<p>I've seen similar discussions posted for other universities, and I'm curious as to what separates Penn from other Ivies and universities.</p>
<p>Urban environment and a high level of social connectedness with the city. Similar to Columbia, different from Yale in that Penn embraces the city instead of trying to hide from it. More random opportunities because of the location as opposed to Harvard/MIT which aren’t really in Boston proper. You get to go see random concerts, local bands, bars, clubs, museums, etc.</p>
<p>Very high level of preprofessionalness. There’s less of a “Uh, I don’t know what I want to do with my life” feeling going on because of how everyone’s already somewhat segregated into these different schools and being shuffled into a predefined track already. There’s also a huge pull towards the finance sector if you’re doing economics in the College or mathematical modeling in Engineering and obviously Wharton has a huuuuuge financial relationship. It means there’s going to be a lot of walking around in suits and looking all formal, which gives the campus a slightly more formal, ‘serious’ air. There are a TON of startups, marketing things, etc. going around.</p>
<p>High level of Greek life. Almost 30% (I think?) of Penn is involved with Greek life in one way or the other which is huge and has pretty obvious effects on the social scene.</p>
<p>Different research specialties. Penn is really freaking good at certain research areas, (AI, nanotech, CBE) and emphasizes this with specific programs designed to shuttle you into that area for 4 years. Enough of the schools is locked into one of these programs that it seems like they’re their own little portion of Penn. In the other areas, Penn is just another Ivy league school, nothing exceptional. </p>
<p>Grad schools allow for a bit more specialization even while you’re still in undergrad, being able to take grad level courses lets you submatriculate, do whatever. Basically only Princeton doesn’t have these.</p>
<p>Hilariously good health services department/hospital department, probably one of the best colleges in the world to pick if you know you’re going to injure yourself. </p>
<p>Thanks so much, I can’t wait to visit Penn!</p>
<p>I asked my S that question and after visiting friends at other prestigious schools his answer was the pre-professional attitude of the students. When I asked him to help me understand what that meant because I had heard that before he described it as the way his fellow students carry themselves. He said everyone at Penn has a maturity and an interest in involving themselves in activities, getting to know other students, professors etc. His best example was that when he walks in a room at Penn there is always greetings, introductions and handshakes. When he went different places when visiting friends that did not take place, and further that when he would introduce himself and try to shake hands it was extremely awkward. It left me with the impression that Penn is filled with very outgoing, engaged students. These are students that would already know how to function in the adult world. That is then described as a pre-professional feel which I think is a bit misleading because it makes it sound as if Penn students are already focused on the next step and not enjoying and getting the most out of their college years. That is definitely NOT the case at Penn. 
The students are learning academically, socially and growing into young adults. So to conclude, what makes Penn different would be the type of person at Penn.</p>
<p>My daughter goes to Penn and really loves it. Its a phenomenal school with such great professors and students. We visited 4 Ivys during her junior year in high school and Penn was by far the Ivy she felt connected with from the get go. So far she has NO regrets at Penn and is doing very well. Lots to do, Greek life, wonderful volunteering opportunities, great restaurants in Philly, and the list goes on and on. I will say its VERY competitive and expect lots of hard work to do well.</p>
<p>Agree with gitguy1. My D goes there and for a kid that is competitive, high energy and always involved in leadership, community service, etc., it’s a place that is teeming with opportunities and challenges. </p>
<p>If you are active and looking for a place to push yourself to the limit, it’s a great place. Plus, the social side seems to be better than what I could make out at the other Ivies. </p>