Reviews
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Alex from Sandy Lake, PA
a current student here
10 people found this review useful
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Am learning a lot | All of my professors have been more than willing to explain what they are teaching multiple times until everyone in the class is on the same page. |
Am enjoying being here | Clarion has many different clubs and intramural programs, so everyone can find something to do that they enjoy. |
Tips for prospective students | Expect a good bit of rain and snow. Don't be afraid to get out and look for different activities. Many exist, but they won't always just appear out of thin air for you; you need to look for them. |
Great for these types of students | Anyone who likes a quiet, less populated area should be right at home in Clarion. Those who enjoy walking will love the campus. |
Kaitlyn from Pleasanton, CA
a current student here
5 people found this review useful
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Am learning a lot | I love all of my classes. So far none of my classes have been too challenging, but you can still learn a lot. The small class sizes make it really easy to interact with other students and the professors. The teachers are also really accommodating and typically encourage discussions and questions. |
Am enjoying being here | I am from out-of-state, but I like being away from home and enjoying a whole new experience. I was homesick at first but the more involved I become the easier it became to be away from home. It's a little hard to meet people at first but it becomes a lot easier as the semester goes on. All of the clubs and programs at Clarion are great and there really is something available for everyone. |
Bang for the buck | Compared to colleges in my home state, Clarion is reasonably priced. They offered me a scholarship right off the bat and considering all of the resources available on campus and the quality of education provided, Clarion is well worth the cost. |
Tips for prospective students | -Having a car on campus is a lot easier than taking the bus! -Get flex points with your meal plans. They really come in handy and the food at the Gemmell Student Complex [where you can use flex points to pay] is a lot better than it is as Eagle Commons. -Get snow boots early, because it can snow as early as October. -Rent your books instead of buying them from the bookstore. Most of your textbooks you won't want to keep and you don't even get half of their original price when you try and sell them back. |
Great for these types of students | -Considering that the campus is pretty small and most people leave for the weekend or already know a lot of people, it is a better campus for students who are outgoing and aren't afraid to meet new people and are ore outgoing. -People who really want to get involved. Joining clubs or programs is so easy at Clarion. -Anyone who isn't bothered by the snow/rain/hills. -Loving the outdoors really comes in handy at Clarion. Clarion County is beautiful and it's great to go out to the Clarion River or Cook Forest with friends and unwind. |
Blayze from Saltsburg, PA
a current student here
3 people found this review useful
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In three sentences | Clarion University is in the heart of a small town in Western Pennsylvania, and the atmosphere is great. The staff is friendly and willing to work with students, the college of business is prestigious, and the classes contain a lot of information that is presented clearly. There are many activities to participate in during down-time, school or non-school related. |
Tips for prospective students | Keep yourself in a good mood and surround yourself with things that you enjoy. There are so many options of things to participate in, so many people to become friends with, and so much down time to study and keep your grades up. Also, check the weather before you go home for the weekend, you never know what you'll come back to; there was a snow storm in October and it is currently over 70 degrees in mid-March. |
Academic Rigor | As far as the eleven classes that I have had, the classes keep me busy. The tests are challenging, and you need to study to pass classes. However, professors know you by name and are willing to help students who may be struggling, or who just have questions to ask. |
Dorm Life | The dorms are awesome. The Community Assistants are reasonable, the kids are all friendly, campus and borough police keep them safe, workers keep them clean, and the rooms are large. You meet so many new faces, make so many new friends, and it is a lot of fun. |
Food and Dining | Eagle commons, the dining hall, has many choices of what you can eat. There are both a hot and cold sandwich station, various lines where the staff serves you, and serve-yourself stations including a dessert bar and cereal. There are various fountains with different flavors of sodas, flavored waters, coffees, cappucinos, juices, and milks. At Gemmell, the student center, you have the choice of a sandwich shop, pizza place, fried food station, coffeeshop, and a Baskin Robbins that you can pay with your meal plan. On campus there is also a Starbucks, and another coffee place in the library. Vending machines are all over campus in different buildings. |
What to do for fun | There is so much to occupy your time at Clarion University. As far as sports, there are various intramurals to be involved in, the Recreational Center to work out or shoot hoops at, and an outdoor hockey rink to shoot around or play a pick-up game in. There are also so many activities provided by different clubs, such as open mic nights, movies in the student center, and talent shows. In fall, there is the Autumn Leaf Festival that cancels classes and the town has a huge fair. Also, at CampusFest, pop-music-performer Kesha had a concert last spring, and rapper Mac Miller will be performing this year. |
