Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Top Questions

To the students and their parents: While finding the right college out of thousands and thousands may seem an overwhelming feat, it might be easier than you think. First of all, do NOT choose a school simply because of scholarships and discounts; these are only perks and do not result in ultimate happiness at a particular school. Choose a school based on your interests such as what classes you might like to take, what activities you might like to be involved in, what sorts of other activities and resources might be available (restaurants, theaters, parks, malls, etc.), even what kind of weather you might enjoy studying in. The best way to discover what is right is not going to be just through pictures, though. Talk to as many people affiliated with a school you may be interested in (phone, email, in person) and make sure to visit the school. Most importantly, pay attention to what YOU want and what you know you will need. Everything else should fall into place just splendidly. Also, if the school doesn't end up being the one, transferring is not impossible! Enjoy your search, and good luck!

Make sure to visit A LOT of different schools. Even if you don't intend on going to them, you should have something to compare with. Never follow your friends. The friends you have in high school probably won't be the ones you have in college. Get involved from the start! The faster you meet new friends, the easier the transition and the more fun you will have. Finally, Make sure you get the overall college experience. Grades are very important but so is socializing. Focus on school but a social life is just as important.

College is all about your personal tastes. When attending a large university, one needs to find smaller groups to be able to settle in. When attending a smallere university, students need to find things off campus to get involved with. College is also about growing up as a person. Experience new things and go on some adventures. Have fun but be safe. Try traveling a little and get out of your comfort zone. Now is the time to make some new discoveries, before you have any true responsibilities like a family.

It has to have to curriculum that you are looking! You got to go and visit the university! You have to love the campus where you will spent every day for the next 4 or 5 years of your life. You have to love the people attitudes around you, those will be your friends for the rest of your life, you have to love the student spirit. You will need someone to motivate you to keep going on! And if you love every single aspect of this you will get the right school. Not always is about getting into Harvard or MIT is about getting the right place for you and your needs.

I would tell students to go on as many campus tours as possible to get a feel for the different campuses. It's extremely helpful to ask current students of the college questions about the different aspects of the school. Once the school has been selected the student can make the most of the college experience by joining different clubs and talking to fellow classmates. Finding a balance between academics and social events will make for the perfect college experience.

Find somewhere that offers a balance between great academics and social experiences. You can only do it once.

When professors and administrators tell you to attend class, listen to them and follow through.

As a current college student, my advice would be to search around for various colleges surrounding your interests. Go to the campuses and explore your options. When you have options, you have choices to build on your future. Try to find that magical fit. It will make your college experience much easier. College is supposed to be rewarding; it is your bridge into adulthood. Try to make the most of this learning process by engaging in new activities. If you have not tried a certain sport, invite friends and play. Attend social events to meet various types of people and learn different cultures. College is different from high school. It is not surrounded by cliques or SATs any longer. It is about making decisions and experiencing the freedom to live your life.

When applying to colleges, I had no idea what to deem as my first choice. Before completing any other applications, I had recieved my "Congratulations" from Penn State for being accepted. This being said, I did not put a whole lot of effort into choosing the right college, since it seems that Penn State really chose me. What advice I can give is about making the most of a college experience. Although the main reason a student attends a college or university is to attain high grades and eventually find a great job, there are other important experiences one should undergo in order to fully appreciate college. After three years of college completed, I'm starting to realize that sometimes studying for that test an extra few hours is not worth missing your friend's birthday party or a football game tailgate. In ten years you will most likely remember the tailgate and not how you could have scored a few points higher on a relatively unimportant test. Finding the right balance between school and fun is important, but as my dad always says, "You have to work hard to play hard!"

If you know what you would like to major in, try to pick a college that is known for that particuluar subject area. If you do not know, then pick a college that has a large selection of majors so when you do decide what you would like to do, you can easily choose it. Another factor in determining the right college is how far you want to be from home, and the size/population of the school. If you are hesitant to attend a large college, but must go there due to your major of choice, there are many ways to overcome the fear or anxiousness of large classes. The best way is to sit up front in all of your classes because you get to know the teachers, and you will forget about the hundreds of people sitting behind you. You can always make a large campus small, but you can't make a small campus large.

Take your time and explore all the available options.

My biggest piece of advice to students choosing their potential college would be to visit all options prior to making a decision. The university that you choose is going to become a big part of your life, and you want to attend somewhere where you feel comfortable, where you can reach your greatest potential, and where you can have the best college experience possible. As soon as I visited Penn State, I knew it was the right place for me. If you make a good decision, your college years will be some of the best in your life, so take your time and pick the place that feels right in your heart. People always tell you that college flies by, and they are absolutely correct. Don't be afraid to get involved in new things and do not take any moment for granted. Whether you are standing in the freezing cold at a football game, cramming in a cubicle at 3AM, or spending a night out with friends, cherish every moment during college. Do not dwell on things that may go wrong or mistakes you may make; they are a part of an experience you will never forget.

