Pennsylvania State University

Penn State is simply amazing. I never imagined going here, and applied on a whim. Even though I did get into my "dream school" I decided after a tour to take a leap of faith and try out Penn State, and I couldn't be happier. To be fair, the weekends do consist mostly of drinking, but if that isnt your thing, there are other activites that are made available, and they are pretty awesome. Though some are scared that the class sizes are too big, that doesnt have to be a problem. Last semester I only had 1 large lecture class. This semester I have 5. Its all in the scheduling, but there are choices. The food is pretty good too. After a while, you'll find where the best food is (Redifer, Pollock...) and that its pretty cheap. Some people don't like Penn State's isolated campus, but its not a problem, the bus will take you wherever you need to go. I rarely feel the need to leave campus, even to go to the mall or WalMart. The only advice I have is not to be fooled by Penn State's party atmosphere. It is a party school, but its not a blow off school, the classes are difficult. Penn Staters study hard so that they can party hard. Ohhh, and take GeoSc40, it rocks.Penn State is pretty much the best thing I've ever done. Go Lions!!

Male -- Class 2000

I was one of the top students in my high school and probably in the area. I was accepted to a few ivy league schools (UPenn and Cornell), however, I chose to go to PennState because I knew what I wanted and this place had the most resources. I knew the engineering program was among the elite and because it is a public school, it has more engineering resources than most other private schools. Some people tell me that I'm stupid for not attending an ivy league, but I do not regret my decision one bit. I am recieving a top notch engineering education, with less loans to pay off. I will get the same if not better job than an ivy league grad (based on my abilities and work ethic). I encoourage all top students to check out PennState and its honors college (Shreyers Honors).

1st Year Male -- Class 2008

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Individual Value: C+

Penn State offers a great experience. Going to school with 40,000 plus students allows you to meet and interact with lots of different people with lots of different views. Penn State is a university that is known around the country. Every time I mention that I graduated from Penn State people are excited to ask me about it. The level of pride that students have for Penn State is amazing and when it comes to the workplace if you meet a fellow alumni it will be a SIGNIFICANT advantage to you.

The classes were demanding but not outrageous, there is a lot of flexibility in times and number of classes offered for each course which is a definite plus. However as a freshmen there is a lot of classes that are 100 or more. This sometimes makes it difficult to be motivated. However as you take more classes that are pertinent to your major the classes become significantly smaller. I met some of my best friends and had some of my best times at Penn State and will give back as much as I can and will help out any fellow alumni or student at any time possible. Personally I don't know how you don't love Penn State if you have ever been there.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000