Reviews

I think it's the perfect school for me.

No one really knows until they graduate, right?

You will meet many a variety of students and many of whom are just like you. It is a gorgeous campus with incredible and talented people. We're located in diverse Philadelphia; it is easy to go to historic Philly where you will find the Liberty Bell and much more! This is an urban campus with historic buildings to provide the comforts of home wherever you are from. Penn has the best undergraduate business school in the world, the Wharton School of Business. You dive into core classes your first year (no matter what specific school you're in at Penn-Nursing, Engineering, Arts and Science, or Business) and it's an opportunity seldom schools can boast.

Those who balance their academic and social life. Penn is also called The Social Ivy as it is the Ivy League that has the most lively campus while being academically elite as well. This doesn't mean that you have to go party everyday and every weekend, but we do know how to have fun, so if you feel like getting away from the books a night, there's always something for you to do. We know how to have fun, but we also know that we're there to get the best education possible. The libraries are always filled and there are many places to study, including in your own dorm building so you don't even have to leave your dorm!

Penn's coursework is challenging, but I feel like you leave class every day exhilarated and excited to go back. The professors are really a huge part of that so I would check with students who already attend to make sure you snag the best ones. The history, language, and business classes have been my favorites and I have developed so many new interests and passions through these classes.

I always wanted to attend a city school so Penn is perfect for me. Be careful though because Penn really is in the heart of West Philadelphia. It still feels like a campus, but it is a city school. The diversity is what I really fell for. There are students from all around the country and the world and Penn embraces and enhances this diversity.

I know that many students feel like Ivy league schools are too expensive and that you are only paying for the name, but Penn has the resources to get students excellent jobs after college. Besides that the learning environment, faculty, and students are worth it. In the end, I think it balances out.

Penn and college in general is an adjustment. I had to get used to pacing out my coursework and figuring out how to study for classes where a midterm and a final are your grades! (Yeah it is scary). My tips would be to not over schedule yourself your first semester. You are going to want to get involved in a lot on campus and in your dorm, so try and take a lighter load. Also don't be afraid to talk to your professors. They are great about offering extra help and resources or just chatting about their research. Use the office hours they provide. Lastly, make sure to remember that college is a time to try new things. Don't be afraid to join a dance group or volunteer at a homeless shelter. Explore the world around you.

This school is great for outgoing students who know when to party and when to buckle down and study. You need to like living in a city and being around a diverse group of people. Penn really loves students who are passionate so show that on your application and in whatever you get involved in at Penn.

Penn students are defined by their passion, even if it is undefined upon entering freshman year. Classes are so difficult that you have to experience them to understand, but the sense of accomplishment that comes with mastery over them is liberating and pure euphoria. Perhaps the most amazing thing about Penn, though, is what you will learn outside of the classroom through your peers and their amazing cultures.

Finish your high school career strong--don't let senioritis best you--and enjoy a well-deserved, relaxing summer. You will be plenty busy when you arrive on campus in the fall.

Even if Penn seems impossibly difficult, there are so many resources that you literally have no reason to fail.

I live in a highrise (apartment-like dorm), so I am biased, but visiting friends from other elite universities say that our dorms, even our worst, are nicer than theirs. I haven't heard of any nightmare-roommate stories, either, which is good since roommates are picked at random if they are not requested.

Dining halls are not created equally. However, there are tons of dining halls and alternate options on campus (Subway, Starbucks, Burger Stop, and more restaurants than I can count).

Partying is a major source of fun for many (most?) students. However, everyone enjoys going into Center City to shop, dine, stroll, or just hang with friends. Networking. Engaging with the community and volunteering in (virtually) everything. Sleeping is fun for every college student.

Penn is expensive, but students receive an unparalleled education. It is definitely worth it.

Greek life is very large at Penn (but 75% of students enjoy college without it)

The Philomathean Society is both the oldest continuous organization and, specifically, literary society in the US.

NSO (new student orientation) is absolutely amazing and is not lame or awkward like at most schools. Penn spends over a million dollars every year on just this one week. They even rent the Philadelphia Museum of Art for an evening and have the event catered by a five-star chef.

Hey Day is a tradition that Juniors celebrate when they move up as seniors. It gets pretty rowdy.

Passionate
Smart
Driven
Innovative
Creative
Leaders

There is a club for everything. Seriously. And if not, you can propose one and Penn will fund it because they can.

Very present. You cannot really avoid it on the weekends, but you can definitely enjoy your Penn experience without it.

Allied Barton on Penn's campus has been ranked the nation's best campus security. Penn is in West Philly which, in parts, is dangerous, so street-smarts are important when off campus. However, Penn security has a very broad patrol area.

