Hi all,
I have been admitted to both Penn and Brown as a transfer student, and would like some advice on which college to attend.
I intend to study English and economics, although Penn’s PPE program appeals to me equally.
From where I come (international student), Brown has a better image than Penn, so anyone I ask from my hometown usually tells me that I should attend the former. I know many people from my city who get into Penn each year and almost nobody who attends Brown. Inevitably, there’s a strong bias amongst people from my home: for them, Brown is more exclusive and therefore prestigious.
I want to ask a more broad audience what they think. Which college do you personally like more, and why? Academics is my biggest priority, of course, but I also think social life and nightlife are very important. What is Providence like as opposed to Penn? As a transfer, I don’t want it to be difficult for me to make new friends. I also would like the convenience of a busy city, accessible transportation & services, etc. I currently live in New York and I have been spoiled by the great advantages of a 24/7 city (ordering food online at 4am, metro, restaurant at every corner, and all that!)
Finally, I’ve seen that Penn has higher rankings for economics, and maybe even for English. Its overall ranking also seems to be higher according to 2-3 sources. Rankings aren’t everything, surely, so if you know anything about these colleges that rankings don’t tell/would counter any biases these rankings might carry, then I would love to hear what you have to say!
Thanks in advance.