Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Top Questions

You have to go somewhere that feels like home. Visit as many schools as possible and one school will give you these feelings like you belong here. Make unofficial visits and stay with friends that are already attending to experience the real college life you will live. Take every oppertunity that is given to you, try almost everything once. College is four years of your life that you do not want to regret after you leave. The responsibilities are important but to really make the most of the experience you need to be irresponsible at times. Parents need to let the kids make the decision because in the long run, the kid will be there for four years. Even if money is a problem be positive. Colleges do help out people that are really in need and deserve money for an education. You do not pick a college, a college picks you!

I would tell parents and students to see the schools for more than a few hours before they make their decisions so they could get a better feel for the university. I would also not suggest that they go to specialty weekends(i.e. a minority recruitment weekend) for their school because it gives a biased view of the school. Going at a time when school is in session and seeing the whole student body is best. I would also take into account the means by which you can get to school because travel expenses are more than you think. When you do choose a school, i would say getting involved as soon as possible makes the transition easier because you meet people who are older that you and they guide you through things. It provides a sturdy foundation for your college career from the start. Also i would tell them to make sure they get good grades and to take their first semester slow, because getting off on the right track usually keeps you on the right track.

Start searching as soon as possible and consider the things you like and look for that in a school.

I would say that you should definitely visit the campus to get a feeling of what it's like. And never listen to anyone who says that a state school is never as good as a private, because it simply isn't true. There are many, many opportunities at state schools, from research to internships.

Make sure you really research where you would like to be. Check out the campus, the student life, the extra curricular activities, where the campus is located. Be aware of the size of the school, whether you prefer smaller classes or if you don't mind larger classes. Once you have done your research thoroughly and have selected the school, go in with an open mind of the following four years of your life. Take every opportunity that arises and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Take advantage of what is offered to you at the campus you have selected. Get involved. These four years are going to be some of the best of your life, make the most out of them.

Look at all of your options and see what school best fits your interest. Do as much homework as you can looking into each school choice. Also, make sure you take visits to each school if you can.

College is about expectation. You need to know how a school will benefit you in the long run, while leaving some wiggle room for experience and growth. Choosing a college with a good reputation for graduates and career opportunities is key, however activities and clubs are equally important. The biggest aspect of attending college is being able to find your own voice; the opportunity to explore interests and learn who you are at the deepest levels is essential to success in your future. Expect to be challenged. Expect change. Expect the unexpected. Professors can only give you so much material and lecture for short time. The most important teacher you will have is yourself. Your own education is what you will make of it.

What I would suggest as advice to parents and/or prospective students of any college is for them to do their research on what programs will be a best fit for the prospective student. I would also suggest that they do their research on financial aid, if they need it, you never really know what's out there as a financial resource. As a possible result of not doing research, you may pass an opportunity of a lifetime!

Make sure you can afford it before you enroll so that you don't graduate with a lot of student loan debt.

You have to look into your own heart and know what is best for you. You can't just do what you think everyone else is doing or follow the crowd, be an independent. When it comes to looking for the right school, take everything into consideration. Do you want to go far away or stay close? And are there a lot of things to do on campus and in town? Trust me it all matters, a lot. Also, if you think you aren't going to get into school because of your grades or SAT scores, think again. I was not the best student in high school, I didn't do so well on the SAT's, and I am really not the best student now. But I got into college, and it is a good experience even just to be here. You should go where you want to go, and visit the school before you apply. I went to another school before Penn State and ended up transferring after a semester. It's a tough process. So follow your heart and listen to only yourself when it comes to making this decision. Good Luck!

There are many things that you need to look for in a college. Most importantly - you need to find a place that fits you. You need to find a school where you can learn and have fun, and meet new people and form long lasting relationships. You need a community that can foster your growth and help mold and shape you into a better person. Sure, cost, location, and other factors do matter - but college is a once in a lifetime opportunity and will ultimately shape the rest of your life. There is no wrong choice, other than not going at all. You need to find a college where you'll be happy, one that fits you and your personality. You can become active and make your education personal, and take out from your education what you want. I know I made the right choice to attend Penn State - and with events like Thon, I make my time count. I'm proud to say... WE ARE PENN STATE.

