Penn welcomed admitted students from the Class of 2030 to campus this week for Quaker Days.
The annual programming, which ran from April 13 to 15, included University-wide events and activities planned across all four undergraduate schools. Penn will host five “Quaker Campus Visits” throughout the month for students and families who were unable to attend the larger event.
The Daily Pennsylvanian spoke with attendees about their Quaker Days experiences at Penn.
Each of the three days featured similar scheduling, with major events held at the Palestra, Houston Hall, Penn Museum, and on College Green. University Life hosted a recurring “Student Life Fair” in Bodek Lounge, which featured several campus clubs and organizations.
Cultural groups — such as Casa Latina, the Pan-Asian American Community House, and the Penn Women’s Center — held open houses throughout Quaker Days to showcase Penn’s various community hubs.
Academic programming specific to the four undergraduate schools also drew large audiences.
On Monday, students admitted to the College of Arts and Sciences gathered for a question and answer session as Dean Peter Struck, faculty, and current students shared their insights on life at Penn. During the event, Struck described Penn as a “restless” place where “great ideas are made to be put to work.”
“The power of ideas is in front of you,” Struck added. “Find the great idea first, and then figure out how it’s going to transform the world.”
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He emphasized that “being undecided is probably the right major to have right now” — encouraging admitted students to explore the College’s 64 departments and programs.
Jonah Staples, who was admitted to the College, explained that Quaker Days offered an opportunity to meet incoming students before arriving at Penn.
“I can introduce myself to people who I’m going to be spending the next four years with, and can make some friends,” Staples added.
Gabe Huber, admitted to the College from Lancaster, Pa., told the DP that he knew Penn was the right fit within “five minutes” of arriving on campus.
“It looked like Hogwarts to me when I first came here,” Huber added. “It’s nothing like any other college campus I had really been to — I saw myself as someone who could go here.”
The School of Engineering and Applied Science hosted tours of University buildings and held advising sessions for admitted students.
Adhaban Balachandar — an incoming Engineering School student — explained that, despite having toured the campus before, Quaker Days let him “see what Penn was all about.”
Balachandar chose Penn for its proximity to his hometown of Doylestown, Pa., and the research opportunities “tailored towards” his interest in neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases.
Current students at the Wharton School hosted panel discussions to expose admits to “The Wharton Experience.”
Ethan Albright — a student admitted to Wharton — told the DP that he is visiting multiple campuses to find a place where he “fits best culturally.” Albright added that he is interested in environmental research and is drawn to Wharton for its career placement opportunities.
“I want to have the economic background that Wharton will give me so that I’m able to fully develop environmental solutions,” Albright explained.
The School of Nursing held a tour of its simulation center in Claire Fagin Hall.
Alternative campus visiting days will include small events where admitted students can experience Penn’s culture. The University will also host virtual introductory events throughout April.
