I came from the Wharton program. While it is competitive, I’d say he will find his footing if he is “sold” on attending UPenn. It is what he makes of it - I personally found the environment competitive but not cut throat. But to each his own - I was “humbled” at Wharton given that I was an “ace” student prior to that. I graduated from Wharton a better “competitor” as the world outside is competitive! ︎
PS As people can glean from my first post, I’ve graduated over a decade ago. But I’m sure the culture has not changed much. I hung out with other students too (as I was an international student then) – people from CAS, Nursing (even dated one then haha), etc. Net, competitive, not cut throat.
My kid also got accepted, is planning a physics major, and is not at all pre-professional. Looking forward to exploring a wide range of ideas… so there are definitely kids like that attending Penn!
I’m a Par’23 and '27. As others have said, it is not a cutthroat environment where kids sabotage each other. Lots of collaboration and mutual support where kids compete with themselves to attain their goals. My C23, who was also a natural sciences major, is introverted and anxious but found her tribe there. She joined clubs and connected with people outside of her major and graduated with an amazing group of friends. Your son will find his people. Congratulations and welcome to the Penn family!
You have got some great responses. I will admit that I had heard the same things and had the same concerns. Here is my honest take and suggestions as a parent of a Penn first year. Wharton is the only school that really has that preprofessional vibe. I have not really observed any cut throat activity or behavior. I think this is aimed at clubs. It is true that several are really hard to get into and have several rounds of interviews and applications. But there are several clubs that are open to everyone. My kid has thrived at Penn. I would suggest your kid do a pre orientation week that was very helpful and has several friends still from that. Also look at first year seminars smaller classes with regular interaction with top professors. Feel free to send me a message if you want to talk more.
Two B&Bs that I’ve been researching for future stays might work: The Gables B&B and Cornerstone B&B. They’re both located less than ten minutes from campus and The Gables even has off-street parking. Also, check VRBO or AirBNB. My eldest found a great deal during commencement using the latter.
Thank you so so much. Yes we are going to an admitted students visit so we will see what happens after that. We are grateful that these are good choices we have.
Thank you so much. My son and our family love the big school environment and we saw some Penn football games online and nobody was there! Looked a little sad. Just hope there’s enough things for him to do there and ways to make friends.
Thank you for all your help
Football just isn’t really as big at the ivies as other campuses. You can find friends at a pre-orientation event and at orientation week. There are lots of events in the dorms and clubs start pretty soon after orientation. I would suggest asking for the Quad or Hill for housing lots of first years there. Also both are in good locations.
Football games are not well attended but basketball games draw a crowd. Lots of spirit in the student section along with the Penn Band. C27 was at the Villanova game when the crowd rushed the court; it was a highlight of his semester.
With over 600 clubs, intramural sports, and house events, it’s easy to connect with others over shared interests. Both of mine made friends at Quaker Days and NSO. C23 played a club sport that had mixers with other teams. There are lots of opportunities to meet people.
Making the effort early, when everyone is open to making new friends, will pay off later.
New Student Orientation. It’s a jam packed week of activities prior to the start of classes that provides ample opportunities to meet and socialize with classmates. There is a formal event at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, club fairs, city tours, etc.
Oh ok!! I thought it was something about the prospective student revisit days lol. Couldn’t make the acronym work. We’re going to Quaker days and see what he thinks. Such a nerve-racking process.
Thank you so much for your help
Since we’re on the subject of football… I’ll steer a bit to basketball – I remember actually one time I managed to get into Palestra for an Ivy BBall NCAA game vs Harvard and it was free.
Yup that’s how “empty” the stadium was then. I was an intl student then and my (American/local) friend said, let’s just go in, it’ll be “free”. LOL. First time for me to see such an event live in the US. Net, just make the most of the experience, whether it be Palestra, Houston Hall, etc. (we were even given whistles then and directed to the blue phones for emergencies)
︎
