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!