Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Top Questions

There are significant differences between some schools. Differences stem from size, educational focus, region, religion, cost, competitiveness, political leaning, urban/rural location, etc. It is essential to find a school where the student will feel comfrortable and be able to succeed. However, the most important thing is to take advantage of the opportunities provided at whatever college you choose. At most schools, students will be able to find a place to fit in and make the experience their own.

Don't just go to a college because your friends are going there or because thats what everyone from your high school does. Don't pick a school because it looks good on paper. Visit the colleges you are considereing. Pick the place that is right for YOU. Don't let anyone, including your parents, tell you where to attend college. You will be spending your time there, not theirs. I got stuck going to a school that I thought was a good choice, but now that I attend there I don't like it. Make the decision for you. For what you want.

Look at some of the books that are based on both the experience of past students as well as the financial and published data on the school. Talk to students that go there now and definitely go see the school. How the school treats the prospective student is a very good sign as to how the school will treat you when you are there. Dont decide on what kind of school you want Isize, location, reoutation) until you have visited a few of each type. Dont feel like you need to know what you want to do with the rest of your life before you decide. Almost no one does and it takes the pressure off knowing that. Make sure whatever you do, you remember what my grandfather told my father and my father told me. Never let your schoolwork interfere with your education.

The advice I would give about finding the right college is to never give up on a school that you really believe you can attend. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. This is what happened to me...I was told by a previous advisor that I was not good enough to attend Penn State, and I am attending there now! Plus, don't let anyone influence you on where to go. It is your choice, and if you get accepted, go for it. Another thing I would say too is that to make the most of the college experience, balance everything that you do. Workload is always going to be there, and there will always be people edging you to go out and party. What I'm saying is, make a safe balance between the two, and I promise college will be the best years of your life!

Students and parents should visit the campus that they are interested in attending. Try to take a tour of the campus while classes are in, it will help you judge the atmosphere of both the campus and the students who attend. If you are unsure of what you want to do going into school, try to find a school that has a variety of options. It will be easier to stay in the same school rather than transferring. Most campus's will offer freshman or new student orientation or seminars. I found this to be a great help in finding your way around, getting questions answered, and most importantly, meeting new people. By the time college comes around, many students, including myself, are ready to be out and on your own. Try not to get too wrapped up in getting an apartment or house to yourself the first year, living in the dorms gives you a great opportunity to meet new people and life long friends. Be outgoing, meet new people, it is the best way to make your time at college enjoyable and memorable.

A lot of things are important to consider, but I made my decision based purely on how I felt just walking on campus. You have to be comfortable where you are reglardless of how prestigous your program is or how many fraternities and sororities are a part of the greek community.

Do what makes you happy if your happy it doesnt matter how hard things get as long as you can appreciate yourself for trying.

If your child show strong signs of discipline and are not easily peer pressured, then this school will do him/her good. Also if your child lack global vision as well as diversity in their lives then this school is definitely an eye opener. Penn State has so much to offer both academicly and globally. All the teachers teach with an open mind and brings to the class the bigger picture of things.

I would tell them not to stress. They are going to end up where they are supposed to end up, and they are going to love it!

Make sure that you choose a school where you will be able to succeed both socially and academically. When you visit, don?t just take a tour of the campus buildings. Spend a school day with a student, and sit in on some lectures, so that you know what it will be like. Also, visit on a weekend so that you can experience the social scene and experience what students typically do for fun. Don?t just choose a school for its academic prestige, sports programs, or its reputation for great parties. Make sure that you find the right school for you.