The most important advice I have for those students trying to identify the right college is to visit the campus for a tour before accepting. When visiting, it gives a student a true sense if they will feel comfortable living there for the next several years. I also feel it is important to speak with a department head in the student?s major. They are very adept and honest in assessing if the program is a good choice for a specific student. Also, if the intended area of study is known, it is important to search for a college which excels in that program. Making the most of a college experience can be summed easily: GET INVOLVED! When becoming active in a club, sport, professional society, Greek living, or even a study group, it makes your college experience much more inclusive. It is an opportunity to find people who have similar interests, and friendships soon follow. Involvement in activities also allows a student to take a break from demanding school work. Finally, it is important to take in as much knowledge as possible, and go to class! After all, a successful college experience cannot be obtained without completing your degree.

Find a college depending on what you like to do and what you want to do in the future. Don't worry about going somewhere your friends or going or somewhere that is in the right location. You will be able to meet new friends that will become just as good as your last ones and you will be able to spend time with your old friends and family on weekends and breaks. Pick a school that has a positive community and somewhere that you will be able to learn and crack down on studying if need be. While at college, make sure that you really enjoy where you are and if you don't, don't be afraid to transfer to somewhere else that you think you will like. Visit a lot of schools while making your college decision and spend time at each college like you go there. And most of all, make the most of your time while you are at school, it should be a time you never forget.

Plan ahead time for college researching its a huge decision that needs special time for the best results. Its definately not something you can put together in a couple minutes or hours.

Know yourself! If you know what type of learner you are and what you want from a college, you will be able to find a place that meets your needs. There is a college for every student, it just takes a little work to find it. If you put in the time necessary to find information about schools, you will find an environment that works for you.

Dear Prospective College Student, Right now you probably have no idea what is in store for your future college experience. The truth is, is that no one can tell you exactly what college will be like for you personally. I can however, give you some advice about finding the right college and making the most of your experience there. First off, if you're not sure what field of study you're looking into, pick a college that offers a wide variety of academic programs. If you do know what you want to do, then pick a school that shows great promise for that area. You absolutely MUST go visit the campus before you actually make your final choice. Once you feel what it's like to walk on those sidewalks and see those classrooms, you will just know it's right. As for making the most of your four years at college, I cannot stress enough to GET INVOLVED. Be it your academic interest, Greek life, or a hobby, these are the best ways to make friends and feel at home. Get to know your professors, study, but remember grades aren't everything! Best of Luck! Lauren

First, look into the major and what program the school provides. Second, look into financial aid. If the school provides or not. Third, look into the statistics for post-grad. jobs.

I would advice students to have an idea of their possible major so they can narrow down the type of school and what they are known for. Also, they should definately know if they want to be in a city or rural area, the distance to home, and the amount of students the college has. Student organizations and clubs are also a big factor regarding choosing a college and having a great college experience becuase most people want to know they will be able to get involved right away. Parents should have an idea of the safety and transportation on and right outside of campus to ensure the safety of their children. Also, they should definately look into the types of financial aid offered and the percentages of students who recieve this aid.

I would suggest to seriously consider the cost of college. Apply early for as many scholarships as possible and make an effort to talk to professors who teach subjects in the field you are interested. Make sure both parents and students take a tour of the school and get a look at dorms if at all possible.

There are two things you want to look at when you are selecting the right college. The first thing is the atmosphere of the school; if you can feel like your at home while you visit the college than you should know that's the right one for you. The second thing is the schools reputation; if you can mention a schools name and get positive reviews back from many people then you should know that is a great school for you to pick.

Before anyone decides to go to which school they want, they should first asses their personality and preferences. If a student wants to be a well-rounded and socially developed person, it would be wise to choose a bigger school. If a student tends to be more socially awkward or solely interested in the development of their academics, its best to choose something smaller.

The advice I would give to parents is to be very supportive in helping thier child find tha right college. Help them to be beaware of everything they need to support them in college. For students my advice is to not just find a college that looks exciting and highly ranked, but compare it to your academic abilty or your academic potential. Also, don't just focus on that aspect of college, but think about finances as well.