Bang for the buck | Clarion University has one of the lowest costs per education in Western Pennsylvania. With help of student loans and scholarships I am paying a low price for a high quality education. Clarion is recognized by AACSB International, the most rigorous and most prestigious business program accrediting body in the world. Less than 10% of all business schools worldwide are accredited by AACSB International, and for a low cost that will be put on my resume when I graduate and am looking for a job. |
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus | Supposedly, a few old buildings on the campus are haunted. Every October they go on a paranormal ghost hunt. Also during October, Autumn Leaf Festival (ALF) allows us to be pardoned from class to participate in the festivities. Every Spring, at CampusFest, there is a big performer; such as Kesha or Mac Miller. |
Great for these types of students | Clarion is great for well-rounded students. Students who are fun-loving, as well as smart, will enjoy this University. There are many things to do, many hours to study, and many people to get to know. |
Clubs and Activities | There are many clubs that hold activities that are open to all students at Clarion. If you join the clubs, you have all kinds of activities to help happen. Daily, you could be invited to two or three activities, so you have many options of things to do. |
Greek Life | Personally, I am not involved in Greek life, but I am often invited to activities held by them, such as sports, dinners, and other various interesting activities. Recently, guys in a fraternity were auctioned off to students to do chores, homework, etc. |
Campus Safety | Being the small town that it is, Clarion University's campus police works with the borough police to keep the area safe. There is a monthly fire drill to keep students alert. Also, there are crosswalks and sidewalks to lead students to wherever they need to be at any given time. |
Jackie from Coolspring, PA
a current student here
3 people found this review useful
Categories | Comments |
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Am learning a lot | I believe that I have learned a lot in my first semester at Clarion. The class sizes are small enough that you can ask questions and have personalized learning but also large enough to keep you from feeling singled out during discussions and activities. Classes teach you useful information that you can put toward your major and the teachers and faculty are friendly and respectful. Many professors are willing to spend extra time during office hours to meet with you and provide extra assistance. As long as you are willing to put forth effort, most professors will do their best to help you succeed. |
Am enjoying being here | Despite its small size, I enjoy attending college in Clarion. There isn't much to do in the town, but the UAB provides different performances for the students. In addition, the dorms organize different activities and projects for residents to take part in. Being in a small town also helps you focus on grades and join the many campus clubs and activities. Although there isn't much to do in Clarion, my friends and I have found ways to pass the time with sled riding, snowball fights, and going to the recreation center. ALF is also a big event for Clarion students. |
Bang for the buck | Because Clarion is a University of Pennsylvania, it is among the most affordable colleges in Pennsylvania. Clarion is also a very good school for education majors. Its programs are thorough and will give you the education you need in order to succeed in your career. If you have a lower budget or cannot afford to spend a lot on college, Clarion is a good choice. |
Tips for prospective students | The best tips I could give for perspective students are: -Be prepared to walk a lot. Clarion is built on a hill and most of your day will be spent climbing it. -Make sure your willing to be creative and able to find alternative things to do. Although there is a decent cinema and a couple other places nearby, if you don't have a car there isn't much to do(especially in the winter.) -Clarion gets COLD in the winter so come back from Thanksgiving break with winter coats, boots, gloves, hats, scarves, and anything else to keep warm. |
Great for these types of students | Clarion is great for students that enjoy small towns or want to get away from the hustle and bustle of a city. Also, anyone pursuing an education or speech pathology major may want to check out Clarion's programs. Clarion is also great for students with a smaller budget or looking to get a good education without setting themselves too far back financially. |
Dominic from Hermitage, PA
a current student here
2 people found this review useful
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Am learning a lot | I've learned something new everyday. |
Am enjoying being here | I love being at college but I know that it can always be better. |
Bang for the buck | This was one of the main reasons I came here. Clarion is an excellent value. |
Tips for prospective students | Make sure you check all of your possible options first then if you feel comfortable then make the best of what you have. |
Great for these types of students | I think Clarion is great for almost anyone. I like being in the college-town atmosphere. |
Michaela from Cherry Tree, PA
a current student here
1 person found this review useful
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In three sentences | A college who cares about its students. It offers a wide and diverse range of events. Very concerned and involved in student safety. |
Tips for prospective students | If you're considering this school: it's not as big as Penn State or Pitt, but it's no less involved or important. |
Academic Rigor | Pretty much what I was used to in high school: keeps you on your toes! |
Dorm Life | I'm an online student. Dorm life is in my own house. I can say that their educational platforms are stellar, though. |
Food and Dining | Again, I'm part of their online program. My dining room's cluttered and I eat whatever's available! |
Bang for the buck | Pretty cheap tuition, but no less of an education. |
