Pennsylvania State University

Penn State is a wonderful experience if you try to branch out and get involved in clubs(100's of clubs and intramurals). Yes there will be some very large classes for 100 and 200 level classes but personally it doesn't effect me at all(just get there slightly early and sit in the front and you have the same feel as a small class room experience). Once you get into the 300 and 400 level courses classes will be between 15-30 students. If you enjoy sports this is the school for you. The football games will be some of the best times of your life and do live up to the hype. Even if you do not enjoy football, this is an entirely different experience with the spirit and chants. There are plenty of other sports to watch to which include, Volleyball(4 year straight women's champs/very fun experience with the band and most games are sold out at rec hall), Basketball(up and coming program with our new coach), wrestling, baseball. There is somewhat of a heavy greek life at this school however, I am not part of a fraternity and there are plenty of opportunities to party without being involved in Greek Life. The academics are challenging if you want to pick the difficult classes and most professors are very friendly and are willing to work with you. Some negative reviews I read were about how jerky the Frat guys are and how they are all drunks; I would say this is true some of the time however there are plenty of nice Frats guys that really do help the community. My simple answer if you are worried about these "bros" just don't get involved with greek life. I am excited for the next 3 years. WE ARE.....PENN STATE!!! The grade I would give my school is an A+...with my bias aside I would give my school an A- or 91/100.

1st Year Male -- Class 2014

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Faculty Accessibility: B-

I went to PSU and had a great experience. Let's start with the positives:

1. It is a great place to learn, especially if you aren't really sure what you do after graduation, as there are hundreds of quality degrees.

2. Greek life was great when I was enrolled. (it is in the toilet now, as the President of the University, the local police, and the community hate anything and everything with greek letters.)

3. Football weekends were (and are) amazing times.
4. You will make friends for life, regardless of what club or group you join.
5. My degree has been worth its weight in gold in the three jobs I've had since graduation.
Negatives:
1. The school treats the engineering program like a red-headed step child. The facilities are crap and the university caters to the "honors college," not the vast majority of undergrads that are "average students."

2. School President has done nothing but tarnish and ruin the university. He is all about making a name for himself instead of looking out for the well-being of the student body.

3. People like to talk about diversity or the lack thereof at PSU, but the truth of the matter is that each race/clic/group/religion would segregate themselves from everyone else. I came to PSU with an open mind, but left feeling disgusted at the attitudes of certain student populations.

4. Athletes receive special treatment and are virtually immune from discipline from the school or city at all times. It is borderline ridiculous on what a football player can do without any consequences...

5. The weather is horrible for the last part of the fall semester and about 75% of the spring semester. It's windy, rainy, snowy, and bitterly cold.

6. I enjoyed drinking during my tenure, but if you do not partake in alcoholic beverages, do not plan on attending. While saying this, I truly belief this to be the norm of most large, public colleges in the nation.

5th Year Male -- Class 2001

Social Life: A, Individual Value: F

Although Penn State is in the middle of nowhere, the social life is off the hook. Frat houses are mostly two blocks from the main road of this college town. The campus itself is huge and keeps expanding because the school has tons of money to spend. The level of education is excellent although I learnt mostly outside of classroom. People are extremely nice. The school spirit is awesome. Everywhere you go people call you Jo Pa. In conclusion, this is school should be in the top of your list if you aren't aiming for Ivy schools.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000