Last visit was: 20 Nov 2025, 07:34 It is currently 20 Nov 2025, 07:34
Home
GMAT
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Rewards
Chat
My Profile
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
avatar
jjright
avatar
Current Student
Joined: 26 Mar 2008
Last visit: 15 Apr 2009
Posts: 114
Own Kudos:
2
Posts: 114
Kudos: 2
Admitted to Wharton Class of 2011! 17 Feb 2009, 17:30
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Yeah. I figured that by April, I could go and look for housing options.

Just a question: Did you get any impression on what living on campus is like? I am curious how common this is. If not, I guess I'll be apartment hunting in April as well :)
avatar
Jen357
avatar
Joined: 17 Feb 2009
Last visit: 25 Mar 2009
Posts: 9
Posts: 9
Kudos: 0
Admitted to Wharton Class of 2011! 18 Feb 2009, 15:20
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Dayman - any info as to what exactly those admin changes are that will focus more on student life? The experience is a huge part of my decision too

Jjright - forget about living on campus....a 1br apartments on campus cost the same as a normal apartment in the city. and it's also not a very nice building

Ppl post here as soon as you hear from Kroll ! thx
User avatar
dayman
User avatar
Joined: 19 Dec 2008
Last visit: 01 Jul 2009
Posts: 29
Own Kudos:
12
Schools:Wharton, Haas, Anderson, Booth, Kellogg MMM, Stanford
Posts: 29
Kudos: 12
Admitted to Wharton Class of 2011! 18 Feb 2009, 18:03
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
There just seems to be a lot of changeover in the administration, so I asked a few students about it. They believed that some of it includes a push towards better student life. For instance they added Dr. Kembrel Jones, Deputy Vice Dean for Student Affairs. I think he came from Emory and had worked for the Dean. He is a jolly southern guy whose goal is to focus specifically on student life. He is going to hire his own staff soon, but already has a panel of students helping him identify areas to address. Only one of the students is looking at it from an academic perspective if that gives you an idea of his goals. I liked that he had a past with the Dean, so he'll already be empowered to get things done. You can't help liking the guy too, because he has a southern accent combined with a "flamboyant" personality. Best speaker at Welcome Weekend by far.

Agreed that you probably don't want to live on campus. Basically the choices are high-rises with amenities and a doorman or brownstones without either but cheaper with more "character". Expect to hear about rodent and theft problems when discussing housing (high-rises and brownstones). Not something I was used to, but I'm not too squimish. You can also live farther away if you just want quiet or have a family.
User avatar
sterny
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 02 Aug 2007
Last visit: 23 Feb 2011
Posts: 162
Own Kudos:
182
Schools:Wharton
Posts: 162
Kudos: 182
Admitted to Wharton Class of 2011! 18 Feb 2009, 21:04
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
FYI all - I called Wharton today to politely ask about when I should hear back from Kroll. They told me that it shouldn't take more than 4-6 weeks, so if I do not hear back from them by next week, they told to call them and ask again!
avatar
Jen357
avatar
Joined: 17 Feb 2009
Last visit: 25 Mar 2009
Posts: 9
Posts: 9
Kudos: 0
Admitted to Wharton Class of 2011! 18 Feb 2009, 21:50
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Is theft a problem with high rises?? If you live on say the 20th floor of a high rise with door man in rittenhouse square, I can't really see how you could suffer from theft a lot
User avatar
Raabend
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 16 May 2008
Last visit: 17 Mar 2016
Posts: 884
Own Kudos:
156
Given Kudos: 29
Location: Earth
Concentration: Brand
Schools:Cornell '11
Posts: 884
Kudos: 156
Admitted to Wharton Class of 2011! 18 Feb 2009, 21:58
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Im not a Wharton admit, but I did live in the Rittenhouse area of Philly for 3 years. I lived alone in a two story, two bedroom apartment on the second floor of a brownstone and I never had any thefts, rodents, or roaches. If you live in a nice area, nice building, with proper main-entrance security....you will not have a problem.

Now shadier areas of Philly are much different than Rittenhouse. West, South, and North are all avoidable IMO. I was mugged while I lived in Philly but that was in the subway in North Philly.

