Penn State - Top School (house, universities, reputation)

[londonbarcelona]

We're taking our daughter to visit next week. I figure probably a lot of people here have attended. Can you tell me a little bit about it?
It's got a GREAT reputation.

[claremarie]

I went to Penn State many years ago. Most of what you need to know about PSU can be found in any college guidebook. I would only add that large state universities are not for everyone. They are great for disciplined, motivated students, who will seek out challenging courses and make the most of the wonderful resources available at any large university. But it is very easy for other students to fall through the cracks, and Penn State's relatively low four-year graduation rate makes that clear.

[Katiana]

Penn State's relatively low four-year graduation rate makes that clear.

Similar to the rates of most all major "flagship" public universities. You might take a look at some of the smaller colleges in W. Pa, too, while you are in the area.

[Tallysmom]

Originally Posted by londonbarcelona

We're taking our daughter to visit next week. I figure probably a lot of people here have attended. Can you tell me a little bit about it?
It's got a GREAT reputation.

I attended PSU in 1981-1982 for my junior and senior terms. I liked it well enough, but I was engaged to my husband who was there, and we hung out with another married couple.

So I was a few years older and definelty more settled than most kids.... I also lost my dad the first term there... so I faced some seriious hardships emotionally and financially that a lot of kids didn't face.

I did however go while they still had the "Little Sisters" program at fraternities -- and I managed to get myself blackballed, after another high school chum dragged me to a party to try to get me to join.

At that point, Greek life was BIG... and all the frat boys bore the same nicknames as "Animal House".

[londonbarcelona]

Originally Posted by claremarie

I went to Penn State many years ago. Most of what you need to know about PSU can be found in any college guidebook. I would only add that large state universities are not for everyone. They are great for disciplined, motivated students, who will seek out challenging courses and make the most of the wonderful resources available at any large university. But it is very easy for other students to fall through the cracks, and Penn State's relatively low four-year graduation rate makes that clear.

Well Penn is my daughter's "safety" school. We've done a ton of research on schools. She's a shoo -in. *smile* Penn is her "safety" school.

[suzeeq521]

I'm confused - Penn is her "safety" school, but she's still looking at PSU? Why?

[londonbarcelona]

Originally Posted by suzeeq521

I'm confused - Penn is her "safety" school, but she's still looking at PSU? Why?

LOL, yes because she wants NYU. We visit NYC October 13-16. SHe has an interview and all that lined up there. But penn is a great school for a campus type life, NYU is a city campus - very different. Not sure which one she will like. She's also interested in U of Miami, but she'll get in there for sure also.

We are looking at Penn because she is not sure she even wants to go there. She does not want to go to school in Pa. We're hoping to change her mind. It's a long story, PM me and I'll tell you privately.

[Katiana]

That confused me, too. I think londonbarcelona means "Penn State" is the safety school. Just curious lb, is she a Pennsylvania resident? If not, she may not be a "shoo-in", b/c most state universities give preference to in-state residents. The college app process is a pain, is it not? I've gone through it with two kids.

[londonbarcelona]

Originally Posted by pittnurse70

That confused me, too. I think londonbarcelona means "Penn State" is the safety school. Just curious lb, is she a Pennsylvania resident? If not, she may not be a "shoo-in", b/c most state universities give preference to in-state residents. The college app process is a pain, is it not? I've gone through it with two kids.

Her SAT's are way above what they are looking for, she's been recruited. Our toughest part has been getting her to be "ok" with an east coast school. It's been a huge struggle to get her excited about colleges back east. She really wanted USC or UCLA. But we'll be living full time in PA by then and part time in Florida by the time she starts school. All of her friends are going to CA universities or staying in AZ. It's a long story, PM me or email and I'll explain. Thanks

[londonbarcelona]

Originally Posted by londonbarcelona

Her SAT's are way above what they are looking for, she's been recruited. Our toughest part has been getting her to be "ok" with an east coast school. It's been a huge struggle to get her excited about colleges back east. She really wanted USC or UCLA. But we'll be living full time in PA by then and part time in Florida by the time she starts school. All of her friends are going to CA universities or staying in AZ. It's a long story, PM me or email and I'll explain. Thanks

I just sent you a message, I'm not sure I did it correctly.... Hope you get it.