Not sure, meet as many people as you can and have fun

If I were to give advice to another person on how to find the right college I would tell them to do what they want instead of what other people want. In order to get the most out of your college experience, you need to know what your expectations are for yourself. If you want to come out of college with a paying job, you should look into colleges that have a high rate of placement at the time of graduation. Going to school based on what you want and not what other people want is the key to getting the most out of your college experience. You also need to research the weather at the colleges you plan on attending. Making sure you are happy with the temperature and weather is another important key to your success. Being miserable at a campus with weather you don?t like will only prove to make you less productive and unmotivated. When finding a college, the bets advice I can give anyone is to find the college that is right for you, and you will be successful.

Concentrate on the studies, making sure homework assignments are complete and accurate. In college, students are on their own. Students are responsible for being up to date in their classroom assignments. If there are changes, the professors tell the students at the onset of the semister where to find updates and changes, they do not remind the students daily. Attending a small campus right out of high school makes the transition easier for the sheltered high school graduates. The class sizes are smaller, the professors are more available. As the campus is smaller, there is the feeling of security. However, having completed al most a year and a half, I am ready to transfer to the main campus. I work part time and am able to balance school work and work as both the school are my employer have been flexible. Remember you are paying for this education, make the best of it!

Find the school that whets your appetite for a lifetime of learning. The one that reflects your interests, complements your personality, and helps you grow academically, emotionally, and socially. The one that gives you a sense of nostalgia even if it is the first time you have visited the campus, because that feeling will only intensify during and following the years you spend there. And make the most of your experience by exploring. Explore the geographic region, explore the campus activities, explore your desires and allow them to manifest themselves into actively trying new and different things. Crack an egg into a skillet, and recognize that this should be you. No, not on drugs, as the 90s TV commercial might suggest. It represents you breaking out of your shell and exploring what the universe and the university have to offer!

Go to a school that you will be able to explore for the entirety of the next 4 years without getting bored.

The key to finding the right school is the moment you step foot on campus. Once you're in the environment, see the buildings, feel the energy of the students, and see the livelyhood of the school, you know if it's for you or not. While you can research school reviews, everyone's opinion of each school is different. Find the one that's right for you, not your friends, parents, or teachers. College is the best four years of your life, so pick somewhere that you'll be able to enjoy your four years, learn about yourself, and develop relationships to last a lifetime.

Finding the perfect school can be a daunting decision to make. Through my 3 years at Penn State, I've learned there are three aspects of a university that can make the decision easier, and most successful in the end. First, find a school with a wide range of strong academic programs, because at 17, you don't always know what you want to do. If you change your mind mid way, you should be able to switch majors easily and with confidence in the new program you may select. Second, look for a school that has a wide range of extracurricular activities available, this will be one of the greatest ways to make life long friends, and prepare you for the real world - learning how to juggle numerous activities. Finally, find a school with a strong Alumni base. Take the opportunity to talk with them and learn from them. They will help you throughout your undergraduate years as well as be a wonderful tool for finding a job after graduating. This is an exciting and important step in life. When making this decison, make sure to follow your heart. You want to be happy wherever you are.

Finding the right college is really based on the needs of the students - that includes geography, people, climate and most importantly - does the school provide enough resources to successfully land you a job when you're done? Everything else is secondary.

My advice would be to find out as much as you can about any colleges that you or your child are thinking about attending and always make sure to apply to more than one. By researching the different colleges (and visiting them if you can) you can really get a feel if the school is right for you. Make sure to talk with past students but try not to be too swayed by strong opinions. What didn't work for them might work well for you. If you take the time to look closely at all the different aspects of a college, it is less likely that you with be surprised or disappointed by anything. And when you aren't worrying about how things are going to work out and you've found a school that is the perfect fit, you can enjoy yourself to the fullest and really make the most of your college experience.