Clubs and Activities | Lots of clubs. I'm a freshman and jumped right into the job of columnist their student newspaper a month after I started. It's great! |
Campus Safety | I don't live on campus but I'm constantly getting emails about alerts, drills, or practices used to ensure student safety. |
Alex from West Mifflin, PA
a current student here
1 person found this review useful
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Academic Rigor | As a Biology major, I can only speak of the Biology program. The faculty is GREAT and very helpful if you speak to them on your own time. I have yet to have a class that fails to provide the proper resources to succeed. |
Dorm Life | The suites are pretty sweet with a good room mate. AC, heating, and a private bathroom are very nice. They are expensive, unfortunately which leaves me unsure if it is worth the extra cost though. |
Food and Dining | Eagle Commons can be hit or miss but there are always alternatives around the area. The RRR (pronounced 'Tripple R') Road House and the Sakura Buffet provide a nice dining experience if you have a car or are willing to ride the bus. |
What to do for fun | Clarion has a student-run University Activities Board (UAB) that plans events once a week. All of these events are 100% free to students and often end with participants leaving with free goods. There is also a free movie screening at 11:00 PM of saturdays at the Hart Chapel. Other than that, there is not a ton to do. |
Heather from Oil City, PA
a current student here
1 person found this review useful
Categories | Comments |
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In three sentences | The size of the campus is Perfect. The faculty knows you by name. There are many opportunities for success here. |
Tips for prospective students | Apply early and get everything done and your ducks in a row before the end of your senior year. Clarion is a good decision! |
Academic Rigor | Clarion challenges their students to do their best and have their full potential. The want to see everyone succeed. |
Dorm Life | I currently live off campus, but where I live is affiliated with the university. It is really nice, but a little too expensive. |
Food and Dining | There are a lot of different places to eat around the campus. |
What to do for fun | The campus has events every Friday and Saturday night, and I suggest going Greek. |
Bang for the buck | Clarion gives you a good quality education without you having to overpay for each class. |
Greek Life | I am currently a member of the Delta Zeta sorority. I love it! |
Campus Safety | There are campus safety call stations everywhere and there is always campus police in sight. |
Lea from New Castle, PA
a current student here
1 person found this review useful
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In three sentences | Clarion University has an abundance of tools such as an on-campus speech and hearing clinic, wonderfully trained and educated staff, and advancing technology for my major compared to other state schools. I feel extremely prepared to pursue my major outside of the education that I am receiving here. Clarion University also is striving to achieve a diverse campus in which I feel they are doing a fabulous job! |
Tips for prospective students | Be open minded. Half of the things I joined and became active in I would have never dreamed of in high school. Join something! Becoming active on campus was the best possible choice I could have made. It opened so many opportunities and I met a lot of really interesting people. |
Academic Rigor | The education is excellent. They professor really care about their students as long as you show them you care and are concerned. They are willing to do whatever they can to help their students succeed. |
Great for these types of students | Honestly, just get involved and you will find you niche! |
Greek Life | AMAZING!!! Everyone should definitely consider it. |
Prince from Pittsburgh, PA
a current student here
1 person found this review useful
Categories | Comments |
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In three sentences | Clarion University is a great educational institution and have so many programs and opportunities for their students. There is always something constructive to do on and off campus. Everyone from the administration to the staff does a superlative job at propelling the students of Clarion University careers. |
Tips for prospective students | Get to know everyone in your major department. Start strong and finish strong academically. Be consistent in your academic performance and visit your professors' office hours to ask questions and explain any concerns. |
Academic Rigor | The academics at Clarion University will challenge any student, the level of work you have to do makes you think critically and push you to your limits. |
Dorm Life | The dorm life is great at Clarion University. |
Food and Dining | The food and dining at Clarion University is the best dining I experienced at a University and I attended a few. |
What to do for fun | I hold events with my fraternity, read, do research, hang out with my friends around campus and enjoy every second in the classroom. |
Bang for the buck | Its a steal with the low tuition cost at Clarion! I have got to network with people who hold prestigious positions in politics who I never thought I would get to at such a young age. |
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus | There are breathtaking views at Clarion University over the rest of Clarion county behind Egbert hall looking towards Wilkinson and Nair. |
Great for these types of students | Ambitious, Focused, Hard Working, Serious, Social, Outgoing, and down to earth students. |
Clubs and Activities | There are countless clubs and activities to part-take in at Clarion University. |
Greek Life | There is a great unity in the Greek Life at Clarion, as a member of a national fraternity at Clarion I can speak on that. I just wish there was more recognition of the importance of Greek Life on campus. |
Campus Safety | Public Safety does a great job at keeping everyone in Clarion safe, calm, and peaceful. Clarion is a really peaceful place to be. |