Pennsylvania State University

Academically, Penn State offers a decent course. I just feel underwhelmed by my classmates who find the courses difficult. I'm taking a copious amount of credits, juggle clubs and other things, and I find it depressing I have friends who struggle with the bare minimum when I'm cruising through courses just by attending classes and not owning most course books. Having said that, there are several bright people in Penn State, and I gather that they're more interesting and driven than Ivy brats.

Penn State's academics leave something to be desired, but the faculty are excellent and friendly, and willing to help. ALWAYS find time to talke to the professors, you'll be surprised by what they have to offer OUT OF CLASS. The administration doesn't treat you like a statistic, and from the shit fest of paperwork I've stirred up, I'd dare say that Penn State has an efficient administrative system.

Socially, Penn State is like many schools - diverse on paper, segragated in reality. If you're a minority, be prepared mentally because 9 out of 10 students are white and from PA. Like many other schools, the races stick to themselves, but since everyone is friendly you'll be able to find interesting people (though hard) to befriend. Parties are run-of-the-mill, and all the parties I've been to have exposed me to the same faces (as far as minorities are concerned). The international students also stick to themselves nationally, and there seems to be little interaction cross nationally. Penn State does a good job of organzing activities like late night movies and caffeine induced poetry sessions for fat goths and greasy nerds though.

I think this deserves special attention, so: PENN STATE IS DEAD MUSICALLY. UNLESS MAROON 5 IS RIGHT UP YOUR COCKROACH INFESTED ALLEY, FORGET ABOUT EVER BEING ABLE TO CATCH A COOL BAND IN CONCERT. Don't ever entertain lofty dreams of listening to decent bands play. The alternative scene here consists of smoking AFTER you've hit the bars.

Having said all that, if you're white and like to not be challenged, come on down to lil' ol' State College. If you're an international student like me who feels cheated little effort is required to attain anything here, apply somewhere else, which is exactly what I'm doing. Props to the Econs department though, they kick ass.