I'm not going to lie. Penn is pretty rigorous and you can't afford to slack off to much. But, I am learning so much! I have never worked so hard in my life and I have never been rewarded so much. I definitely have a future because of Penn.

I did not know anyone else here. I was all alone at first and I was terrified here. But, everyone is so nice and kind! There is a reason why Penn is known as the Social Ivy. It's not difficult to make friends or to keep friends. I have a strong community here and I have a lot of support.

There are also many great opportunities and events here. For example, just two days ago, I attended an event where America Ferrara was the keynote speaker and I talked with her and got a picture with her! Since I have come to Penn, I have seen three Broadway shows and I have had several new experiences.

Penn is definitely an expensive school but I believe that it is worth every penny. I know I am going to have a successful future because of Penn. I have an infinite amount of opportunities here and the long run I'm going to pay it all off and live without any financial worries.

Study. I can't emphasize that anymore. In high school, you may be able to get away with not studying (I did), but you can't at Penn or anywhere else. Work hard and you will be awarded. However, don't forget to have fun! Penn has a great greek life and there are several parties or other events that are just as fun.

I personally think Penn is great for any type of student. No matter your race, gender, and/or sexual preference, you will be accepted at Penn. Penn is also good for those students who like to party but then get down to work during the week and just for those students who only like to study.

I rate UPenn at a 10 out of 10, I love my school and everything about it. I think what really makes us great is the oppurtunity to have a well rounded education so critical thinking is put at the center of all classes. In addition it is a beautiful campus with much history.

Get to know your advisor freshman year they will help you so much with figuring out what you want to do for ultimately a good part of your life and will guide you if you change your mind about classes and majors. Also have fun there is so much to see and do on campus and off, don't limit yourself to learning just in the classroom. Finally, make an effort to get to know the professors.

Not coming from an academically challenging high school the workload was new to me but as with anything in life you have to work hard for it which is probably what most people at Penn would tell you, it is not easy but I find the coursework to be fulfilling as when you choose classes it is best to choose what interests you so you do not get bored or resent the work.

It is pretty standard dorm life nothing too special but if you are lucky enough to live in the Quad it is a beautiful place to live. Dorm Life is only really for underclassmen though because it helps to meet new people that you may have not had the chance to meet before.

Again, pretty standard, dining is conveniently placed throughout campus but the best opportunities to dine come from the restaurants around campus and near by in the city.

Since Penn is in the city of Philadelphia there is much to do on town as well as on campus, as they are within walking distance of each other. Also Greek life plays a role in the social scene of Penn.

So being a private school tuition is pretty high BUT financial aid is readily available and from my own experience they made it possible for me to take out minimal loans as well as the many opportunities for scholarships, the office does their best to make sure that you don't need to worry much if you ask. In the end I do feel like it is worth every penny

critical thinkers and movers and shakers of the world (people who want to make a difference)

Though in West Philadelphia the campus security is phenomenal

Penn has a lot of opportunities academically and socially which I absolutely love. As most colleges are, you get a mix of both good and bad teachers based on how you learn best, but there are always tutors, friends, TAs, and office hours there to help. I have always been a pretty average student, and I don't find the classes to be too difficult, so don't worry about it!

The thing I hate the most about Penn is the financial aid office. They are great for students who come from low income families with documentation to prove it. If you don't, or if your family is in a particular debt (they don't accept all debts as financial struggles), then be prepared for disappointment.

The dorms are really nice. I live at Hill and it is not as bad as people say, but hanging out at the high rises is always comfortable.

Food is pretty average. Most people don't do a dining plan after freshman year.

So many extracurricular opportunites!

The University of Pennsylvania is a school of opportunity, and is only as good as you make it. I loved it with all my heart, because I let it take my breath away every moment as I walked down the beautiful Locust Walk to my classes, dorms, or to meet with friends. It can be challenging at times because of the academic rigor and competition, but the relationships you form with the amazing people around you can get you through it!

Don't allow yourself be consumed by the competition. If you let it define you, then you've succumbed to made-up societal rules of how to get far in life. Take advantage of all the school has to offer, whether it be religious pursuit, greek life, academics, or sports to name a few areas that the University of Pennsylvania shines in.

Classes can be difficult, but there is always so much support. Teachers want you to do well, and they will be there for you when you need extra help. Classmates are not always the friendliest as everyone is competing to be the best, but find a close niche of friends you truly trust and you'll be able to get through anything.

I loved my dorm and its community so much I lived in Stouffer College House for all four years of my undergraduate studies. Not all dorm houses had the same type of community, but again you make what you want out of it. There are many different options on campus, and I would suggest to live in the Quad your freshman year to get that Freshman Experience.

