Visit Report by rubybrett (Member since April 13 2008 with 0 posts) Visit Date - April 2008
Visit to University of Pennsylvania in April 2008 by rubybrett (Student, HS Class of 2009)
Visit Activities:
Information Session:
Yes - So tedious - I fell asleep! The speaker simply reiterated the information on the brochure. He didn't even leave time to answer any questions and was quite rude when asked. Campus Tour:
Yes - Lovely campus, as one would expect from an Ivy. The tour guide was certainly enthusiastic & cheerful. Classroom Visit:
Yes - Sat in on a Bio 102 lecture. The teacher was not engaged and neither were his students - I saw several playing games on their laptops or sleeping.
University of Pennsylvania Campus:
Friendliness/Courtesy of Students: 2 - Fair -
While no one was specifically rude to me, I did not get a friendly vibe from anyone other than my tour guide.
Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff: 5 - Excellent -
I asked one professor if I could sit in on her class. She said no (it was a grad class) but then brought me to an undergrad class that was much more helpful and revealing.
Appearance of Campus: 5 - Excellent -
You can't even tell it's in a city.
Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness: 5 - Excellent Security/Safety: 5 - Excellent -
Blue light system, and its own police task force.
Overall Campus Impression: 4 - Very Good -
Nice enough, but I was not convinced that I would want to spend 4 years of my life on the campus.
Off-Campus:
Campus Visit Notes for University of Pennsylvania:
Visit Description:
UPenn is for pre-professionals, period. I had thought that was just a generalization made by college guidebooks but upon my visit I realized it was an absolutely valid statement. While none of the students there show any obvious love for learning, they do love to discuss perfect GPAs and graduation requirements and whatnot. It was a very preppy campus as well, with most students dressed for success (button downs, polos, dresses, khakis, ties?! etc). Not for me but perhaps a perfect fit for others.
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While no one was specifically rude to me, I did not get a friendly vibe from anyone other than my tour guide.
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I asked one professor if I could sit in on her class. She said no (it was a grad class) but then brought me to an undergrad class that was much more helpful and revealing.
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Nice enough, but I was not convinced that I would want to spend 4 years of my life on the campus.