Penn State is nationally, and even internationally, known for it's incredible school spirit and alumni connection. Because I grew up here in York County, I know that people literally bleed blue and white. Saturdays are often spent packing a cooler, braving the traffic, and heading up to Beaver Stadium to catch a football game. For those not able to make it up to Happy Valley, a television set is always tuned into the game. As much as I am into school spirit and the Nittany Lion, I always wondered...what else is there at Penn State? After taking part in their "Spend a Summer Day" program today, I know that The Pennsylvania State University is much more than just school spirit.
Nestled into the mountains of central Pennsylvania is a town known as State College, best known as home to Penn State. Since the university was founded in 1855, the town has grown into what can, at times, feel like its own city. Most everything is geared towards the students from the fairly-affordable apartment complexes to the shopping venues to the numerous eateries.
University Park is a great option for those wishing to be Nittany Lions, but it's not the only option. Penn State has nineteen other campuses spread throughout the state. Students can opt for what the university refers to as the "2+2 plan," which lets students spend two years at a branch campus before switching over to University Park. Over 60% of freshmen begin at one of the branch campuses before calling University Park home after their sophomore year.
Setting: suburban
Number of undergrads: 36,613
Majors: 160
Student/faculty ratio: 17:1 (85% of classes have under 50 students freshmen year)
Men/women: 55%/45%
In-state/out-of-state: 72%/28%
Tuition: $12, 851 (in-state); $24,021 (out-of-state)
Room and board: $7,400
Website: www.psu.edu
Admissions...
Average GPA: 3.57-3.97
Average SAT score: 1180-1350
Average ACT score: 26-30
This is so weird but I saw a girl at Penn State today that I knew I saw somewhere else before but I wasn't one-hundred percent sure. But now that I think about it, it was you! Were you at the college of communications meeting at 2:00? Did you enjoy your day?
Ahh, weird!! Yep, that was probably me...I was at that 2:00 session. Penn State overall was okay, but I loved their communication program so idk...decisions, decisions! How did you feel about it?
Ahh! Penn State was okay, they def had a ton with communications. My parents are both alumni so they are pushing it haha. Its so big though I kind of want smaller. Where else have you looked?
I've seriously looked at University of Delaware and Maryland. I loved both of them. Maryland has a great journalism program, but now I don't know if I want to do that or more PR stuff? Of all three, I liked Maryland, maybe Delaware, the most. PSU probably has the best academics for my major though. Haha, so many choices! But, yeah I would def. check out those two schools if you're considering PSU.
This is so weird but Ive been to both of them too! haha. I loved Delaware. Penn State was really pushing the PR stuff which is good too. Ive also been looking at a lot of little liberal arts schools like Dickinson, Bucknell, Villanova, and Franklin & Marshall. They have smaller communications but its more personal if you are looking for a smaller setting.
I loved Delaware too. I was in love with the fact that they have a Grotto's Pizza (pretty much the best thing in the entire state of Delaware lol). How do you feel about those small schools? I thought about Nova, but the rest of them are too small for me haha. I always kind of thought I'd end up at a Bucknell or a Susquehanna, but I'm kind of in love with these big campuses.