Visit Report by wharton4life (Member since December 16 2007 with 87 posts) Visit Date - February 2008
Visit to University of Pennsylvania in February 2008 by wharton4life (Student, HS Class of 2008)
Visit Activities:
Information Session:
Yes - I would only recommend the information session to those utterly unacquainted with Penn. The Q&A with the students at the end, however, is worth attending. Campus Tour:
Yes - Because the tour guides are trained rigorously, they will be very knowledgeable! Penn offers several tour guides at a time, each from different schools and majors. Classroom Visit:
Yes - Penn offers numerous different courses to attend. I sat in on several Wharton classes, assessing the teaching quality and student involvement (both of which deserve high marks!)
University of Pennsylvania Campus:
Friendliness/Courtesy of Students: 5 - Excellent -
Sometimes I would have to ask random students for directions, and they all helped without any attitude. My host's friends were especially accommodating, making sure I was comfortable on-campus.
Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff: 5 - Excellent -
Penn's admission staff is genuinely interested in helping prospective students. If they cannot help you directly, they will go out of their way to make sure someone can!
Appearance of Campus: 4 - Very Good -
Having a beautiful, Ivy green campus in the middle of a major urban location is priceless! My only regret was that there was a little construction going on during my visit.
Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness: 5 - Excellent -
Penn's maintenance staff works around the clock to keep the campus running smoothly and cleanly. I cannot recall a single time from both of my visits where I consciously noticed an unkempt build
Dormitories: 5 - Excellent -
Penn once again demonstrates it diversity, this time amongst its housing. Students have options ranging from modern, high-rise apartments to classic Ivy dorms in the Quad.
Security/Safety: 5 - Excellent -
Penn gets an undeserved reputation as an edgy campus. The security and campus police staff go above and beyond to ensure the safety of the students. The campus is well-lit and patrolled all day.
Overall Campus Impression: 5 - Excellent -
Some might like quiet, green campuses. Others might prefer modern, urban locations. Penn offers the best of both worlds.
Off-Campus:
Area Immediately Around Campus: 4 - Very Good -
The area immediately around campus and all areas East of the campus remind you of how wonderful a city Philadelphia is! There are sketchy parts in West Philadelphia, but University City is amazing!
City/Town/Community: 4 - Very Good -
While it is no New York, Philadelphia offers quite a lot! There is lots of beauty and history in the city.
Campus Visit Notes for University of Pennsylvania:
Visit Description:
I visited Penn before and after I had gotten in Early Decision. The staff and students treated me with the same respect and attention after I was "locked in" as when I was a prospective student. I really enjoyed talking with and learning from current students. I would suggest having a tour guide from the individual school you are interested in, simply because they can offer personal insight into their majors. Make the most of your visit by staying overnight! I cannot emphasize enough just how helpful the hosts and their friends can be to learning about the school! The information session is really meant for those who have not done much basic internet research of the school. Be prepared to meet some wonderful people at the school that Benjamin Franklin founded!
Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:
There is a really great pizza place on the corner of 36th and Chestnut, only a couple of blocks away from the center of campus.
Other Comments (Transportation, local attractions, parking, etc.):
Visit Independence Hall and the Federal Reserve if you have the time! I would advise taking a cab if it is your first time in the city.
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Sometimes I would have to ask random students for directions, and they all helped without any attitude. My host's friends were especially accommodating, making sure I was comfortable on-campus.
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Having a beautiful, Ivy green campus in the middle of a major urban location is priceless! My only regret was that there was a little construction going on during my visit.