Help us decide between Northwestern and Penn

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No question Penn. As long as you don’t stray Philly is a nice city. Other quality schools near by like Villanova if you wind up not liking Penn and they don’t abuse their cheerleaders https://dailynorthwestern.com/2023/09/24/campus/judge-allows-sex-trafficking-claim-against-nu-cheer-to-proceed/

Being on the Penn campus feels like you’re in the wilderness surrounded by places you don’t want to go. There’s a reason cops are so prevalent. Northwestern is in a really safe area where you can focus on your studies & not worry about other things.

There are clearly folks on DCUM that are afraid of cities. Not sure why you need to weigh in with stupid posts.

If you are fine with going to college in the equivalent of Bethesda (= Evanston) with respect to DC…that’s great. Many kids would find that fairly boring.

Penn is a short walk from the edge of downtown Philly…you walk across the river and that’s where it starts. Plenty of kids are making this walk or scootering.

That said, the locations of the two schools and the suburban vs urban environment are the easiest things to figure out.

Going to school in Bethesda would be great if DC had as much to offer as Chicago. It doesn’t come close.

Explain…give examples of what Chicago offers that is so unique or better.

More importantly, give examples that would resonate with any college kid.

The food scene in Chicago is world renowned and you can eat really well for a reasonable price if you know where to go. Culture-music (there is an outdoor venue called Ravinia that is like Wolf Trap only better), great Jazz scene (Kingston Mines), sports (Wrigley so fun in spring and summer), museums (Field and Shedd aquarium), Navy Pier, great shopping (Michigan Ave)-should I go on? Plus, a great place to live in your 20’s as a young professional in Lincoln Park or Lakeview with lots of other young people starting their careers.

I have lived in lots of cities and you could say the same thing about all of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No question Penn. As long as you don’t stray Philly is a nice city. Other quality schools near by like Villanova if you wind up not liking Penn and they don’t abuse their cheerleaders https://dailynorthwestern.com/2023/09/24/campus/judge-allows-sex-trafficking-claim-against-nu-cheer-to-proceed/

Being on the Penn campus feels like you’re in the wilderness surrounded by places you don’t want to go. There’s a reason cops are so prevalent. Northwestern is in a really safe area where you can focus on your studies & not worry about other things.

There are clearly folks on DCUM that are afraid of cities. Not sure why you need to weigh in with stupid posts.

If you are fine with going to college in the equivalent of Bethesda (= Evanston) with respect to DC…that’s great. Many kids would find that fairly boring.

Penn is a short walk from the edge of downtown Philly…you walk across the river and that’s where it starts. Plenty of kids are making this walk or scootering.

That said, the locations of the two schools and the suburban vs urban environment are the easiest things to figure out.

Going to school in Bethesda would be great if DC had as much to offer as Chicago. It doesn’t come close.

That's either a joke or a troll.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No question Penn. As long as you don’t stray Philly is a nice city. Other quality schools near by like Villanova if you wind up not liking Penn and they don’t abuse their cheerleaders https://dailynorthwestern.com/2023/09/24/campus/judge-allows-sex-trafficking-claim-against-nu-cheer-to-proceed/

Being on the Penn campus feels like you’re in the wilderness surrounded by places you don’t want to go. There’s a reason cops are so prevalent. Northwestern is in a really safe area where you can focus on your studies & not worry about other things.

There are clearly folks on DCUM that are afraid of cities. Not sure why you need to weigh in with stupid posts.

If you are fine with going to college in the equivalent of Bethesda (= Evanston) with respect to DC…that’s great. Many kids would find that fairly boring.

Penn is a short walk from the edge of downtown Philly…you walk across the river and that’s where it starts. Plenty of kids are making this walk or scootering.

That said, the locations of the two schools and the suburban vs urban environment are the easiest things to figure out.

Every time the subject of safety comes up, this lady^ feels compelled to screech about how suburbanites are uncool for not embracing the excitement of campuses which need a cop on every corner.

She herself probably spent about 2 days in a rough neighborhood before her parents moved her into a safer location. But she’s spent the rest of her life berating everybody who dares prioritize personal safety.

Nobody who has actually resided in a dangerous neighborhood thinks there is anything noble or glamorous about it. Indeed this lady would probably crap her Spanx if her own daughter wanted to enroll at Temple. But for some reason she’s on a crusade to make sure everybody else feels bad about caring where their kids live.