I enjoyed the fact that as a freshman, I was forced into having a meal plan. I know that if I didn't have one, I would be entirely too thin. It was a great way to build community as I shared so many meals with my fellow freshman. The food is not spectacular, but I do remember some amazing stand out meals.

Outside of dining, Philadelphia has the BEST restaurants. I know this is a bold statement, but heading down to center city and even walking a little further north, there are some great meals for great prices. I would suggest Barbuzzo (my all time favorite Mediterranean restaurant), Marakesh (an Ethiopian restaurant where you use your hands as utensils), Han Dynasty (a Spicy Chinese restaurant that my cousin owns), and Green Eggs (the best brunch around). Lastly, I'll add, food trucks are a must.

Although I spent a lot of time studying, I really enjoyed getting involved in Intramural sports. I joined a flag football team with my church for 4 years and I loved building quality relationships and learning how to play a sport. I really loved going to church and joining a small group that met weekly. Sometimes we would go down to center city to feed the homeless, which was something I always had a heart to do. There is just so much around, and there's a lot to say for a school that is within a big city yet maintains its ability to be enclosed on a campus.

I loved my time at the University of Pennsylvania, and I would not give it up for the world. It truly was a unique experience so please prospective students, take advantage of this amazing opportunity. Feel proud to be a Quaker!

The WEIRDEST tradition is that every football game, bystanders throw toast on the field and sing a song. Toast to Penn Football! There's also a big red architectural object in the middle of Penn Campus called the Dueling Tampons. I'm still to this day not sure what to make of it.

There are many clubs and activities you can join, almost too much. My advice would be stick to a few you are truly passionate for and give it your all. Many people sign up for too many and are stretched too thin.

I never personally participated in Greek Life, but a lot of my friends have. Its a big part of Penn and its a good way to meet people that you'll keep in touch with years after you graduate.

If you've heard of Philadelphia, you know that its not the safest city in the world. That being said, Penn does truly care about maintaining safety on its campus so there are always security officers roaming around the perimeter of the school. I always felt safe, but there was always the occasional robbery to shooting very close to school.

The University of Pennsylvania is honestly a wonderful school. There are so many opportunities here for academic exploration, for jobs, and even for social comfort. The diversity of the campus, truly makes it a great fit for pretty much every student.

Dear Prospects, some tips are
1.REACH OUT FOR SUPPORT. Often when students go to large schools like this, which house up to 15,000+ students including graduate students, it can be a bit intimidating and overwhelming at first. This can leave people feeling like a lost puppy in an amusement park, but do not fear! There are so many support groups on campus, upper class students willing to help out a freshman, and teachers willing to sit down and give you advice in your trying times! Believe me, it is easy to feel alone and weak, but by reaching out you will find transitioning easier.
2.TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WHAT THE SCHOOL OFFERS YOU. UPenn is a great school with many opportunities, from helping you land your dream job, or helping you figure it out, to giving you the chance to study abroad in a different language for a year. The university has so many clubs and student government groups, its amazing and taking full advantage of the resources the school offers you, can not only benefit your social life, but also your professional life as you work alongside professors doing research or become the leader of the student union.
3.FIND WAYS TO RELIEVE STRESS. At any collegiate level academic environment there is stress. Whether it be the personal stress of performing well academically, or the stress of feeling like there is just too much to do and not enough time, it is crucial to find your personal way of relieving stress. For me it was dance. For you it might be going to an art exhibit every Saturday, or going to Pottruck gym for yoga sessions or (if you're hardcore a weight lifting class!), or going ice skating at the Penn ice rink, or downtown shopping with your buddies! Whatever it is, find it and do it!
4.EXPLORE PHILADELPHIA. At UPenn you have the unique experience of going to school in one of the most awesome cities nationally! Like what is not to like about Philadelphia! The more you explore the city the more enchanted you will become with all it has to offer yo...

University of Pennsylvania, like any college, is pretty tough. Courses at UPenn are particularly challenging because they explore the topics thoroughly. The professors and curriculum encourage you to explore topics in ways that promote thinking in a different way than just memorization. You learn not just by memorization, but through application. The professors push you to truly grasp the material, and understand it in a way that creates a more meaningful perception of the topic at hand. However, the professors make learning material so much easier, because of their willingness to aid you and their passion for the material they are teaching.

DORM LIFE IS SUPER AWESOME! UPenn offers residential programs, which is where a group of students who have similar interests are placed in the same hall and the hall (throughout the year) studies this topic. The dorms are relatively small, but with the activities being done in the hall, such as study breaks and hall trips, make it worth while.

Food on campus isn't too bad. It's not the best food, but UPenn does offer many food options, so if something doesn't quite fit your taste, there is always something else. Plus UPenn is located in the city, so there are plenty of off campus restaurant options.