Although I am mostly happy with my college experience so far, there are a few things I would encourage students applying for college to research and take note of before choosing a college. One, I would make sure to tour your final choices of colleges before accepting. I did not do this, and while I am completely satisfied with the campus environment, things could have turned out much differently if I had shown up to campus for orientation and hated the campus. Also, I would advise those applying to and considering colleges to make sure to call the financial aid office before accepting to see how much the school is able to give to a student in your financial situation, if financial aid is something you need to attend. While I am really glad I go to Penn State and am really enjoying myself here, the financial aid allotted to a student like myself is not nearly enough to cover the cost of education. Make sure to consider the costs of all four years at the school of your choice, and whether that is realistic for you.

Visit all campuses you apply to. With that do some research on dropout rate, average GPA, etc... Most importantly, go to all of your classes!!

In choosing a college be aware of the surrounding areas and how adaptive the student may be. Change is good but not always the easiest thing to deal with. Choose a place in which the student can learn and succeed in anything they choose. If the student is very self-motivated and not easily distracted, a bigger campus may not impeed on their success. If a student is easily distracted and losses focus easily, a smaller campus, may be the optimal choice. College is a great experience that can be a great investment, invest in a place that best suits the student attending that institution.

I would recommend that the student seriously consider what he wants in a school. Sure, a fun major will let him enjoy his college experience more, but will it assure him success after college? Selecting a college is very much like choosing the rest of your life: you will meet friends, live in a different area, and learn about a new field, all which will lead to significant life changes. The student must consider all advantages and disadvantages of attending a certain school, then make an educated decision with the help of family, friends, and guidance counselors. College is too expensive and time consuming to make a rushed decision. As cheesy as it may sound to the student, he should complete personality questionnaires and aptitude tests to find out what kind of program would suit him best. By evaluating his abilities and taking his preferences into account, he can choose a major that will best suit him. Lastly, the student should consider what kind of social scene he wants at school. The social scene can either augment the college experience, or provide the distraction that make academics difficult.

get the students involved

Choosing a college and area of study is an intimidating process for many students. College years arethe time where one develops and matures academically and personally. The decision making procedure is largely affected by factors like credibility, standards of admission, family legacy, and cost. However, one important piece is missing. Attending a university is essentially moving out on one's own, living independently, and is a great learning experience for four years. In those four years, happiness is the most important factor. Students should choose a school that they feel passionately about, that one school that when they visit, they think, this is home. Choose a school that you are proud of. Choose a school that as an alum you can be loyal to. Choose a school that will be a happy home for the best four years of your life.

I'll admit that finding the right college for you is a difficult task. However, its not impossible. The most important part of finding out where you want to go to college is first finding out who you are as a person. You must ask yourself simple questions: like how far away from home do I want to be?, do I want to go to a big/small school?, would I prefer a rural/urban setting?, what schools offer my intended major?, and so on. Once you are able to answer these you will have a much more selesctive list of possible colleges. All you have to do now is compare them. If possible go and visit the college campuses or view their websites. Ask people who have attended/currently attend the college what it is like. The more you find out about colleges the easier it will be to choose. Just remember to relax and take your time. College is supposed to be an enjoyable experience so if you choose a college that just isn't for you don't worry...you can always change your mind.

Take time and make the right choice when you can do so with ease, rather than making a bad choice and having to re-evaluate later.

Finding the right college is like finding the perfect pair of jeans. As a college hopeful, you will try on what seems like a thousand pairs - some are too small, some too big, others look nice, but are just too expensive. And as often as you find a pair that looks nice on the rack, when you try them on, you'll find they're just not your style. But when a college has everything you need - the right major, the right social scene, and the right atmosphere - there is nothing that should stop you from attending. Pick a college that you're proud to attend, and one that you can see yourself attending for the full term of your undergraduate education. It isn't all about getting into Harvard or Yale - your education is only as good as you make it, and it is important to choose a school where you feel challenged yet adequate. Visit campuses as often as you can, because no matter how often you have heard it before, it's true - you'll know when you find the perfect fit.

Consider how big the campus is and what kind of person you are. I believe the biggest thing is time managment and with a big school you are going to have many distractions that you have to turn down.

To find the right college, you can't be afraid to leave home. It seems scary at first, but as long as you find somewhere that seems appealing to you, you will be fine. Also, don't be afraid to meet new people. There are so many different types of people out there with so many good qualities that can only help you to become a better person. I know I have met so many amazing people at school that have helped me become the person I am today.

Don't limit your child to what schools they can attend based on how far away it is from your home. It is important for them to find the place that they fit in best. 4 years is a long time, you don't want to have to live with that mistake. College is supposed to be an experience for the child, let them decide.

