UPenn vs Brown - Ivy League Dilemma

Hey everyone, I've got a bit of a dilemma going on. I'm considering both UPenn and Brown as my top choices for my ED application - but it's hard to decide between the two. Can anyone offer some insight or personal experiences at these schools to help with my decision? How are they different in terms of campus culture, academics, and social life?

Surely, you're in an enviable position having to choose between Brown University and the University of Pennsylvania. Both are excellent Ivy League institutions. That said, they do have different cultures, and the best fit for you would depend on your preferences and intended field of study.

Starting with academics, UPenn is widely recognized for its strong programs in business, nursing, and communications, thanks to the renowned Wharton School, School of Nursing, and Annenberg School. It's also known for the strength of its pre-professional programs, and students tend to be quite career-focused.

On the other hand, Brown is famed for its Open Curriculum, giving you a lot of flexibility in choosing courses. This results in a sense of academic freedom and exploration that's hard to match. This is great if you're unsure about what you want to study or if you want to create an interdisciplinary course of study.

Looking at campus culture, students at UPenn have been known to use the term "work hard, play hard" to describe their experiences. They are ambitious and driven, but they also enjoy socializing and activities outside of academics. There's also a strong pre-professional culture.

Brown, on the other hand, is often described as having a relaxed, liberal, and open-minded atmosphere. The student body is typically seen as collectively valuing self-directed learning and independence, thanks in part to the Open Curriculum.

In terms of social life, both schools provide a vibrant and active scene. UPenn is located in Philadelphia, a large city with diverse food scenes, historical sites, and exciting nightlife. Students are known to balance their rigorous academics with an active social life. Greek life, while present, is not dominant.

Brown's location in Providence offers a smaller city experience, but the town itself is artsy and offers plenty in terms of culture and food. Social life tends to be more low-key and less competitive. Instead of Greek life, students at Brown often socialize in residential program houses based around shared interests.

Remember to consider other factors such as size, student-faculty ratio, weather, distance from home, and so on. Have you had the chance to visit both schools? Sometimes, a campus visit can give you a feeling of which one might be the better fit for you.