If anybody has any questions about Philly living, send me a PM. I was born here and lived in Philly-environs almost my entire life!
User avatar
Audio
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 13 Jun 2007
Last visit: 31 Jul 2012
Posts: 408
Own Kudos:
87
Concentration: Finance
Schools:Wharton, Booth, Stern
Posts: 408
Kudos: 87
Admitted to Wharton Class of 2011! 19 Feb 2009, 08:41
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
dayman
Still waiting on kroll as well.

I decided to go to Winter Welcome at the last minute and I have to say that was a great decision. The school was definitely a better fit than I expected judging by how much fun I had (still don't have my voice back from networking/partying). You really start to understand the quality of the school when you're there with current students and they lay out everything that is available to you. One interesting note is that they have made significant administrative changes that are leading the school back towards a focus on overall student life. Since I am focused on the experience as much as I am on the academics, it was nice to hear. The other part I liked was that not only does it have a large class size, but everyone tends to live in a condensed area (albeit Philly). This seemed to make the community of students more close knit and more available to hang out with consistently. It made me realize I need to be wary of schools with a high commuter contingent. I also need to mention that even though I could care less about anything theatrical, Follies was pretty damned funny. They really rip into students and don't hold back on humor targeted at everyone from the Dean to internationals to slutty chicks. Just wish I could've gone to Pub and also the Follies performance that all the students costume up for. I'll have to wait for April Welcome Weekend.

Anybody else go? Maybe we met. I am pretty sure Audio and I had a few drinks together now that I re-read a couple posts.
Show more

Yes we did share a couple of drinks :-D I had more than my fair share that night actually, but it was great fun! I met a couple of really cool admits (including dayman), so it seems like next year's class is going to be a fun one.

If you have any questions about the school feel free to ask. I might be a bit slow to answer this weekend though since I'm heading off to Austin in an hour for a soccer tournament.
User avatar
Audio
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 13 Jun 2007
Last visit: 31 Jul 2012
Posts: 408
Own Kudos:
87
Concentration: Finance
Schools:Wharton, Booth, Stern
Posts: 408
Kudos: 87
Admitted to Wharton Class of 2011! 19 Feb 2009, 08:43
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
jjright
Yeah. I figured that by April, I could go and look for housing options.

Just a question: Did you get any impression on what living on campus is like? I am curious how common this is. If not, I guess I'll be apartment hunting in April as well :)
Show more

You should defo not live on campus. Nobody lives there and the nightlife is in centre city. You can live close to campus (Left Bank and Domus come to mind), but not on campus.
User avatar
dayman
User avatar
Joined: 19 Dec 2008
Last visit: 01 Jul 2009
Posts: 29
Own Kudos:
12
Schools:Wharton, Haas, Anderson, Booth, Kellogg MMM, Stanford
Posts: 29
Kudos: 12
Admitted to Wharton Class of 2011! 19 Feb 2009, 11:27
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
The theft comment was more geared to brownstone living. Not that everyone gets robbed, but it is not uncommon if you aren't careful and cars seem to get broken into as well. I will be happy not to own a car, so that's not my concern. The rodents/pest problems seem to be possible whether you live in a high-rise or brownstone. Again, it is not as if everyone is killing rats on a daily basis, but you hear quite a few stories. The housing guides that Wharton gives you have good reviews of the buildings and I hear apartments.com (never visited the site) has reviews.

Fair warning to all: be careful of Audio's ability to drink you under the table. I got wise to it and had to do some horizontal nodding so I didn't wind up being swept off the floor at the end of night. My undergrad skills have waned significantly. He's a great guy though who enjoys all Wharton has to offer and was really helpful. Actually, he and some other rugby guys made me actually contemplate putting my weak, over-the-hill athletic skills to the test next year. I should probably start hitting the gym.
avatar
Jen357
avatar
Joined: 17 Feb 2009
Last visit: 25 Mar 2009
Posts: 9
Posts: 9
Kudos: 0
Admitted to Wharton Class of 2011! 19 Feb 2009, 16:04
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Wow admit weekend sounds fun.

