I know U Penn is a really outstanding school, seeing that it’s an Ivy League with so many world-renowned professors, but I can’t seem to grasp what makes it unique to other top schools. Besides factors like being social and in a big city (which schools like Duke and Columbia have), what else about the undergraduate experience make it special? Or is it mainly the combination of these two aspects?
Also I’ve read that one of the unique things about UPenn is its really in depth dual degree programs. Seeing as they are even more competitive than the 9% admit rate school, I don’t think I will get into any of these, so is it still worth applying?
There are many things that are special about Penn. As you mentioned one of the unique aspects are the coordinated dual degree programs. These are definitely unique and amazing program and is is true as you said yourself that they are very competitive to get in. There is a lot more to Penn though than these programs. These programs are a manifestation of Penn s wider focus on interdisciplinary education. The extent to which Penn has committed to interdisciplinary education is rather unique. As an undergrad you are free to take classes in any of the undergraduate schools and also in many of the graduate schools at Penn. Penn has the One University policy which essentially opens up opportunities for students across all different kinds of disciplines and schools at Penn. Also Penn does not have a core curriculum like Columbia for example, which allows more flexibility to build your curriculum and also to double-major, minor or do a dual degree.
Another think i really like about Penn is that that while the professors are some of the best researchers in the world and some of the biggest names in their field, they also take teaching very very seriously and are very available to students. Practically all classes at Penn are taught by professors most of whom are very accessible and available to connect with students outside of class during office hours. This is not something you find at too many major research institutions.
Also another unique aspect of Penn is the social life. Penn is known as the social ivy. I really like the variety of options you have at Penn. Greek life is big at Penn but also there are many other professional clubs, organizations, in which people are heavily involved and through which they socialize. Penn has a well-defined campus but it is also very hear the city center. So you have both house parties but also many frats and organizations organize events downtown at various venues in the city.
For me the things that make Penn special are the interdisciplinary approach to academics, the combination of practical/pre-professional and theoretical/ intellectual culture, the availability of really great research/recruiting opps for undergrads, the accessibility of the professors no matter how big of a name they are, the combination of strong social scene and strong academics and the clearly defined campus within a big (but not overwhelmingly big) city. Sure there are schools that have some of these characteristics, but the combination of all these is probably unique to Penn.
Of course every top school has its unique characteristics that make it special and set it apart from others in some way or another.
So to answer your question yeah of course it is worth applying even if not to one of the dual degree programs. Fyi you can apply to one of the dual degree programs and put in as a second choice one of the four undergrad schools at Penn to be considered for admission in case you do not get in the dual degree program. Also Penn students have the chance to pursue uncoordinated dual degree programs.
Thank you so much for your thorough reply! You seem so passionate about the school that it makes me almost regretful I didn’t apply ED Penn!
I still don’t quite understand what it is about Penn’s interdisciplinary approach that differentiates it from liberal arts colleges though. Perhaps it is because I am quite unfamiliar with the college experience, but why is research opportunities important for students like me (positive I’m not going to do anything math or science based)?
One last question: I am still a bit fuzzy on what an uncoordinated dual degree program is. My understanding is that it differs from the coordinated dual degree programs because you apply once you are already at U Penn as a Fresh/Soph. Are these difficult to get into as well? What’s the difference between this and a double major?
It is the most practical ivy. Founded by Ben Franklin, the school emphasizes the value of theoretical knowledge, while also understanding the importance of doing things hands on. The Penn perspective is that you may have read 100 books about swimming, but if you haven't been in the water before, you do not understand it.
Penn students are very engaged. Penn is much more than going to class. The opportunities to learn explore and experience things outside the class are limited by the number of hours in the day. Students have to be able to priorities many options.
In addition to dual degree programs, special programs like DMD and NETS are also popular, as are minors.
For students who care about the weather, Penn is the warmest Ivy.
Penn students have higher average salaries at graduation than all Ivies except Harvard.
^ i think OP mentioned Duke as an example of a school with good social life and Columbia as an example of a school in a big city.
@bluedeer The difference with the uncoordinated dual degrees is that you have more requirements to fulfill since the coordinated dual degree programs double count some of the requirements between the two schools. Also the coordinated dual degree programs have dedicated offices and staff at Penn that provide extra guidance, mentorship with academics and internship/job search and also keep the alumni network very close-knit and organize alumni get-togethers frequently. The extra mentorship and the access to the close-knit, intimate and incredibly successful alumni network, are some of the reasons the dual degree programs are really special.
With the exception of the VIPER and Computer & Cognitive Science programs (through which you get a BA from CAS and a BS from SEAS), if you want to pursue a major in SEAS and another in CAS then this is called a double major rather than a dual degree because it results in one degree either BA in CAS or BS in SEAS with an additional major from the other school (CAS or SEAS). In this case you only need to fulfill the general requirements of your home school and only the major requirements for the major in the other school. For example say I am a student in SEAS and I want to also pursue an Econ major in CAS. Then I have to complete the requirements for my engineering major and the general requirements of SEAS and the requirements for the Econ major, but i do not have to fulfill the general CAS requirements. In the end I will graduate with a BS from SEAS with two majors, my engineering major and the Econ major. For some reason Penn does not give the option to pursue a dual degree between SEAS and CAS, apart from the two coordinated programs mentioned before.
On the other hand, if a student who is in CAS, SEAS or Nursing wants to also pursue a field of study offered by Wharton, then the only option is a dual degree. This can be done through one of the coordinated dual degrees or though an uncoordinated dual degree. So in this case I would need to fulfill the major/concentration requirements and also the general requirements of both Wharton and the other school. In the end I would graduate with two degrees a BSE from Wharton and a BA from CAS or BS from SEAS or BSN from Nursing.
Thank you! Sorry I’m asking so many questions, but I decided to apply to Penn and am now writing my Why Penn essay.
I am very interested in art and politics and feel it would only be appropriate for me to address this in my essay. I already plan on talking about how the location in Philadelphia is a hub of historical art/architecture and political discussion. Basically my question is, what unique aspects about Penn help me pursue these passions? I know the flexibility and emphasis on interdisciplinary studies will help, but I don’t know the specifics.
Under the One University policy, I would be allowed to take Fine arts at PennDesign and allowed to take Philosophy Politics Economics at CAS, right? And would that just count as a double major? Is there anything else that would help?
I’m sorry for all the questions; I don’t want to sound like everyone else on the website that tries to make others write their supplements for them! Thank You for your time!
“Under the One University policy, I would be allowed to take Fine arts at PennDesign and allowed to take Philosophy Politics Economics at CAS, right?”
Yes.
“And would that just count as a double major?”
You can take a few courses to explore your interest, or you can add an entire major. It is up to you. You should work with your faculty advisor on this.
I know that Political Science is a growing major at Penn. I also know that students in that major often spend time in D.C., but I don’t know how that works. You should investigate. Many of the students in that major are also pre-law and I believe some student sub matriculate into the law school. That could be of interest too.
Have you been able to visit the campus and hear about programs you are interested in? Also, consider investigating clubs and activities at Penn that might relate to your major.