<p>In all honesty, you sound like someone who–at a young age–already has a lot of insight and will do well wherever you go, so be confident in that.</p>
<p>But keep in mind that at Wharton/Penn, you’ll be exposed to a much greater diversity of people–in terms of both geographic and socio-economic background–than you will at SMU. And the transition from a small southern town to the large northeast metropolis of Philadelphia–with its easy, cheap ($10 or less by Bolt Bus or Megabus), and quick (90 minutes to 2 hours) access to New York City and Washington, D.C.–can further expand your horizons in ways that SMU and Dallas simply can’t.</p>
<p>However, it’s clear that you’ll do well with either choice, so my final recommendation is that you carefully consider all of the relevant factors–which you obviously are doing–and go with your (well informed) gut instinct. You really can’t go wrong!</p>
<p>Good luck, and congratulations!</p>