We should be receiving our PennKey and fellowship letters very soon next week....post here when you have yours !
avatar
jjright
avatar
Current Student
Joined: 26 Mar 2008
Last visit: 15 Apr 2009
Posts: 114
Own Kudos:
2
Posts: 114
Kudos: 2
Admitted to Wharton Class of 2011! 19 Feb 2009, 17:11
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Out of curiosity, does anyone know what wharton's stance is on financial aid / scholarships? Lets say you receive 10K in need based aid, and then you receive an external scholarship of 5K. Can you take the 5K and replace some loans, or would Wharton reduce your need aid by the scholarship amount? Just curious, since I know some schools do this.
User avatar
zonk
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 12 Jul 2008
Last visit: 10 Nov 2013
Posts: 366
Own Kudos:
351
Concentration: Finance, Entrepreneurship, Health Care
Schools:Wharton
Posts: 366
Kudos: 351
Admitted to Wharton Class of 2011! 19 Feb 2009, 21:32
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Audio
jjright
Yeah. I figured that by April, I could go and look for housing options.

Just a question: Did you get any impression on what living on campus is like? I am curious how common this is. If not, I guess I'll be apartment hunting in April as well :)

You should defo not live on campus. Nobody lives there and the nightlife is in centre city. You can live close to campus (Left Bank and Domus come to mind), but not on campus.
Show more

Does anyone have any insight on the best apartment buildings? I've gone through the Wharton housing guide and think I've narrowed down the options to:

1) 1500 Locust St
2) LeftBank
3) Lofts at 1835 Atch

I'm torn b/w being extremely close to the community (1500 Locust) vs. living in a slightly less central (to Center City) but quieter places. I was a hard partier in college but have now become the crochety old man that gets annoyed by excessively noisy neighbors. I'm worried that 1500 Locust will be too much of a college dorm atmosphere.
avatar
Jen357
avatar
Joined: 17 Feb 2009
Last visit: 25 Mar 2009
Posts: 9
Posts: 9
Kudos: 0
Admitted to Wharton Class of 2011! 20 Feb 2009, 00:00
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
have they released the 2009 housing guide yet? last time i checked it was still the 08 one

Also does anyone know here if ppl share cabs to school on a daily basis? I was thinking of living close to campus (so like a domus or left bank type building) so I can walk there within 10mins, but if ppl share cabs anyway from rittenhouse square that will get you to campus within 10mins too. And not to mention the Square is closer to team meetings / social events

i just dunno how hard it is to get to the school via cab in the winter
avatar
matanau
avatar
Joined: 17 Dec 2008
Last visit: 18 May 2010
Posts: 4
Concentration: Management; Strategy
Schools:Wharton (Admitted); Kellogg (WL); Ross (Admitted w/$$$)
Posts: 4
Kudos: 0
Admitted to Wharton Class of 2011! 20 Feb 2009, 05:26
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Regarding housing, I stayed at 1500 Locust Street during the WWW. Very well kept apartments--spacious and close to all of the team meetings and late night haunts of Wharton students. Possible drawbacks to keep in mind: apparently you need to tack on some additional time in the morning to wait for the elevators to finally arrive at your floor. This is typical of extremely large buildings, but for some reason this problem is worse at 1500 than at other building I have visited. Also, while we were there a fire alarm went off in the building at 4AM and lasted for 1/2 an hour. According to the student that we were staying with, this is not an uncommon occurrence. Just some food for thought.

Also, yes I was told that students living in rittenhouse area will share cabs in the morning. This may be preplanned, but I was also told that you might happen to run into fellow students during the morning rush, since so many people live in that area and there are a few prime places to catch cabs.

Regarding the new housing guide, it should be released by the April WW, but do keep in mind that the new reviews should not COMPLETELY change your mind if you perform some external due diligence. Just be aware that the rental rates have increased since the time the 2008 guide was published, so an apartment that is at the top of your price range might have been pushed into "unaffordable" range.
User avatar
Audio
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 13 Jun 2007
Last visit: 31 Jul 2012
Posts: 408
Own Kudos:
87
Concentration: Finance
Schools:Wharton, Booth, Stern
Posts: 408
Kudos: 87
Admitted to Wharton Class of 2011! 23 Feb 2009, 07:21
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
dayman
The theft comment was more geared to brownstone living. Not that everyone gets robbed, but it is not uncommon if you aren't careful and cars seem to get broken into as well. I will be happy not to own a car, so that's not my concern. The rodents/pest problems seem to be possible whether you live in a high-rise or brownstone. Again, it is not as if everyone is killing rats on a daily basis, but you hear quite a few stories. The housing guides that Wharton gives you have good reviews of the buildings and I hear apartments.com (never visited the site) has reviews.

