Columbia or UPENN ?

red_amp_blue
Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:04:57 +0000

DU1990, first congratulations on two great choices. They are IMHO the two best Ivies after HYP. In terms of choosing between the two the parameters are obvious: academics, extracurriculars, environment on campus, the city you’re in.

Academics - overall the schools are about even. In social sciences, Penn is slightly ahead (average the US News grad program rankings as a check); in humanities Columbia is slightly ahead. On balance they are even. As stated earlier, Columbia’s PoliSci program is stronger. In addition, CU will offer their Core, which is famous, comprehensive in its survey of Western culture’s foundations and quite rigorous [make sure you’re willing to make that 1/3 of your academic life, but it’ll make sense re political science]. Penn provides a much broader array of courses at the undergrad level, you can replicate the “core” although it won’t be as structured as Columbia’s program, and Penn offers unique flexibility in allowing you to take classes in all of its schools (Wharton, Law, Education, etc. as an undergrad). Explore both schools carefully in this regard.

ExCurrics - I’ll offer up Penn’s links to the National Constitution Center (Penn is the academic partner to the center), Penn’s unique Kelly Writers House and Civics House; all of these programs may be helpful for a polisci major and future lawyer. I’m not that aware of Columbia’s ECs, but you can find out on this board for sure.

Environment - Denz is far too tough on West Philadelphia. And too easy on Harlem/Morningside Heights. There’s crime in both places; you won’t have much to worry about at EITHER school. Both campuses are pretty safe; remember that Penn’s campus is open and is 270 acres; Columbia is closed/gated and is 35 acres. Do your own research re crime etc. if that’s a worry. More importantly, re campus life = Penn is very social, with a relatively strong Greek scene, and a work hard/party hard mentality. Columbia (based on many other posts on this board) doesn’t have as much school spirit since many undergrads get drawn to exploring NY instead of bonding on campus. Talk to current students

I won’t go into details re the respective cities, except to say the best of each (arts, music, culture, diversity, food) is world class and each has rocky parts. NYC is generally 25-35% more expensive than Philly, but has a much broader range of things to explore and learn from. Either way, both places are 90 minutes from each other.