Considering I have a kid at Penn and know it well and also have zero issues hanging in all the supposed dangerous parts of DC…you again are just regurgitating the fear mongering you see on TV because you are so scared to leave your little bubble.

Of course Temple (which isn’t the subject of this thread) is in a much different and far more dangerous part of Philly than Penn.

Penn is right on the edge of downtown and only about a mile from Rittenhouse Square which is an upscale part of Philly.

Sorry that you are afraid to leave Potomac or McLean.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No question Penn. As long as you don’t stray Philly is a nice city. Other quality schools near by like Villanova if you wind up not liking Penn and they don’t abuse their cheerleaders https://dailynorthwestern.com/2023/09/24/campus/judge-allows-sex-trafficking-claim-against-nu-cheer-to-proceed/

Being on the Penn campus feels like you’re in the wilderness surrounded by places you don’t want to go. There’s a reason cops are so prevalent. Northwestern is in a really safe area where you can focus on your studies & not worry about other things.

There are clearly folks on DCUM that are afraid of cities. Not sure why you need to weigh in with stupid posts.

If you are fine with going to college in the equivalent of Bethesda (= Evanston) with respect to DC…that’s great. Many kids would find that fairly boring.

Penn is a short walk from the edge of downtown Philly…you walk across the river and that’s where it starts. Plenty of kids are making this walk or scootering.

That said, the locations of the two schools and the suburban vs urban environment are the easiest things to figure out.

Going to school in Bethesda would be great if DC had as much to offer as Chicago. It doesn’t come close.

Explain…give examples of what Chicago offers that is so unique or better.

More importantly, give examples that would resonate with any college kid.

The food scene in Chicago is world renowned and you can eat really well for a reasonable price if you know where to go. Culture-music (there is an outdoor venue called Ravinia that is like Wolf Trap only better), great Jazz scene (Kingston Mines), sports (Wrigley so fun in spring and summer), museums (Field and Shedd aquarium), Navy Pier, great shopping (Michigan Ave)-should I go on? Plus, a great place to live in your 20’s as a young professional in Lincoln Park or Lakeview with lots of other young people starting their careers.

You haven’t mentioned anything unique, nor is much applicable to a college student.

Nats park and Navy Yard area is fun….DC has world class museums that are free (important for a college student)…DC has the 9:30 club, The Anthem and other concert venues….DC is one of the most popular cities for 20 something…etc.

I like Chicago but 1/2 of what you list is irrelevant for a college kid (jazz club? Really? Shopping on Michigan Avenue?).

So…sounds like Bethesda and Evanston are pretty similar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No question Penn. As long as you don’t stray Philly is a nice city. Other quality schools near by like Villanova if you wind up not liking Penn and they don’t abuse their cheerleaders https://dailynorthwestern.com/2023/09/24/campus/judge-allows-sex-trafficking-claim-against-nu-cheer-to-proceed/

Being on the Penn campus feels like you’re in the wilderness surrounded by places you don’t want to go. There’s a reason cops are so prevalent. Northwestern is in a really safe area where you can focus on your studies & not worry about other things.

There are clearly folks on DCUM that are afraid of cities. Not sure why you need to weigh in with stupid posts.

If you are fine with going to college in the equivalent of Bethesda (= Evanston) with respect to DC…that’s great. Many kids would find that fairly boring.

Penn is a short walk from the edge of downtown Philly…you walk across the river and that’s where it starts. Plenty of kids are making this walk or scootering.

That said, the locations of the two schools and the suburban vs urban environment are the easiest things to figure out.

Every time the subject of safety comes up, this lady^ feels compelled to screech about how suburbanites are uncool for not embracing the excitement of campuses which need a cop on every corner.

She herself probably spent about 2 days in a rough neighborhood before her parents moved her into a safer location. But she’s spent the rest of her life berating everybody who dares prioritize personal safety.

Nobody who has actually resided in a dangerous neighborhood thinks there is anything noble or glamorous about it. Indeed this lady would probably crap her Spanx if her own daughter wanted to enroll at Temple. But for some reason she’s on a crusade to make sure everybody else feels bad about caring where their kids live.

Considering I have a kid at Penn and know it well and also have zero issues hanging in all the supposed dangerous parts of DC…you again are just regurgitating the fear mongering you see on TV because you are so scared to leave your little bubble.

Of course Temple (which isn’t the subject of this thread) is in a much different and far more dangerous part of Philly than Penn.

