Pennsylvania State University

Thinking about how close I was to transferring my sophomroe year, I really wish I did. Im now a senior in my last year. I have alot of negatives about penn state, the big ones; the weather, the lack of things to do here, the rudeness of northern people (especially people from philly and new jersey)and the fact that they let in way too many dumb people here.

I wanted the college town experience which state college certainly provides. unfortunately, that just means that there is nothing else here to do but drink. I definitely enjoy doing that, but i am fine with drinking just two or so times a week while most people here do it every night of the week. Another thing I never considered was the guy to girl ratio. 55% males might not seem bad but it is actually pretty terrible with 40.000 plus students

Penn state may seem to have alot of student pride but its really just a constant divide here with people from pittsburgh always going at it with people from philly (and trust me, it will never stop.) People here put pro sports wayyy over college sports and it gets annoying fast. I am out of state and I have to say the people here gave me a whole new appreciation for my home area and the state of maryland.

Greek life is pretty huge here, and i rushed my freshman year but i was pretty fast to realize all the guys were douchbags and all the girls were fake (although very hot.) The bars in state college are pretty awesome but they get old too. Tailgating for the few warm football games is really the only thing i get excited about anymore.

The academics are penn state are very good as well as challenging and even my crime law and justice degree (which most people will write off as easy and ill generally agree) had some tough classes. An internship would have been nice but considering its the middle of nowhere here, that was a no-go. All in all, i cannot wait to graduate and get back to the baltimore-washington dc area. There may be some things Ill look back on and miss but i dont really see that happening.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2012

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Individual Value: D

If you plan to get into the business school, FORGET IT, PLEASE. It's not tough getting in at all. What really pisses me off is the fact that they have "controlled majors." If you want to study Finance you have to have a 3.3 gpa, if you don't then you gotta study something else. What kind of quality of education is this? I thought LEARNING was the most important thing. I NEVER should have transfered there. I had a damn 3.6 when I transferred and guess what? It doesn't matter you got to start all over again. Now I had a 3.0 this semester and I got to get a 3.6-3.7 next semester in order to get into the major I want. These guys are crazy over there. Please if you're an international student or out of state, please invest your 30,000 somewhere like UVA, Vtech, Purdue, UT. Do Not consider penn state. I repeat: Do NOT consider it.

1st Year Male -- Class 2008

Campus Aesthetics: A, Collaboration/Competitive: F

PROS:
"Real College Experience"
- Football games, greek life, parties parties parties
Yes its true you get to go to awesome football games at the legendary beaver stadium, but how much is too much? Greek life is full of total douches in the frats, and douche-loving hobags in the sororities. The entire greek system is self sustained and they dont associate with anyone who is not greek.

- School Spirit
Everyone who goes to Penn State is required to LOVE penn state. People take pride in the fact that we are the #1 party school....uh really?

- Large alumni network
PSU claims to have a huge alumni network, and this is true. You will always see old alumni walking around campus revisiting old landmarks of their 4-5 years here.

CONS:
- Athletes treated like royalty
Its unreal. They do whatever they want, whenever they want- without getting in trouble. This is especially true with football players who are treated like they are holy. Whenever a football player is seen on campus everyone sort of stops and gazes like they see jesus's resurrection. Its incredibly sickening. All the athletes get all the girls so whatever is left is a mix between fat chicks/hicks/internationals/hippies.

- Everyone, EVERYONE is a drunk
9/10 people you will meet drink every night of the week. You will hear there stories the next day during class about how they got "schwasted" and totally banged this chick. People take PRIDE in their drinking, Im sure you have heard of our self made holiday "State Pattys" day.

- Classes for real majors are designed to weed out students
If you are in a worthless major (see: comm, soc, etc.) you will be fine. The business program is alright, but everyone in that school thinks they are headed to wall street or a mega corp after they graduate. People are so stuck up its unreal. Science majors are tough, especially intro classes which are clearly designed to weed out students are ultra hard workers. Classes here are designed for stupid yet hard working students to excel. EVERY class I have taken here requires 99% memorization of ambiguous information, and 1% application. Its infuriating.

-State College sucks
There is nothing to do in State College. Ever.Overall, come to PSU if you want the classic college party experience. Dont come to PSU if you want to be intellectually stimulated, meet real people, and prepare your self for the real world. I am currently in the process of deciding where to transfer.

2nd Year Male -- Class 2012

Perceived Campus Safety: B+, Useful Schoolwork: F