Pennsylvania State University

Nobody owes you a living or a good grade. You must earn attention and respect by the merit of your work. Great work (in school or the work world) comes from intense focus and the ability to finish a job in a professional way. Take a page from JoePa - never give up, never let them see you sweat, and act like you've been in the end zone before.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

I initially chose Penn State simply because it was ranked on US News as the 50th school, and accepted people during the Spring admissions. AT THE TIME, it was the cheapest school I could afford. My intention was always to transfer out from Penn State to an Ivy or a somewhat similar school.

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.

1st Year Male -- Class 2007

Collaboration/Competitive: A+, Surrounding City: B

I am double majoring in computer and electrical engineering at Penn State. After 3 years of experience, I can say that my Penn State experience has been fun and rewarding, but the courses were certainly more difficult than I anticipated.

Don't go to Penn State (or any college for that matter) thinking that you won't have to work for what you want. Some of the things I love about Penn State are the incredible people and the sheer diversity of the campus. There is a lot to do here and a lot of fields that you can study. Any interest you might have is well represented here. The teachers are helpful if you go in to office hours and get to know them. The classes are interesting and most of the labs are actually relevant and useful for learning.

Some of the bad things are large classes, too many graduate student TAs (not always the best teachers), difficult course loads (which is what you should expect from any good engineering program), and the expenses of college (which you'll pay anywhere, but I wish were from in state). Overall, I'd say Penn State is a good value and given the choice a second time, I'd choose Penn State again. I've made a lot of really great friends and I feel like I'm learning the material well enough to lead a prosperous career in the future. Good luck to all of you.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2007

Social Life: A+, Innovation: C+