Penn Snapshot

Introduction
Penn is an amazing institution and as the first univeristy in the nation, from its foundation, Penn has always been about more than just providing professional training or just providing a liberal arts education. With its four undergraduate schools - The College of Arts and Sciences, The Wharton School, the Engineering School and the Nursing School - Penn really does provide a program for all facets.

Penn is a beautiful green campus in the heart of a major city. With something to always do and a great academic program, it's the ideal place for someone who loves the idea of a city, but doesn't want to always remember they're living in one.

Campus Life and Social Life
Penn's social scene is amazing. With hundreds of student-run clubs there is always a concert, a show, a speaker or panel, a party, a game (and we have some great sports teams). And with the city of Philly at our doorstep, going downtown to a restaurant or a club is always another option. If you want something to do, you will never be bored here. And if it's not here, it's so easy to start a group for anything you could possibly imagine.

Greek life is a visible part of Penn, but it's not a requirement. About thirty percent of the campus is Greek, but the decision to not be involved in a fraternity or sorority in no way hinders your social life. Advertisement
Academics
Penn is one of the foremost academic institutions in the country. Don't be fooled by our nickname, "The Social Ivy." Penn's admission is extremely selective, it's students remain competitive. This is a university where you earn your grades and no one's going to hold your hand. You'll work hard, but you'll be glad you did.

Classes can vary in size from a seminar of ten people to a huge lecture of a few hundred. But, even in the largest classes, Penn's faculty and staff care a great deal about their students. Large classes have recitations where you review lecture material, professor encourage their students to come to office hours to discuss course material or anything else.

Student Body
The University draws students from across the country and the world, though a large group comes from Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.

There isn't a predominate Penn personality, except that we all seem to be driven, enthusiastic and excited about making the most of our college experience.

In Closing...
Penn's a great place to be. I wouldn't trade my time here for anything, but it's not for everybody. I know it sounds corny, but do some research about the colleges you're applying to. Talk to actual students. Take a look around the campus (and not just the tour they give you). Don't pick some place just to make other people happy. This is your decision, so make the best one and then have an amazing time at college.