See what Students are Posting about University of Pennsylvania

Career Outcomes

Students frequently praise UPenn's career placement rates across industries. Wharton's placement into finance, consulting, and entrepreneurship is particularly strong, but liberal arts and STEM students also report strong outcomes.

Business and Finance Strength

Students frequently highlight UPenn's strength in business, finance, and economics, largely centered around the Wharton School. Wharton's reputation for preparing students for high-level careers in finance, consulting, and entrepreneurship is a major draw.

Students interested in pre-business tracks often view UPenn as one of the strongest undergraduate options globally.

Urban Campus Appeal

UPenn's location in Philadelphia is seen as a major asset, providing access to internships, professional networks, and cultural experiences. Students value the combination of a traditional campus feel with urban advantages.

The integration of city resources into the student experience is a consistent theme in decision discussions.

Social Life

Students describe UPenn's social life as lively, with a strong fraternity and sorority presence, cultural groups, and on-campus events. The campus culture is often framed as balancing rigorous academics with active extracurricular involvement.

Philadelphia's setting further enhances social and cultural opportunities beyond campus.

Interdisciplinary Opportunities

Students appreciate UPenn's encouragement of interdisciplinary study, citing ease of double majors, dual-degree programs, and cross-school enrollment. Programs like the Huntsman Program and Vagelos Scholars are often mentioned.

The ability to blend fields like business, international studies, engineering, and healthcare is a distinct advantage.

Healthcare and Pre-Med

Students pursuing pre-med tracks highlight UPenn's strong resources, including connections to the Perelman School of Medicine and affiliated hospitals. Advising and research access in healthcare fields are seen as strong advantages.

The integration of clinical experience opportunities into undergraduate education is a consistent positive theme.

Financial Aid

Students note that UPenn's commitment to meeting full demonstrated financial need makes it highly competitive in affordability discussions. However, comparisons to merit aid from peer universities still influence some final decisions.

Affordability, particularly when considering business or dual-degree programs, is often a deciding factor.

Competitive Culture

Students acknowledge UPenn's highly competitive admissions process, especially for Wharton and specialized dual-degree programs. Once enrolled, students describe a driven but collaborative academic environment.

Wharton culture, in particular, is often described as ambitious but supportive.

Peer Comparisons

Students accepted to UPenn often compare it to Columbia, Duke, Cornell, and Georgetown. Decision-making often revolves around factors like financial aid, campus environment, and academic program strength.

Wharton applicants, in particular, weigh specialized business education opportunities versus broader liberal arts options at peer schools.

Pre-Professional Focus

UPenn is often viewed as a university with a strong pre-professional orientation. Students highlight the emphasis on career services, internships, and practical preparation across multiple fields beyond just business.

Conversations often describe UPenn as a launchpad for both immediate employment and competitive graduate programs.