<p>Why should we sell you Penn? - it really sounds like you're leaning toward Duke/Rice. Duke is almost equal to Penn in prestige. Rice is under-rated and is only a hair below Penn, espec. if you plan to stay in Texas. If you don't take the spot at Penn, it will go to someone on the waitlist who is dying to get in.</p>
<p>Penn is 40% minority and maybe 30% Jewish, so white Christians are a distinct minority. Now if you grew up in a big US coastal city this will not feel any different than what you are used to, but if you are from small town in Mississippi or something, it will be a real mind bending experience. It might be a GOOD experience if you are open to it (you will gain an understanding of what it means to be a "minority" which will help you to understand other "minorities" your whole life), but it's much easier and more comfortable to live in a setting where your basic assumptions are shared by most other people. It's not just religion and politics - even your assumption that a car is useful will be challenged. </p>
<p>So which is it? Comfort or challenge?</p>