Want to know about colleges/universities in Pennsylvania?

[enviroman]

Originally Posted by Stockholmaren

Just a couple of follow-up questions if you don’t mind?

Which ones of these schools would you say have the best reputations? I’m looking at the University of Maryland (College Park) in particular since they offer a dual degree where you in addition can get a MS with a major in operations research/statistics.

Also, what is the reputation of Villanova (MS programs – not MBA)?

And finally, what areas of Philly would you suggest to start looking into as possible relocation areas? We are in our mid/later 20s, no kids so schools aren’t that important, but we hope to find a diverse and safe neighborhood that is liberal in its thinking. Do those exist? J

Well, I'd say Georgetown has the best rep of those schools followed by UMD (Smith). They are also the only two schools from that list in the USNews top 50 business schools. Temple has a decent regional reputation...and it's the best Philly-area MBA program behind Penn. Rutgers has a decent regional rep, too. Personally, I'd go to Temple, UMD, or Rutgers if I was to score in the low-to-mid 600s on the GMAT. Your GPA was excellent, so you'd have a good shot. If I were you, I'd try and get in another year of work before applying. It can only help you in the admissions process.

I personally dislike Villanova for a few reasons. They are very expensive. They are too expensive for what you "get" in my opinion. I'd say they are roughly the academic equivalent of Penn State but for 3-4 times the cost. If I had not gone to Penn for my undergrad I would have attended PSU. For that reason, I'd say check out places like UMD-College Park over Villanova. Villanova charges over $40k for their MBA program.

Let's check out costs:

Temple $19,980 per year for out-of-state tuition (MBA program).
UMD $23,814
Drexel $45,600 (stay away!)
Rutgers $28,624
Georgetown $33,960
Delaware $7,710

Delaware, the weakest academically of the group, is also the cheapest. The "best bang for your buck" goes to UMD, I think. I'd probably choose Georgetown if I could get in, but I'd cvertainly be happy with UMD.

I'd hold off on relocation areas until you get your GMATs back. Seriously, it's just an added headache. You might not even come to Philly, right? The only Philly school I'd recommend would be Temple, and that's only if you can't get into UMD (which, if you can go to Temple you can go to UMD).

[Stockholmaren]

Bringing this old thread back up again… I’ve finally taken the GMAT, and I’m getting an idea of where to go. Like you mentioned, UMD is one of my choices, but I’ve also looked at Penn State, and didn’t you say you went there? If so, where did you think of the university and the area around it?

[Baltic_Celt]

Hello Enviroman -

I’m not sure this is your forte, but are you able to answer any questions on community colleges? I won’t go too far into my story, until I hear back from you, but I’d be asking questions Re:

1. Where/how to obtain loans to pay for living expenses while attending a 2-yr Dental Hygiene school/program & 1st year of pre-reqs? (I could provide school names, as I have a list.)
2. Suggestions on colleges for pre-reqs?
3. Obtaining loans for school tuition.
4. My chances of getting into school at age 47? No college degree. A few certifications – like computer programming. I took SAT’s in 1970’s.

In any event, I can elaborate if you feel you could help. Thank you so much!

Cheers, then... Baltic_Celt

[Shoteka]

Baltic_Celt:
I went to a comm college after leaving a private school I didnt' like and had a wonderful experience!! There is so much personal attention and smaller classes. It is truly an "in between" of high school and college. The CC I went to offered both specialty programs like dental hygenist school as well as traditional associate degrees (including pre-reqs for the specialty programs). I believe, but am not certain, that this is how most of them work, at least the larger ones. There also is usually no requirements as far as "applying". They callled it an application, but basically, you just "sign up" for classes. As far as financial aid, the school will have an office on campus to assist you with applying for grants/loans/scholarships.

Don't worry about your age, there will most certainly be other adults in your classes who are returning to school as well!

[Shoteka]

also, if anyone else is interested in being a career counselor, this is my dilemna:

I am finishing my master's in political science from So IL Univ this year. I want to move somewhere cRaZy next fall to pursue a Phd in PoliSci.

so, I have a 3.9 gpa from undergrad and 4.0 in grad school. my GRE: 490 verbal, 600 quant and 5.5 writing; (I know- embarrassing, but, on a side rant, I feel like I am proof of how these standardized tests do *not* predict one's ability to succeed in grad school!), I should have decent reccomendation letters

where should I go?! I need to get funding from the school I go to (probably the highest concern) and then I want to know where the best places I have a shot at admission are after that. I really am ignorant of the *rankings* and don't know where I'd be wasting my time applying, but I also don't want to underestimate my chances at somewhere decent.

[chief_x]

Can you please tell me how good (or bad) Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is, an what would my job landing prospects if I graduated from there. I am thinking of attending bcos of cost

[toobusytoday]

This thread is over two years old

Slippery Rock is one of thirteen schools in the Pa state school system- can't get any cheaper if you are a resident unless you go to a community college the first two years. As to a future job, no gurantees at any college. Sorry to be of such little help but at this time of year, the best thing you can do is apply to a wide variety of colleges and see where you are accepted.

[sherese123]

I need need help getting to widener daleware campus from JFK Airport, any advice? Also looking for accommodation close to campus, walking distance and very reasonably priced..

[toobusytoday]

Originally Posted by sherese123

I need need help getting to widener daleware campus from JFK Airport, any advice? Also looking for accommodation close to campus, walking distance and very reasonably priced..

You can take amtrak to Philly or Megabus. I would suggest starting a new thread on the Philly forum since this thread is very old and most Philly forum posters aren't going to glance at one on the state forum about colleges. //www.city-data.com/forum/philadelphia/