Life at Penn

Academics

Penn is an Ivy League University and one of the top Research Universities in the world. So that means a few things. 

1. Our admissions are competitive. Each year, more students apply than we are able to admit to our class, and that means we have to make some truly difficult decisions. This is a stressful time for a student and a stressful process, so we encourage you to be empathetic and resist the (very understandable) urge to ask a lot of questions and for lots of updates.  Leave space for your student to talk to you, but also for them to process their feelings and the stress that comes with making such big decisions! And remember, no matter where your student is admitted, they will go on to do amazing things. 
2. Our academics are excellent. Penn students receive a truly world-class education grounded in the liberal arts. They’ll be taught how to think critically and examine information for themselves. They’ll work closely with experts in different fields to conduct research and develop new knowledge.  
3. Our students work hard. Your student has definitely been working hard for years to get here, so this should be no surprise. Quakers will typically take a minimum of four classes a semester, which might involve labs, research, consulting projects, and work outside class time. 
4. Our students get support. You know who needs help sometimes? Everyone. That’s why we’re dedicated to ensuring students have all the support they need! Students have access to academic advisors, tutoring, study help, accommodations, mental health counseling, and more. Because they’ve got this – and we’ve got them. 

Campus Life

Safety

Penn is consistently ranked one of the safest campuses in America! We know it’s tough to have a student you care about in a new place by themselves, but at Penn, they’re not alone. Our public safety team cares deeply about the wellbeing of each student – from their physical safety to mental and emotional well-being. That means students always have access to walking escorts, mental health counseling, medical care, and 24/7 campus security. Every building requires a student ID to enter, and our dedicated Penn Police are always patrolling the area. 

Health 

Worried about your vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher, picky, or allergic student getting enough to eat? Don’t be! Penn has dozens of dining options, including options friendly to dietary restrictions. From sit-down restaurants to grab-and-go cafes, students always have food options within walking distance of dorms and classrooms. They’re also right in Philly, which has a famously amazing food scene. (Our campus food trucks are famous!). 

We also have several fitness centers on campus, featuring classes, rock-climbing, workout equipment, and swimming pools. There are so many ways to stay active on campus – including getting to all their classes. 

Aside from Penn Medicine being part of our campus, we have a dedicated health center for students that welcomes drop-ins and appointments. We believe good health goes beyond just seeing a doctor when you’re run down. Here, we practice eight domains of wellness, which include the physical, social, intellectual, environmental, financial, occupational, and spiritual. Students have access to resources that support each of these dimensions. 

Social Life 

Yes, your student will make friends! It’s one of the biggest concerns our incoming first-years have, and guess what? They’re all nervous and eager to make friends. We kick off their first year with an orientation week designed to help students connect and find friendships. College Houses, where students live, are likewise designed to facilitate spending time together and meeting new people. It can be hard to be away from home (often for the first time), so our advisors and staff work hard to ensure students feel supported and able to connect. 

Housing 

All our first-year students are required to live on campus. This helps them figure out campus life, as well as to build lifelong friendships with their peers. Students live in College Houses, which are dormitory-style living arrangements. Students will often have roommates and shared bathrooms (though single rooms are possible), and will live in buildings with several amenities, like lounge rooms, tvs, cafes, study rooms, laundry, package centers, and more. Live-in resident advisors are always available to help students in need, or just give advice and plan fun activities! 

Philadelphia 

Philadelphia is a vibrant city with a rich history. It was once the nation’s capitol. It’s where the Declaration of Independence was signed. It’s where the Eagles celebrated their 2017 Super Bowl win. 

On the East Coast of the United States, Philadelphia is approximately an hour and a half long train ride from New York City, and the same distance from Washington, D.C. 

That means a wealth of opportunities are available to students, not only in Philadelphia, which is a major city, but in the surrounding area. And, not to brag, but Philly was recently named one of the best destinations to visit in 2024. We agree. 

While Penn is an urban campus in West Philadelphia, campus itself feels like a traditional University with historic buildings, grassy quads, and enough tress to qualify Penn as an arboretum! Public transportation is readily available all around campus, connecting students to the many cultural, business, and food offerings in Philly. It’s really the best of both worlds, with big city access and a small-town feel. 

After Penn

A student’s time at Penn is about learning, growing, and connecting, but it’s also about preparing to be someone who is of service to society. We want to ensure our Quakers leave Penn ready to face – and change – the world.  

Internships and Summer Work 

Throughout their time at Penn, students have opportunities to participate in internships and summer programs around the world. These help students get a sense of how to apply their knowledge and succeed in a workplace, while also signaling to future employers that they have developed these skills. With our vast global network, students have access to the most innovative and impactful companies in the world. By virtue of being in the heart of Philadelphia, students don’t have to go far for the opportunity of a lifetime. 

Research 

Many students at Penn choose to pursue research. By the time those students leave Penn, they’ll have had experience working in world-class research facilities. That means they’ll not only have excellent training in ethical and effective research, but many will have notable findings to add to their resumes. Our Quakers go on to pursue continuing their education, diving deeper into their research, or bringing their critical thinking and inquisitiveness to their careers. 

Career Services 

So, students spend four years learning and preparing here – then what? Well, they overwhelmingly go on to make an impact and pursue fulfilling careers! During and beyond their time at Penn, students have access to our Career Services, who provide resume reviews, career fairs, interview practice, advising, and more. 

When students leave with their diplomas, they’ve been set up for success. The numbers speak for themselves: 

• 95% of the Class of 2022 is employed, enrolled in continuing education, volunteering, or serving in the military. 
• $92,000 is the median starting full-time salary for our ’22 graduates! 
• 75% are employed full-time 
• 18% are continuing their educations