GO DOWNTOWN! There is so much to do downtown and even on campus. Downtown there are art and music festivals, exhibits and museums, shopping centers, parks, and clubs! On campus, there is ice skating, performing arts shows, sports games, gyms for recreations, and festivals. There is just so much to do, I can't list it all!

Yes, UPenn is expensive, but with all that the school has to offer, I'd say it's worth it!

There is this thing called the button and it's actually pretty awesome. It's a statue of a button in the middle of campus and its super fun to look at and play around. I mean, what other school has a button, but it also serves as a monument so as to help guide people through campus. Also, there is also a church on the campus, in one of the educational buildings! Super cool!

Any student!

The amount of clubs and activities here at UPenn are almost innumerable! There are so many options to choose from, and if you name it, there will most likely be that group on campus. If not, you can easily make your own club or team if you'd like to see it on campus. The clubs and activities are tailored toward any type of student and personal interest so every person can find something fun and favorable to do on campus.

I'm not a part of greek life, so I couldn't really judge it, but it does seem to be pretty big on campus! However, its not overwhelming. If you think it's not your scene, then that's cool too!

Campus is super safe! There are walking escorts at all hours, security at pretty much every corner and there are constantly patrolling officers, so you can feel secure. Dorms are extremely secured, and there are a list of numbers to campus police, penn ride, and other resources that every student is encouraged to have. I do!

It definitely lives up to the nickname the social Ivy, but that's not to say the academics are not rigorous. Be prepared to work hard and show dedication to both class and activities. Even though it is in a big city, there is a distinct campus atmosphere.

Work hard throughout high school in academics, testing, extracurricular activities, and making connections with teachers who can write you nice recommendation letters. Don't save everything for senior year and don't freak if one or two things doesn't match up with demographics of Penn students; admissions really takes a full look at every student

It's an Ivy League school, so we definitely get a lot more work and more difficult work than other schools

Living in the Quad freshman year is an awesome experience, mainly because it is almost all freshmen. There are no parties in the dorms, but they are great for building relationships with new friends. As an upperclassman, there are a variety of on- and off-campus options.

Cafeteria food is exactly like you would expect: so-so, but there are three different dining halls, so there is at least a choice (and everyone has their favorite between Commons, King's Court, and Hill). Philadelphia has awesome restaurants on a bus/subway ride away, but there are not many restaurants directly off-campus (beside Bobby's Burger Palace, which is to die for!)

There is a huge social scene at Penn. You don't need to join frats or sororities to go to parties. Clubs and sports often take the place of Greek life because they are so active. There are also many bars in the area and clubs downtown. Sports are not that big at Penn (because we're not that good), but you can always head downtown to see a good game or see a cultural attraction. Plus, there is always hanging out in a dorm without any parents to bother you!

Penn is a very expense private college, but the financial aid department is great. Also, going to such an elite school, there are perks (both opportunities from staff and alumni and the name recognition when your job search begins)

Don't sit on the Ben Franklin status that sits on the bench, people alway pee on it (really). Don't walk over the compass or you'll fail all your midterm (unless you have sex under the button to break the spell).

About 25% of people are involved in fraternities and sororities, but when rushing and pledging start in the beginning of the spring semester, it is noticeable. There is no social reasons to join, you can make friends and go to parties without being a member (but it is easier for girls to get into parties - it's all about the ratios at Penn).

Penn has its own police force, which is the third biggest in the state of Pennsylvania (following Philadelphia's and the State Trooper). There are numbers to call for a ride or a Penn cop to walk with you wherever you are going (and whenever). Obviously living in a city, some instances to happen, but as long as you are smart, you shouldn't have any real problems.

It's an Ivy League school. Education should be tough notch, as academics are taken very seriously.

Very exciting culture, and known as the social ivy, so they like having fun. At the same time though, there will be a lot of work, and you'll be in a very cold place, especially if you're coming from CA.

Unless you get substantial financial aid (which is quite possible), you'll be paying the sticker price of $57k+. Which is quite a lot of money. Penn doesn't offer any merit or athletic scholarships either, so don't count on that no matter how smart or athletic you are.
That being said, Penn students (especially Wharton) come out of school with great jobs and make the big bucks, so taking on a little debt is manageable.

Study for the SAT and make sure you take the most difficult classes in HS, and then do well in them. If you're going into Wharton, you need to have taken Calculus and done well on the Math 2 Subject test. Show that you're interested in business, and can bring something to the community to make it better.

Business students
Kids that want an Ivy League education but also a social 4 years.
Independent-not too much hand holding here.
Students wanting to be in the city but still want a campus