UChicago vs. Penn CAS

Cue7
Thu, 02 Apr 2009 23:25:05 +0000

SamuelClemens - how come? I’m just curious as to why you think this.

azn4eyes - I attended Chicago for undergrad and Penn for grad school. It really really depends on what you want. Penn will provide you with a more traditional college experience, complete with a much bigger frat scene, more robust sports culture, and the school has a strong pre-professional bent, so you’ll be well prepared on that front after graduation.

At the same time, the U of C provides a really wonderful experience as well, but it won’t be as traditional. Academics and learning for learning’s sake are more prized at Chicago, and the environment will be much more… charged intellectually. If you’re thirsting for more of that “epiphany” kinda moment from college, I think Chicago provides that in spades. Also, it’s more rigorous and you’ll probably work harder on academic pursuits. Finally, I think Chicago provides a more intimate college enviroment, with Penn being so much bigger and students get defined more by their affiliations rather than their own identities. In other words, you still have “the athletes,” the people who are part of “those secret societies or frats,” or the like at Penn. At chicago, there just isn’t as much of that.

In terms of location, I prefer Chicago to Philly, but that’s just me. I loved how Hyde Park kinda had this general scholarly feel, and the city of Chicago had a big-city but friendly feel. Philly is just, well, grittier… There is a faster pace to it, and people tend to be more brusque.

In terms of reputation or “prestige,” as I traditionally say, this should be the least of your concerns. When dealing with similar schools, “fit” should be the primary concern - and that extends beyond philosophy of the school to the location to the curriculum and vibe. I don’t think there’s a discernible difference in these two schools’ reputations or clout. They’re both great schools, and what matters more is your happiness and performance at either place, rather than any boost these schools will give you by virtue of your mere attendance.

This is a great choice, and the schools really are quite different. Good Luck!