Review of Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
from State College, PA
Do you feel you’re learning a lot?
High school classes never provided the challenge that I felt that I needed academically, but when I got to Penn State I found that. Teachers no longer treated us as children and did their best to stimulate learning and provoke genuine thoughts and discussion. I never had to work harder for grades, but on the same token, I chose really challenging course work and I also learned a lot more that way. I highly reccomend Penn State for those who want to go to college and seriously EARN their degree, learning along the way.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I LOVE Penn State. I honestly can't imagine myself anywhere else, and I wish that college lasted for more than four years! The whole summer, I wanted nothing more than to get back to school. Classes are flexible, the friends are great, there's a club, activity, group, event or party for everything and everyone so being social and being bored are never problems you have to worry about. It really is fantastic and I couldn't imagine spending the next three years of my life anywhere else.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Yes, Penn State is very expensive. You will never find anyone who goes here denying that fact. However, with the level of Education that we receive, the facilities, the social life, the athletic department and that the reputation of our school world wide, I find it more than worth it. Not only do you receive a fantastic education with plenty of extracurriculars and opportunities for success, but you also are attending a school with the world's largest alumni association, and where the name of your school on a resume will hold a lot of weight. However, there is no denying that sometimes you have to question just WHY Penn State is so expensive. Its a double edged sword, but I find it worth it.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Yes, Penn State is well known for its drinking and for its Greek life. But don't let that be the be-all, end-all of your college career.
DON'T immediately get lost in the partying scene of Penn State - while its okay to party and have fun, learn how to do it in moderation so that you don't end up screwing up your G.P.A. (and in turn, screwing yourself over) in your first year - you'll still be paying for it two years later and its a lot easier to do than you'd think. DO go to the involvement fairs. In Alumni hall in the HUB running for a week straight at the beginning of the semesters there are booths and booths of clubs and activities across the Penn State community, with different groups every day. If a group even mildly interests you, put your name on the list serv. You can always take it off later if you choose.
DO get a planner or some method of keeping track of when all projects and deadlines are due. They have a nasty way of creeping up on you.
DON'T take the buses unless you have to. Long walks across campus will help you NOT gain the Freshman 15.
DON'T make a habit of always skipping class. Sure its okay to miss one here or there, but by telling yourself that its okay to constantly miss class, you'll screw yourself over in the class and develop a habit that may be harder to break in the future.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
High school classes never provided the challenge that I felt that I needed academically, but when I got to Penn State I found that. Teachers no longer treated us as children and did their best to stimulate learning and provoke genuine thoughts and discussion. I never had to work harder for grades, but on the same token, I chose really challenging course work and I also learned a lot more that way. I highly reccomend Penn State for those who want to go to college and seriously EARN their degree, learning along the way.
I LOVE Penn State. I honestly can't imagine myself anywhere else, and I wish that college lasted for more than four years! The whole summer, I wanted nothing more than to get back to school. Classes are flexible, the friends are great, there's a club, activity, group, event or party for everything and everyone so being social and being bored are never problems you have to worry about. It really is fantastic and I couldn't imagine spending the next three years of my life anywhere else.
Yes, Penn State is very expensive. You will never find anyone who goes here denying that fact. However, with the level of Education that we receive, the facilities, the social life, the athletic department and that the reputation of our school world wide, I find it more than worth it. Not only do you receive a fantastic education with plenty of extracurriculars and opportunities for success, but you also are attending a school with the world's largest alumni association, and where the name of your school on a resume will hold a lot of weight. However, there is no denying that sometimes you have to question just WHY Penn State is so expensive. Its a double edged sword, but I find it worth it.
Yes, Penn State is well known for its drinking and for its Greek life. But don't let that be the be-all, end-all of your college career. DON'T immediately get lost in the partying scene of Penn State - while its okay to party and have fun, learn how to do it in moderation so that you don't end up screwing up your G.P.A. (and in turn, screwing yourself over) in your first year - you'll still be paying for it two years later and its a lot easier to do than you'd think. DO go to the involvement fairs. In Alumni hall in the HUB running for a week straight at the beginning of the semesters there are booths and booths of clubs and activities across the Penn State community, with different groups every day. If a group even mildly interests you, put your name on the list serv. You can always take it off later if you choose. DO get a planner or some method of keeping track of when all projects and deadlines are due. They have a nasty way of creeping up on you. DON'T take the buses unless you have to. Long walks across campus will help you NOT gain the Freshman 15. DON'T make a habit of always skipping class. Sure its okay to miss one here or there, but by telling yourself that its okay to constantly miss class, you'll screw yourself over in the class and develop a habit that may be harder to break in the future.
Determined, Responsible, Organized, Liberal, Involved, Outgoing, Social, Fun-loving, Intelligent, Party-goers