Penn is right on the edge of downtown and only about a mile from Rittenhouse Square which is an upscale part of Philly.

Sorry that you are afraid to leave Potomac or McLean.

It’s so pathetic when wimps try to act tough.

[Anonymous]

I grew up in the Philly burbs and dated a guy at Penn (Wharton). Have several friends with kids there now. Visited Northwestern a month ago with DS who is a junior.

I’d choose Northwestern. The kids seem more down to earth, nerdy but fun and most importantly, collaborative. Penn is a really entitled place… snobby kids, cutthroat, entitled, brutal.

I actually prefer Philly to Chicago but Evanston is quite pretty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No question Penn. As long as you don’t stray Philly is a nice city. Other quality schools near by like Villanova if you wind up not liking Penn and they don’t abuse their cheerleaders https://dailynorthwestern.com/2023/09/24/campus/judge-allows-sex-trafficking-claim-against-nu-cheer-to-proceed/

Being on the Penn campus feels like you’re in the wilderness surrounded by places you don’t want to go. There’s a reason cops are so prevalent. Northwestern is in a really safe area where you can focus on your studies & not worry about other things.

There are clearly folks on DCUM that are afraid of cities. Not sure why you need to weigh in with stupid posts.

If you are fine with going to college in the equivalent of Bethesda (= Evanston) with respect to DC…that’s great. Many kids would find that fairly boring.

Penn is a short walk from the edge of downtown Philly…you walk across the river and that’s where it starts. Plenty of kids are making this walk or scootering.

That said, the locations of the two schools and the suburban vs urban environment are the easiest things to figure out.

Every time the subject of safety comes up, this lady^ feels compelled to screech about how suburbanites are uncool for not embracing the excitement of campuses which need a cop on every corner.

She herself probably spent about 2 days in a rough neighborhood before her parents moved her into a safer location. But she’s spent the rest of her life berating everybody who dares prioritize personal safety.

Nobody who has actually resided in a dangerous neighborhood thinks there is anything noble or glamorous about it. Indeed this lady would probably crap her Spanx if her own daughter wanted to enroll at Temple. But for some reason she’s on a crusade to make sure everybody else feels bad about caring where their kids live.

Considering I have a kid at Penn and know it well and also have zero issues hanging in all the supposed dangerous parts of DC…you again are just regurgitating the fear mongering you see on TV because you are so scared to leave your little bubble.

Of course Temple (which isn’t the subject of this thread) is in a much different and far more dangerous part of Philly than Penn.

Penn is right on the edge of downtown and only about a mile from Rittenhouse Square which is an upscale part of Philly.

Sorry that you are afraid to leave Potomac or McLean.

It’s so pathetic when wimps try to act tough.

You are all nerds

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No question Penn. As long as you don’t stray Philly is a nice city. Other quality schools near by like Villanova if you wind up not liking Penn and they don’t abuse their cheerleaders https://dailynorthwestern.com/2023/09/24/campus/judge-allows-sex-trafficking-claim-against-nu-cheer-to-proceed/

Being on the Penn campus feels like you’re in the wilderness surrounded by places you don’t want to go. There’s a reason cops are so prevalent. Northwestern is in a really safe area where you can focus on your studies & not worry about other things.

There are clearly folks on DCUM that are afraid of cities. Not sure why you need to weigh in with stupid posts.

If you are fine with going to college in the equivalent of Bethesda (= Evanston) with respect to DC…that’s great. Many kids would find that fairly boring.

Penn is a short walk from the edge of downtown Philly…you walk across the river and that’s where it starts. Plenty of kids are making this walk or scootering.

That said, the locations of the two schools and the suburban vs urban environment are the easiest things to figure out.

Every time the subject of safety comes up, this lady^ feels compelled to screech about how suburbanites are uncool for not embracing the excitement of campuses which need a cop on every corner.

She herself probably spent about 2 days in a rough neighborhood before her parents moved her into a safer location. But she’s spent the rest of her life berating everybody who dares prioritize personal safety.

Nobody who has actually resided in a dangerous neighborhood thinks there is anything noble or glamorous about it. Indeed this lady would probably crap her Spanx if her own daughter wanted to enroll at Temple. But for some reason she’s on a crusade to make sure everybody else feels bad about caring where their kids live.

Considering I have a kid at Penn and know it well and also have zero issues hanging in all the supposed dangerous parts of DC…you again are just regurgitating the fear mongering you see on TV because you are so scared to leave your little bubble.

