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University of Pennsylvania Visit Report by danceluvur26

Visit to University of Pennsylvania in August 2008 by danceluvur26
(Student, HS Class of 2010)
(Member since December 31 2005 with 297 posts)
 
1 of 3 people found this visit report helpful

Visit Activities:


Information Session: Yes - The lady seemed genuine and really seemed to care about the school. But I could tell she was getting a little flustered 'cause she couldn't answer all of the questions.

Campus Tour: Yes - Our guide was double majoring in engineering and the College. She seemed to really like Penn and talked about some of its quirky traditions.

Campus:


Friendliness/Courtesy of Students:
4 - Very Good
4 - Very Good
They seemed nice enough. When we asked for directions they told us where to go.


Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff:
4 - Very Good
4 - Very Good
Didn't encounter any, so I don't really know.


Appearance of Campus:
3 - Good
3 - Good
It was good for being smack in the middle of Philadelphia. Locust Walk was pretty nice, but the rest was so-so.


Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness:
3 - Good
3 - Good
Again, great for being in a city, but it doesn't compare to Princeton or Notre Dame or even Northwestern. Huntsman Hall, though, was amazing.


Dormitories:
4 - Very Good
4 - Very Good
Didn't see them.


Security/Safety:
4 - Very Good
4 - Very Good
They had a LOT of blue-light phones and programs where you could call for an escort or a ride in the middle of the night.


Overall Campus Impression:
3 - Good
3 - Good
It was kinda grungy, but again, in decent condition considering the fact that it is urban. Locust Walk was definitely the nicest part of campus. But Huntsman Hall was the highlight of the campus!

Off-Campus:


Area Immediately Around Campus:
3 - Good
3 - Good
Alright. There were shops and such that seemed nice. It was fine in the daytime, but at night, it would seem kinda sketchy.


City/Town/Community:
4 - Very Good
4 - Very Good
It is Philadelphia so I'm sure that there is LOTS to do. There were restaurants and shops immediately surrounding the campus which is cool.

Campus Visit Notes for University of Pennsylvania


Visit Description:

It was definitely enlightening. UPenn had been at the top of my list for quite some time, and this trip made me realize that while Wharton seems to be everything I'm looking for in academics, the campus is ehh. Granted, a premier campus is sacrificied when in an urban enviornment. While I could still see myself there, I felt that Northwestern was a better fit for me. The difference is that while at Penn I had to convince myself so-to-speak that I could envision myself there, whereas at Northwestern, I just knew. I definitely am still going to apply and see what happens. Admissions is extremely competitive for Wharton, so if I don't get in, I'm not going to be totally crushed like I probably would have been before I went on the tour. If you are looking for an outstanding university that has an urban environment, UPenn is your kind of school.

Hotel/Lodging Recommendations or Comments:

Sheraton University City. Two blocks from campus and nice accomadations. There's also the Hilton Inn right next to (and on top of?) the campus bookstore which is a little closer.

Other Comments (Transportation, local attractions, parking, etc.):

Parking seems like a nightmare, so I suggest walking.