UPenn vs. University of Toronto

[asabti]

As the subject states... i'm in a bit of an indecisive struggle.

I

[noojens]

Are you doing MS or PhD in MSE? And would you mind posting your stats, either here or in the profiles thread in the Engineering section? I'm extremely curious about what it takes to get into a school like Penn or Toronto.

In response to your question... I think it makes far more sense economically to go to Toronto. It's extremely unlikely that the cash invested in a Penn education will ever pay off, when compared to a free degree from Toronto. But your mileage may vary.

[nh88]

I am not too familiar with UPenn's Engineering programs. However, let me give you a bit of perspective on Toronto.

First, with respect to the city -fantastic. It has something for everyone and is extremely cosmopolitan. U of T in particular prides itself on being an international institution, and many many students are from abroad. There is a vibrant night life, tons of ethnic restaurants, museums, etc. Basically, you will not find yourself lacking anything in that sense. Plus, for a large city, it's extremely safe. Your 15,000 in living expenses will go a long way towards covering your expenses. Rent can be expensive, but it depends on what sort of life you want to lead. Plenty of students can find appropriate accomodation in the 700-900 range. That will leave you likely enough for food and other expenses. You won't be able to lead an extravagent existance, but you can certainly make ends meet. Your potential TAship will also help, and would be a useful source of some extra income to enjoy yourself.

Now, in regards to the education. Simply put, the quality of U of T's engineering program is absolutely world class. You will not be getting an inferior education in any sense by choosing U of T. You need to ensure that the supervisor that you have is someone you'd like working with, but that's the case with any program. Are they offering you a visit to help you decide?

[kdilks]

The Ivy League isn't especially well known for engineering, so saying that you went to an Ivy might impress your friends/family, but it's not going to impress most people knowledgeable about engineering (specifically, the people that will be hiring you). Unless Penn is considered to be significantly better than Toronto (which I'd guess it isn't, but can't easily give evidence for since US News rankings only covers...US schools), the financial difference and Toronto being a better/safer city makes it an obvious choice in my mind.

[Polymers! JHU!]

The Ivy League isn't especially well known for engineering, so saying that you went to an Ivy might impress your friends/family, but it's not going to impress most people knowledgeable about engineering (specifically, the people that will be hiring you). Unless Penn is considered to be significantly better than Toronto (which I'd guess it isn't, but can't easily give evidence for since US News rankings only covers...US schools), the financial difference and Toronto being a better/safer city makes it an obvious choice in my mind.

Actually, Penn Engineering is well-known for a lot of its research. It really depends on the OPs particular research interests and application. Philadelphia is probably cheaper to live in than Toronto. You can find a room in a shared apartment for about 600$ and the US is cheaper than Canada.

[Agradatudent]

My GF just got back from a visiting weekend at U Penn, and she said the area is gorgeous. University City (U Penn) and Center City (really close) are the two nicest places in philly. UPenn has bought a huge part of the area and right next to U Penn, is Drexel, another huge school so it is a very safe area with their joint efforts. Also I've been to the terrible parts of Philly at night plenty of times in a group of 2 or 3 and yeah it's shady but really it's just like any other city. Use common sense.

However in your position I would say it'd be find to do this on loans. U Penn will open doors to jobs for you no matter what because that IS what the Ivy league means. It's the "good old boy" network and they have the best connections in the US. Anyone telling you UoT would give you more opportunities in that respect is kidding themselves... Of course you have to make friends with the professors.

[dryicee]

As the subject states... i'm in a bit of an indecisive struggle.

I�m gained admission into the MSE program into both Upenn and UofT with the following financial aids:

University of Toronto:

Free tuition + 15,000 living expenses + possibility of TA/GA

Upenn:

NOTHING! NOTHING NOTHING! Can�t even get TA under the MEAM department..

So with that in mind� both schools are relatively good but obviously upenn is IVY� so is the 5000 per course tuition worth it� mind you upenn is 10 courses so tuition alone would be 50,000 plus living in philly�

Thoughts?

Toronto has a much better CS department than UPenn.

[DezB88]

My GF just got back from a visiting weekend at U Penn, and she said the area is gorgeous. University City (U Penn) and Center City (really close) are the two nicest places in philly. UPenn has bought a huge part of the area and right next to U Penn, is Drexel, another huge school so it is a very safe area with their joint efforts. Also I've been to the terrible parts of Philly at night plenty of times in a group of 2 or 3 and yeah it's shady but really it's just like any other city. Use common sense.

However in your position I would say it'd be find to do this on loans. U Penn will open doors to jobs for you no matter what because that IS what the Ivy league means. It's the "good old boy" network and they have the best connections in the US. Anyone telling you UoT would give you more opportunities in that respect is kidding themselves... Of course you have to make friends with the professors.

I got into U Penn, but the prospect of living in Downtown Philly scared the hell out of me.

My cousin studies at Villanova in Philly and told me all sorts of horror stories in Philly West City, and U Penn is like in the middle of Philly's 'Harlem'.

The problem with me is that I want to live near campus so I can walk to school, so imagine I have to move a bit out of University City and moving into the war zone is just too scary.

I am not sure if I am misinformed here.

Does anybody else have any insight about living near U Penn campus??

[bdawkins]

I got into U Penn, but the prospect of living in Downtown Philly scared the hell out of me.

My cousin studies at Villanova in Philly and told me all sorts of horror stories in Philly West City, and U Penn is like in the middle of Philly's 'Harlem'.

The problem with me is that I want to live near campus so I can walk to school, so imagine I have to move a bit out of University City and moving into the war zone is just too scary.

I am not sure if I am misinformed here.

Does anybody else have any insight about living near U Penn campus??

I lived in Philadelphia for a long time, my family is still there, and I have friends who have done grad and undergrad at Penn. The area near Penn is not a war zone. Parts of it are rough, but it's fun and there's tons going on. Maybe it would be worth e-mailing a current grad student to learn more about affordable housing.