Brown vs Penn: What's the Real Difference?

Hi folks, as the title suggests, I'm currently trying to decide between Brown and Penn. Can any current students or alumni weigh in on what the differences are, both academically and socially? Thanks in advance!

Sure, let's break this down.

Academically:

Brown is known for its Open Curriculum, which means there are no university-wide general education requirements. This allows students at Brown a significant degree of freedom when it comes to selecting their courses. They follow their own path of study, which can be more focused, dispersed, or even a combination.

On the other hand, Penn follows a more traditional curriculum with general education distribution requirements, although these requirements vary by school (Wharton, the College of Arts & Sciences, Penn Engineering, and the School of Nursing). Penn is highly regarded for its business program (Wharton), but also has strong programs across a variety of fields.

Socially:

Brown is often cited as having a more alternative, liberal artsy, and laid-back vibe. The campus culture is generally seen as open-minded, with students pursuing their own intellectual interests. They're very accepting and there's a strong sense of community driven by shared intellectual curiosity.

Penn, located in a vibrant part of Philadelphia, is often seen as having a more pre-professional or "work hard, play hard" environment. There's a prevalent social scene with a quite active Greek life. That said, there is a definite diversity in the student body and a multitude of social atmospheres to find your place in.

The cities they are based in are also significantly different. Brown is in Providence, Rhode Island which is a small city with an artsy feel. Penn is in Philadelphia, which is a large, historic and cultural city offering a lot of opportunities for exploration and internships.

Lastly, the sizes of the student bodies vary, with Penn being larger than Brown. This may impact the size of your classes, especially introductory classes, and the overall feel of the school.

Both schools have a wealth of resources and opportunities, and the best choice depends on your academic interests, what you're looking from the social scene, and the type of environment in which you thrive. I hope these comparisons help!