University of Pennsylvania

I love the people! They're so inspiring and have already done so much with their lives before even starting college!

I think students should be aware of the competitive environment. Students are really career-driven, and it can make it difficult to collaborate at times.

The Party Ivy makes it a vibrant campus to be on with lots of diversity but also very challenging and enthralling academics.

There are many wealthy students so make sure to budget your money if you are not in a financial position to spend lot every weekend.

I love the academic experience and multitude of opportunities to get involved on campus

The food isn't great and dining halls close early

As a student who's just finished their first year at Penn, I can confidently say that the professors, campus, and overall experience I've had so far have been amazing. A lot of professors are very helpful and understanding to students, and many have interesting research that stems from what they teach. Penn's campus has everything; multiple libraries, beautiful buildings (both historic and newer modern buildings), and lots of places to socialize and enjoy the campus. Academics at Penn are challenging (as to be expected) but rewarding, and it's easy to reach out for extra help if you need it; whether it be through TAs, the Weingarten Center, or through other various resources offered at Penn. Overall, my time at Penn so far has been amazing, and I'm looking forward to three more years here.

I think at first it might be difficult for students coming from small high schools to adjust to campus life. I graduated high school in a class of 25 students and the transition to a school as big as Penn was a bit overwhelming at first. I think it's also difficult to deal with "Penn Face", which is a term used to describe the facade that a lot of students put up for others to think that everything is going well when in reality they are still facing their own challenges. This goes hand-in-hand with imposter syndrome, which a lot of people experience here (similarly at other big and prestigious universities). Because of this, it's sometimes difficult to find close friends, but it's just a matter of finding the right people and group of friends to be with.

It's a very intense environment with a work-hard-play-hard culture. Classes, particularly in smaller departments, are great and professors are accomplished as well as great teachers. The campus and facilities are great and there are so many opportunities for any kind of work or research, as well as the possibility for great connections.

It's very rigorous and intro classes are very much "weed out", at least in STEM. There are some areas where students' resources lack dedication from the administration, such as mental health and disabilities offices. There are a lot of very rich people, class conscience is hard to find sometimes.

Once you find a community within Penn, you will have a great time. There are so many people that it is easy to find people you enjoy being around. Classes are tough but rewarding.

A lot of work is required and classes can sometimes be very hard. Be sure that you know what type of college experience you want and that Penn truly aligns to that.