for the academics, Ivy atmosphere, more renowned grad school, and campus. </p>
<p>Does Vanderbilt carry equal reputation to that of Penn? How is Vanderbilt's alumni base compared to Penn's?</p>
<p>Please help me decide which one to pick! </p>
<p>PS-If you know, please tell me Penn's ED acceptance rate and Vandy's.</p>
<p>My son is a Penn senior and also took classes at Vanderbilt. His former girlfriend transferred from Vandrbilt to Penn after freshman year. My daughter is a Vandy grad student. Both my son and his girlfriend felt that Penn had the academically stronger student body. That said, I think very highly of Vanderbilt and it offers a really fun college experience with SEC sports. Either one would serve you well. I grew up in the Philadelphia area and live in Nashville. I love Nashville and if I could do college over again, I would go to Vanderbilt. My son has grown to really like Philadelphia and after a rough start, loves Penn.</p>
<p>Right off that bat, if you are going by acceptance rates as a measure of your shot at getting in, you are doing one of the dumbest things you can do.</p>
<p>Penn is an Ivy for a reason, reputation wise (well, to the people who actually know that Penn is UPENN not Penn State), especially if you are going to be doing something in Wharton.</p>
<p>Academics wise, it’s Penn, hands down. But remember, I don’t know what your definition of good grades are, but getting a 4.0 at Penn just won’t happen right off the bat. </p>
<p>I would ask my self these kind of questions if I were in your situation: Would you be ready for the cold weather? Do you like urban campuses?</p>
<p>Yeah…because it’s located in the east and it’s one of the oldest schools in the nation. That’s about it. </p>
<p>PS, I have nothing against Penn. But I hate it when ppl use the Ivy thingy to give Penn an edge in this kinda schools comparison. Would Penn still be as well respected as it is now if it didnt have the Ivy label? I think the answer is yes.</p>
<p>If you’re going for the school with better academics it would be penn. If you want to just apply to the school that you’ll have a better chance at getting into, then do Vanderbilt, but the best advice would be to ED to the school you like best, regardless of what other people think of the schools. Btw, there’s no such thing as “Ivy atmosphere.”</p>
<p>Would Penn have the respect without the Ivy label? I honestly don’t know the answer to that one, seeing how people confuse Penn State with Penn all the time.</p>
<p>
Not really. Look at Cornell. Not even close to being one of the oldest schools, yet it’s in the Ivy.</p>
<p>Whether you have a problem with it or not, Penn is an Ivy. Nothing you can do about it. Unfortunate part of it is it does give an “edge” a lot of the times, because coincidentally Ivy League schools are some of the best of the best.</p>
<p>“Ivy League schools are some of the best of the best.”</p>
<p>Yes, the HYP. The rest are just good schools which are still on par with good non ivy schools. </p>
<p>“Not really. Look at Cornell. Not even close to being one of the oldest schools, yet it’s in the Ivy.”</p>
<p>Yes, Cornell is an exception but what’s the point? Do you think that people would always choose Cornell over Standford, MIT, UChicago, Duke, and etc just because it’s an ivy? </p>
<p>“Would Penn have the respect without the Ivy label? I honestly don’t know the answer to that one, seeing how people confuse Penn State with Penn all the time.”</p>
<p>Are you proud of being a Penn student just because it is in the IVY LEAGUE? If yes, then it’s just so sad. So, if Penn wasnt a member of the IVY LEAGUE, then you might not even wanna consider applying or attending the school?</p>
Yeah, Stanford, MIT, etc are good. Notice I said Ivy League schools are some of the best. Some DOES NOT MEAN all. Perhaps you should actually read what I said.</p>
<p>
What’s the point? Read what the previous poster said. Sadly, some people do. </p>
<p>
That’s the dumbest thing I heard. Is the Ivy League name part of it? Sure, but only a tiny portion.
I can’t even think of anyone that I know who chose Ivy League just for the name.</p>
<p>“Penn is an Ivy for a reason”
“Not really. Look at Cornell. Not even close to being one of the oldest schools, yet it’s in the Ivy.”</p>
<p>So, is there something significant that makes Cornell different from Johns Hopkins or Georgetown? I dont know what you’re implying by saying that Penn is an Ivy for a reason. Cos I think that statement is just dumb. If you’re saying that Penn is ranked in the top 10 for a reason, then it still makes sense. But Penn is an Ivy for a reason??? Really? To prevent people from calling it a state school?</p>
<p>"That’s the dumbest thing I heard. Is the Ivy League name part of it? Sure, but only a tiny portion.
I can’t even think of anyone that I know who chose Ivy League just for the name. "</p>
<p>Penn is an Ivy League school for a reason. I guess my wording wasn’t exactly clear, but my implication was it was renowned as an Ivy League school for a reason. Top 10 for a reason, that was really what I was trying to get across. Obviously the Ivy League label isn’t enough to have people confused, is it?</p>
<p>
Sound? I didn’t know you heard voices through a forum online. Are you sure you are psychologically sound?</p>
<p>I hate how forums like this often become a battle field. </p>
<p>OP: I wouldnt be applying ED anywhere if you’re unsure.
Despite that, I would say Penn would be a good choice for economics since you will be near major cities like NYC and DC and of course Philly for internships. And I’m guessing you aren’t completely set on your major. Because of the ‘One University’ platform, you have more freedom to take classes of your choice until you decide. And I’m not sure about Vandy, but Penn’s alumni base is BIG.
Both are amazing schools, and you getting into grad school really depends on how you excel, wherever you go :)</p>
<p>Sorry to hear you’ve been dealing with BearClub. It’s just the jealousy over you going to UPenn and him getting an overrated education at WUSTL.</p>
<p>Wow. I thought this thread got buried a long time ago when I questioned his psychological state.
WUSTL isn’t overrated. It’s a very good school for pre-med, etc. </p>
<p>
Better get yourself checked, seeing how you failed to catch the obvious pun.</p>
<p>Aww…look at you…attacking me in UPenn’s forum. So cute. Now I’m convinced that you are not only ignnorant, but also immature. =)
Oh, btw. I’m going to UPenn for graduate school. =P</p>