Columbia vs. Penn

[goldcrown17]

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Hey all! I was incredibly fortunate to receive acceptances at Penn and Columbia and wanted to hear people's thoughts regarding the two schools. I am hoping to work in academia, so I've narrowed my options to these schools. I love that Columbia is pass fail and like the idea of living in NYC. I also liked how they had the student run free clinic! However, I loved how nice people at Penn were and people seemed less stressed there. Any thoughts?

I also received a nice scholarship from Penn if that makes a difference. Does Columbia ever offer scholarships?

 

[Likkriue]

Voting columbia cause NYC bias.

 

[DentalAptitude]

You're going to be a nerd either way (and probably already are), what difference does it make?

Just kidding. In my personal experience, I perceived Colombia to be ever so slightly more scholastic if you really are interested in academia. In all honesty, either way, you will be set if you do well and pursue research. Both excellent institutions for that. I think in your case, from my third party perspective, it comes down to price and preference for living. Manhattan certainly is the epitome of city life if that's what your into, but I liked that Washington Park was calmer from the rest of the city. Philly is cheaper, unless you live in Center City, which is definitely preferable. It's overall way more laid back there, but still a nice city. In terms of outdoor life (big for me) NY has the edge for proximity to bigger ski resorts but PA might have better parks for biking. The point, regardless if you care about those things, is what type of life do you want?


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[goldcrown17]

I'm also hoping to do pedo. I know both schools are great for specializing, but will I get better experience one place over the other?

 

[Likkriue]

Doubt it they are both in huge cities. Columbia competes with NYU. Upenn with Temple. So its a wash when you look at it.

 

[Ari Rezaei]

Both are good schools and expensive. You'll do well at either, I slightly prefer NYC over Philly but it all depends on what you want. Consider that you won't always be studying, contrary to popular belief. Congratulations btw!

 

[DentistScientist]

Columbia does not offer scholarship. Penn has both Dean's and Alumni.

 

[wengerout]

Columbia does not offer scholarship. Penn has both Dean's and Alumni.

Not true, Columbia doesn't offer as many scholarships as Penn does but they do offer some, just down to chance. Even still some of Penn's scholarships are only 10k a year which helps but isn't a decision changer IMHO.


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[DentistScientist]

Not true, Columbia doesn't offer as many scholarships as Penn does but they do offer some, just down to chance. Even still some of Penn's scholarships are only 10k a year which helps but isn't a decision changer IMHO.


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All dental schools offer some need-based financial aid. But you could call this as scholarship.

Penn's Deans Scholarship is 30k per year to some scholars. And they also have alumni scholarship too. These are given in addition to need-based aid.


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