Of course Temple (which isn’t the subject of this thread) is in a much different and far more dangerous part of Philly than Penn.

Penn is right on the edge of downtown and only about a mile from Rittenhouse Square which is an upscale part of Philly.

Sorry that you are afraid to leave Potomac or McLean.

It’s so pathetic when wimps try to act tough.

You are referring to yourself?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No question Penn. As long as you don’t stray Philly is a nice city. Other quality schools near by like Villanova if you wind up not liking Penn and they don’t abuse their cheerleaders https://dailynorthwestern.com/2023/09/24/campus/judge-allows-sex-trafficking-claim-against-nu-cheer-to-proceed/

Being on the Penn campus feels like you’re in the wilderness surrounded by places you don’t want to go. There’s a reason cops are so prevalent. Northwestern is in a really safe area where you can focus on your studies & not worry about other things.

There are clearly folks on DCUM that are afraid of cities. Not sure why you need to weigh in with stupid posts.

If you are fine with going to college in the equivalent of Bethesda (= Evanston) with respect to DC…that’s great. Many kids would find that fairly boring.

Penn is a short walk from the edge of downtown Philly…you walk across the river and that’s where it starts. Plenty of kids are making this walk or scootering.

That said, the locations of the two schools and the suburban vs urban environment are the easiest things to figure out.

Every time the subject of safety comes up, this lady^ feels compelled to screech about how suburbanites are uncool for not embracing the excitement of campuses which need a cop on every corner.

She herself probably spent about 2 days in a rough neighborhood before her parents moved her into a safer location. But she’s spent the rest of her life berating everybody who dares prioritize personal safety.

Nobody who has actually resided in a dangerous neighborhood thinks there is anything noble or glamorous about it. Indeed this lady would probably crap her Spanx if her own daughter wanted to enroll at Temple. But for some reason she’s on a crusade to make sure everybody else feels bad about caring where their kids live.

Considering I have a kid at Penn and know it well and also have zero issues hanging in all the supposed dangerous parts of DC…you again are just regurgitating the fear mongering you see on TV because you are so scared to leave your little bubble.

Of course Temple (which isn’t the subject of this thread) is in a much different and far more dangerous part of Philly than Penn.

Penn is right on the edge of downtown and only about a mile from Rittenhouse Square which is an upscale part of Philly.

Sorry that you are afraid to leave Potomac or McLean.

Also have a kid at Penn. Agree. It is not the same as Temple's location. University city is across the river from downtown Philly and many students walk to the city (farmer's market Rittenhouse! Ice skating! Shopping!) most weekends.
Northwestern is also a great school. OP has a hard choice

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I grew up in the Philly burbs and dated a guy at Penn (Wharton). Have several friends with kids there now. Visited Northwestern a month ago with DS who is a junior.

I’d choose Northwestern. The kids seem more down to earth, nerdy but fun and most importantly, collaborative. Penn is a really entitled place… snobby kids, cutthroat, entitled, brutal.

I actually prefer Philly to Chicago but Evanston is quite pretty.

That's because you don't actually know any students there. There is a lot of drama over the past year among the students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How is this an even comparison? Northwestern, hands down, unless you’re in-state for Penn and tuition is significantly cheaper.

Um, what? Penn is not a state school - residence has no bearing on tuition. And Penn is considered by many to be a better school, especially given it's status as an Ivy. OP, visiting both will be huge for deciding. Remember, there is no bad choice here - congrats to your son!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I grew up in the Philly burbs and dated a guy at Penn (Wharton). Have several friends with kids there now. Visited Northwestern a month ago with DS who is a junior.

I’d choose Northwestern. The kids seem more down to earth, nerdy but fun and most importantly, collaborative. Penn is a really entitled place… snobby kids, cutthroat, entitled, brutal.

I actually prefer Philly to Chicago but Evanston is quite pretty.

That's because you don't actually know any students there. There is a lot of drama over the past year among the students.

LOL what?

[Anonymous]

Penn has prestige Northwestern doesn't have, but the two campuses could not be more different. I'd assume your child prefers one or the other!

[Anonymous]

Ivy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Penn has prestige Northwestern doesn't have, but the two campuses could not be more different. I'd assume your child prefers one or the other!

Maybe it's because I'm on the West Coast, but I struggle to see how "Penn has prestige Northwestern doesn't have".