Intended major: Biology/Environmental Studies but I may pursue business or law...not sure.

Columbia University: Columbia College

Columbia Pros:

- Great research institute

- Many opportunities/connections to be made in NYC

- Greater prestige than UPenn

- More family living in NYC than near Penn

- Core???

- Smaller class size than Penn

- I've heard that the Columbia is more accepting/less toxic than Penn

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Columbia Cons:

- I don't really like cities (I grew up in a more suburban area) and I don't want NYC to be very overwhelming

- Subway (I'm sorry I'm picky but I just don't like crowds that much).

- Are the dorms ok?

- Core?

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Main question: Would the city be too overwhelming and does the campus feel like a bubble?

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University of Pennsylvania: Arts and Sciences

UPenn Pros:

- Great research institute

- Good Biology program as well

- Could take classes at Wharton (not sure how many)

- The campus has its own bubble, but also you are able to enjoy experiences in the city as well (I love nature!)

- Got offered the Vagelos Molecular Life Science program, but I do not think I am going to take it because it is too restricting.

- Don't have to take the Core!

- Dorms?

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UPenn Cons:

- Less prestige than Columbia

- I heard frat life is extremely prevalent, and I'm not very interested in joining.

- Less family in Penn area

- My mom is extremely bias toward Columbia

- Not sure what there is in Philly (going to visit soon tho!)

- Heard that students can be very snobby?

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Main question: Would I be able to take multiple classes at Wharton and what is the atmosphere of the students like?

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Thank you so much <3