Hey guys! I’m really grateful to have gotten into these schools and really need some help picking one. Here are some things that may help
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Both are nearly full ride, so price wouldn’t be a concern, but am a Tradition Fellow at Cornell ($4k off my tuition, $3.5k over undergraduate career to cover the cost of “service-related activities”, but required to work, which I’m a bit hesitant about doing during the school year)
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Interests in biomedical and or chemical engineering, but electrical engineering as an alternative.
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Thinking about going pre-med, but unsure yet. Would like to do economics as a double major. Only knew about SEAS and Wharton when applying to Penn, so I just selected SEAS without looking at or knowing anything about their dual degree programs (kind of a big mistake haha). Is it possible to get into M&T or at least get into Wharton alongside SEAS for a dual degree?
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Definitely want to pick up recreational sports, specifically soccer, and have access to a gym. Whether it be intramurally or in a league, but it isn’t a deal breaker for either school.
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Worried about living in Philadelphia due to hearing about how it’s unsafe, though I’m not exactly sure about this. I also don’t mind a rural environment.
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No preference for either campus.
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I’m a bit of introverted, as you can tell by my intended major, but would like to become more extroverted during college. Not sure if Penn is the right social scene for me, solely because of it seeming too social, if that’s even possible.
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Want a high chance of getting single during freshman year (and the rest of undergrad for sure).
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I would like a place with good on-campus food because meal plans are required at both, but have concerns about Penn’s food from news about their health code violations. I know Cornell’s food rocks though.
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Want to be able to explore fields beyond my major(s). No preference for the field, but cool electives are a bonus.
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Worried about Penn culture being too competitive, but unsure if the same stereotype (and or truth) applies to Cornell.
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May bring a car depending on if parking is free/affordable.
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Having a scooter to get around campus would be great, but not a necessity. I’m a bit worried about someone stealing it, especially in Philly.
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Penn seems more stressful; they get the least amount of days off during the school year relative to the rest of the ivies.
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Job and internship opportunities seem fairly similar (maybe very slightly better at Penn).
I think I listed all my concerns for now. I haven’t been researching them for long, so I might have some concerns that I didn’t mention (please feel free to bring them up alongside with any questions that would help me make a decision). Thank you so much for your help and advice!!!