Fair warning to all: be careful of Audio's ability to drink you under the table. I got wise to it and had to do some horizontal nodding so I didn't wind up being swept off the floor at the end of night. My undergrad skills have waned significantly. He's a great guy though who enjoys all Wharton has to offer and was really helpful. Actually, he and some other rugby guys made me actually contemplate putting my weak, over-the-hill athletic skills to the test next year. I should probably start hitting the gym.
Show more

Agreed with dayman concerning rodents and theft.

Thanks for the kind words! (I'm talking about the drinking, not the being helpful part :-D ). It was a pleasure meeting you. I'm meeting up with another gmatter soon, hopefully he'll manage to ace his interview!
avatar
jjright
avatar
Current Student
Joined: 26 Mar 2008
Last visit: 15 Apr 2009
Posts: 114
Own Kudos:
2
Posts: 114
Kudos: 2
Admitted to Wharton Class of 2011! 23 Feb 2009, 09:13
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I am about to reach 6 weeks now... I guess I might have to call too

sterny
FYI all - I called Wharton today to politely ask about when I should hear back from Kroll. They told me that it shouldn't take more than 4-6 weeks, so if I do not hear back from them by next week, they told to call them and ask again!
Show more
User avatar
sterny
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 02 Aug 2007
Last visit: 23 Feb 2011
Posts: 162
Own Kudos:
182
Schools:Wharton
Posts: 162
Kudos: 182
Admitted to Wharton Class of 2011! 23 Feb 2009, 09:30
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Guys - Kroll completed today!

I had to call them to do it! I called Wharton today and as I suspected, they said "oops - Kroll completed your thing, but we have been too busy with Wharton Welcome Weekend and all". So the lady looked me up WHILE I was on the phone and told me everything looked fine and closed the process right then and there on the phone. 10 mins later I got the email from Kroll saying case is closed!

I get the feeling they have a backlog of to-do Kroll processes left and haven't got to it yet.
avatar
jjright
avatar
Current Student
Joined: 26 Mar 2008
Last visit: 15 Apr 2009
Posts: 114
Own Kudos:
2
Posts: 114
Kudos: 2
Admitted to Wharton Class of 2011! 23 Feb 2009, 09:32
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Thanks sterny. Did you just call the admissions office general line, or some other number? Thanks!

sterny
Guys - Kroll completed today!

I had to call them to do it! I called Wharton today and as I suspected, they said "oops - Kroll completed your thing, but we have been too busy with Wharton Welcome Weekend and all". So the lady looked me up WHILE I was on the phone and told me everything looked fine and closed the process right then and there on the phone. 10 mins later I got the email from Kroll saying case is closed!

I get the feeling they have a backlog of to-do Kroll processes left and haven't got to it yet.
Show more
User avatar
sterny
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 02 Aug 2007
Last visit: 23 Feb 2011
Posts: 162
Own Kudos:
182
Schools:Wharton
Posts: 162
Kudos: 182
Admitted to Wharton Class of 2011! 23 Feb 2009, 09:35
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
jjright - I just called the Admissions office directly.

FYI - Also, before calling the adcom, I had called Kroll to ask them point blank if they needed anything else. The Kroll lady looked me up in their system and said they had completed the process from their end and told me to reach out to Wharton...which is what I did.
avatar
jjright
avatar
Current Student
Joined: 26 Mar 2008
Last visit: 15 Apr 2009
Posts: 114
Own Kudos:
2
Posts: 114
Kudos: 2
Admitted to Wharton Class of 2011! 23 Feb 2009, 09:49
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Thank you sterny

sterny
jjright - I just called the Admissions office directly.

FYI - Also, before calling the adcom, I had called Kroll to ask them point blank if they needed anything else. The Kroll lady looked me up in their system and said they had completed the process from their end and told me to reach out to Wharton...which is what I did.
Show more
   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13