How do Brown and Penn compare for preparing students for graduate school?

Brown has a slight edge for graduate school preparation if you want a more self-directed academic path and close faculty relationships, while Penn stands out if you want more built-in structure and stronger preprofessional advising alongside research. Both can prepare students very well for grad school, but they tend to do it in different ways. The biggest differences are Brown’s Open Curriculum, Penn’s more layered school structure, and the advising culture that grows out of each.

Brown’s academic model is unusually good for students who want to shape a deep intellectual profile. The Open Curriculum gives you much more freedom to build advanced coursework across departments without a heavy core, which can be especially helpful for future PhD applicants whose graduate plans may evolve over time. That flexibility also makes it easier to pursue independent reading, honors work, and unusual interdisciplinary combinations that can become the basis for strong writing samples, senior theses, or faculty mentorship.

Penn is often stronger on institutional infrastructure. Because it has distinct undergraduate schools and a more structured advising environment, students often find clearer pathways into research labs, professional school advising, and departmental expectations. For someone considering grad school but still wanting a campus culture with strong pre-med, pre-law, business, or policy support, Penn can make the transition from broad interest to concrete preparation feel more organized.

For recommendation letters, Brown often benefits from its undergraduate-centered feel and the way students can build sustained relationships through seminars, thesis work, and independent projects. Penn also offers excellent faculty access, but the experience can feel more variable depending on the size and culture of your school or department.