The University of Pennsylvania

Date: Oct 11 2013
Major: Business - Management and Administration (This Major's Salary over time)
Penn is a big school, much bigger than 90% of high schools. A fraction of the size of Michigan etc. But it's easy to get lost in the crowd, either on purpose or unwittingly. While my HS was highly ranked it did no prepare me to compete where I was the average student and not one of the geniuses at the school. It took me 2 years to learn to compete. And compete is the word in most classes. Of course the professors are subject matter experts and their insights help you leap frog into the real world. But the other 1/2 of learning will come from your roommate who is taking a different major, or is from another country, or whose family runs a $1b business. The breadth of the experience is your exposure to the materials, the professors, your peers, and the experiences that happen to you.

When you think of Frat, what's the first thought? If it's motivating 50-75 members to recruit and organize parties. That's a good start. If you also think of managing a $500,000 budget for the rent, meal plan, social budget, fundraising events, you are on top of it. I can't think of a leader that's graduating from the school that didn't practice those skills in a Frat. I think Penn now has 40 of them, of course with a nice complement of Sororities.

These school is setup to allow for failure and success. You have to pull yourself up and get back in the game. You grow up fast. There is a safety net with free tutors for the key intro classes. And an entire "society" dedicated to helping you improve your writing skills.

I'll add one interesting feature of UPenn: you can take any class you want (of course you need to meet the pre-reqs). That includes French majors taking Business classes, Engineers taking classes in the Law School, etc. You can also custom design your major, with approval, and the school says 50% of undergrads have 2 Majors. I had 4, from 2 schools (Wharton and Engineering).

There are no walls, only the ones you climb and stand on top of to enjoy the view and decide what's the best direction for you.

I have to talk about summer jobs. Nothing short of amazing. The current undergrads really have incredible access. I'm amazed that undergrads I know (I also interview for Penn and keep in touch) have had incredible jobs at JPMC, Google, Macy's, etc. etc. Freshman year! I'm so happy to see them all getting jobs, when their HS friends are surfing Monster.com.

Sports can be pretty serious. The school doesn't like to lose: especially the other Ivys. Learn more about that on your own. Penn is D1.

Lastly:

The dorms are good enough, but they are also have focus areas like: music, language, etc. (Houses) I think 30% of students live off campus or are in the Greek system. This also helps you move out from under the umbrella and get your ready for post Graduate living.

Good luck