Small student body; great job prospects; cheap cost of living; big law-focused

The small student body can contribute to a high school like feel and people are can be very competitive, but I don't think this is worse than any other law school. The city itself is good to go to school in but it would be more fun to be in larger market.

Pretty much everyone gets big law if they want it and I was near the bottom half of my class. Going to a school like this really takes the pressure off of being a law student.

Yes

Challenging classes, great professors and a collegial atmosphere among the student body

Law school in itself is a lot of pressure, but that's not unique to Penn

Take advantage of the multi-disciplinary focus of the school (e.g., they offer a dual degree with Wharton)

Yes

1L classes rely heavily on the Socratic method. For the most part the professors are terrific, although there is the rare bad egg. Second semester at Penn is unique in that you get to choose two electives to take. 1L sections are about 80 people, with each section being split into two for one class first semester, and legal writing being taught in two types of class -- the large, full-section version, and 10-12 person "cohorts" taught by a 3L.

It's law school. Law school sucks. That said, I'm about as happy as I could be and I think Penn has a pretty happy campus and doesn't cause me any more stress than there needs to be. Students here are happy, friendly, and very uncompetitive. I feel safe on campus, the library is great, there are always enough computers to use, printing is easy (and free -- you get a certain allowance every semester. It's a week before finals and I have ~$75 left on my account), it's in a nice neighborhood with amenities nearby.

Common App with an additional supplemental essay that could also be filed through LSAC. Scholarships were given based on the original app/people were invited to follow up with additional information for scholarships.

1L

The course offerings are heavy on the Corporate/Transactional side (likely an effect of both a high student demand given the high number of students who go straight to work in New York City and the presence of Wharton, with the opportunity for students to earn a graduate certificate, next door). Class rankings are not published or revealed, even to oneself, so I feel nearly no competition with my fellow students.

Cost of living in Philadelphia generally is fantastic. Even so, because I have school-age children, I chose to live in a suburban environment for public school reasons. The public transit system (regional rail lines) is very comfortable and dependable. People marvel that I am willing to travel one hour each way, but those two hours are actually two less hours I spend in the library each day. I feel very safe on the Penn campus, even at night, where security presence is keenly felt and there are always lots of people out and about.

Typical T14 application process with an optional "Why Penn" essay that I hear most admitted students wrote. I did not write the essay but now wish I had.

3

2010

I have been impressed by the ability of Penn professors to highlight the practical applications of the tools we learn in class

Philadelphia is a relatively inexpensive city, which is nice while you're in school.

3

2010

DO NOT live in the graduate student dorms. What a nightmare.

1

2012

The school has a good mix of lectures, seminars, and clinics that are offered in a large number of practice areas. First year students can take two electives in their second semester, which is great because they get involved with interesting practice areas much sooner, and they can use the things they learn at their first summer job.

2

2011

Professors are excellent. Classes are predominantly theory-based. The academic advising is non-existent and the career counseling is poor. The class sizes vary and are competitive, but not negatively so.

Cost of living is high. The campus is nice, but the law school is pretty much off on its own. The facilities are good. Crime is always a worry.

Normal. LSATs, essays. I think I sent the same application to Penn as I did elsewhere. Penn had a public interest scholarship, but I did not apply for it.

2

2011