Opinion Columns
Julia Mitchell | Penn’s pre-college programs won’t get you accepted
With the astronomical price tag, it’s worth wondering what students and their parents expect to gain from these programs – and whether they actually get it.
James Morrison | Penn needs a financial literacy requirement
The importance of Penn having its students take a Physical World course pales in comparison to preparing its students to successfully navigate the make-or-break financial decisions that await them after college.
Hadriana Lowenkron | Penn’s recent construction ignores the community’s needs
As more and more students are prevented from attending this school due to it being unaffordable, Penn must ask itself: who is this construction really benefiting?
Sophia DuRose | Pole dancing can improve both health and confidence
I think Pottruck can be great when you want to fit a quick workout in between classes, but there’s a reason some people dread going. Luckily, it isn’t the only place in the city you can visit to get an effective workout in.
Ana West | Penn must require sexual assault prevention workshops
During our time at Penn, just about all of us will experience assault personally or have it happen to someone that we care about. In light of that, far too few of us will be equipped to respond to it.
Sophia DuRose | Being vegan is a privilege
A lot of people on Penn’s campus don’t need to think twice about an extra 60 cent charge, but that’s a privilege, not a given.
Christy Qiu | Quakers, don't skip class
College is an investment in yourself — one that should be managed carefully in order to see prosperous returns.
Sophia DuRose | Your parents’ politics don’t have to be yours
I am grateful to the city of Philadelphia for providing such a bustling and rich social environment from which I've learned more about my own politics as well as the politics of those I’ve always opposed.
James Morrison | Don’t leave your high school friends behind in college
In spite of this campus’ sometimes toxic culture, you will almost certainly make lifelong friends here. Just make sure that you don’t forget the lifelong friends that you already have.
Sophia DuRose | Stop talking about the freshman fifteen
The cyclical nature of disordered eating can be depleting, and when you’re adjusting to the new stress of tough college classes, it’s an extra barrier between yourself and your full potential.
Letter from the President | Class of 2023, don't let fear get in your way
My advice shouldn’t be taken as gospel, it’s certainly not earth-shattering, and may not even be applicable to you, but it’s what I wish I’d known as a freshman: Put yourself out there.
Bridget Yu | Just because you’re sad, does not mean you’re depressed
Mislabeling depression as mere sadness will only prevent or delay treatment of a serious mental illness that should be addressed and treated as such.
Alexa Rybicki | Penn students should make use of Pottruck
Just like you set aside time to eat, study, and see your friends, make exercise part of your routine. You will feel happier and healthier.
Ilyse Reisman | The Critical Writing Seminar needs to be looked at under critical review
Until the writing seminar curriculum changes, students will continue to feel that it is a waste of their time and money.
Bridget Yu | Here’s a quick list of Penn's most helpful resources
While Google searches and Wikipedia pages do have their benefits, Penn students know their campus and surrounding area best.
Ilyse Reisman | Take student-faculty ratios and class size statistics with a grain of salt
If you really want to get an accurate assessment of how big the classes are at any school, ask someone who is taking classes you are considering taking, or studying something that you may be interested in.
Alexa Rybicki | Penn students should dress for success
Dress well and notice the difference in both how you feel and how the people around you view you, speak to you, and respect you.
Maeve Masterson | Climate change is not a countdown to an apocalypse
While we fantasize about what the end of the world will look like, the true apocalypse has already hit home and is terrorizing hundreds of communities living on the frontlines.
Alex Silberzweig | Penn needs to be more cognizant of the opioid crisis
Just because we attend a world-class university does not mean that we are shielded from the horrors of the opioid crisis.