Philadelphia, PA: A day spend touring the University of Pennsylvania is a great way of acquainting a prospective student with the awesome campus that feels like a peaceful oasis within the confines of a big, bustling city. Visitors perceive the power and prestige of the beautiful, old buildings that blend seamlessly with the exciting, modern structures on campus. The University of Pennsylvania, a medium-sized, private school, is an ideal choice for students seeking a college with a reputation for academic excellence, a diverse student body, and the cultural enrichment of an urban campus.

Established by Benjamin Franklin in the 1740s, the University of Pennsylvania is known for its academic excellence. Penn's internationally respected engineering school is involved in nanotechnology and cutting-edge research projects. Its Wharton School offers a business curriculum to promote effective leadership in diverse professions. Academic programs are unlimited and can be challenging for those exceptional students who call Penn their home.

Adding another dimension to the learning experience is the diverse student body at the Penn. Enrollment consists of nearly 20,000 students split equally between those seeking undergraduate degrees and those taking graduate or professional-level courses. Nearly 50 percent of freshmen consider themselves non-white, and 13 percent are from foreign countries. While Penn attracts an elite group of students with the desire to learn, its location provides a unique window into the city's institutions and the history of the nation.

Students looking for endless opportunities for cultural enrichment will like the University of Pennsylvania. The 280-acre campus, located in West Philadelphia, is part of a large urban environment providing access to world-class museums, symphonic orchestras, theaters, and sporting events. As the birthplace of the nation, Philadelphia provides visitors the opportunity to see the buildings where men debated the structure of a government that continues today. The Penn learning experience is enhanced by its location in Philadelphia.

The University of Pennsylvania is recognized as one of the top schools in the country and strives to include students who will enhance the diversity of the college. As an urban campus, Penn provides its students with a chance to experience cultural events that are part of Philadelphia. By using the world as a classroom, this university is an ideal environment for learning about all aspects of life. Penn's website is upenn.edu.