Finding the right college can be hard, for the parents as well as the students. One has to be able to go out and visit colleges. The students have to find out as much information about the school, finalcial aid, and the opportunities that students have when attending a particular college. Little things like these make a big difference when making the college decision. As for the parents, they have to be involve in the college process as much as they can so that their children see the interest in them finding the right school. Because at the end of the day that school will bring the best out of their kids. To sum up, all i can really say is stay focused, do your research, stay in contact with the school, visit the college and never give up.

Don't worry so much about the prestige of the name of the school. You can get a great education from a state school or smaller school. You should go to a school and pay in-state tuition instead of burdening yourself with large student loans after graduation. Student loans are an inconvenient burden. Plan ahead and be smart when picking a school. Be realistic about what you're getting and what you're paying.

Do what you love! I cannot stress how important it is to follow your heart! Don't go to college just because your parents expect you to, because your friends are going, or even because that particular school is well-known; go because you want to and because you know that you will receive exactly what you intended to receive upon graduation. If you have a love for the arts, major in something related; don't listen to anyone who tells you that you can't make a living off that major. If you have the drive and the passion for it, you can make a living off it, because you won't stop for anything until you reach that goal!

Before applying to colleges and accepting enrollment offers make sure you plan out all financial aspects. Money is the last thing you want to be worrying about while trying to focus on schoolwork and have fun with your friends.

visit the school with your parents and with a friend. When you actually get to school get involved and have fun!

Take your time when searching for a college. The best schools are those that fit your needs. These are the universities and colleges that suit your preferences and provide all that the student needs to successfully complete their studies. Consider the quality of education the potential instution will provide, the impact this school will have on your family life, and life after college. It is a alot to consider but it is certainly worth some deep thinking.

Visit and stay with a student. It will give you a true feeling of the school.

Every person can find that college that fits them. Most of all, when you get to college fund clubs, sports, anything to become involved in. The more you become involved... the luckier you feel to be at such a wonderful place. Most importantly... Apply to Penn State!

College is the part of your life that helps to define you as the individual you want to be. You are on your own for the first time, meeting hundreds of new and interesting people, and learning more about yourself than you thought you ever would. College is supposed to be a great time where you experience the things that life has to offer you and give you insight on your future. However, one thing that many people forget, is that you are there for one thing first above everything else, an education. You, by yourself, have to balance your life style so that you ensure your education and enable your social life to its max, with respect to your education of course. With this in mind, you have to decide on which college is right for you to begin with. Don't let little things play major roles in this decision, such as your friends going to certain schools and the distance from home. You have to find a school that lets you be you and gives you the education you need to be what you want to be and where you want to be.

The best advice that I can give to one in search of the best fitting college would be that they keep their goals in mind. The student may not yet know what they want to be or what they want to do, but they must remember what they want to achieve not only academically but also socially and in their lives. One must ask oneself: Can I reach my full potential here? If the school has the ability to open your mind to all that you feel is important, then so be it. That school will probably be the best. Do not base your decision on where your friends go or how much money you will make. Base your decision on what will allow you to go the furthest that you possibly can.

I believe it is extremely important to visit all of the colleges that you apply to because it allows you to experience the campus and see if it is a good match for you. In addition, consider all of the elements about each school such as size, setting (urban, suburban, rural), distance from home etc because although some of these may seem like minor facts in your decision when you actually arrive at a school that is ten hours away from home and you realize you are homesick you can't really do anything about it. Also, you may want to seriously begin thinking about what you would like to major in because different schools are very well known for certain programs/areas of study. Lastly, if you fall in love with a school that is way out of your price range, don't rule it out just yet, there are many ways you can go about financing your education, don't let your dream die just because you think it's too expensive.

If it was the parents who were looking for the right college, I would tell them to pick a local college so they would still be close to their family & be able to spend time at home as much as possible. And odds are that a parent is going to school for a degree, not to try and relive their youth and socialize with students in the prime of their life. So for those parents, in order to make the most of their experience, I would highly suggest working hard to earn high grades & complete schooling as quickly as possible while still learning the material. To students, I would highly suggest not letting family members heavily influence your decision. To be encouraged to go to a certain school is normal, but to be afraid to go against this encouragement in order to make your own college choice is a monumental error. I've been in the situation, and you need a minute amount of stubbornness to pick your own college that is right for you. You can make the most of your college experience simply by not taking life too seriously, or else you'll never learn from your mistakes.

All students must find the balance between academics, community service, and social interaction. Every student has their perfect college, you have to give the college the chance to be right. When you find that perfect college, you'll know. They'll get the feeling that this is the one for me. Every college can be a good college, the student just has to put their mind to it, and be determined to work for what they want. Don't be afraid of asking for help, upperclassmen have been in the same place, there are many resources on campus, to help you adjust and become a better student. Don't be afraid, that is what they are there for. Parents are always worried about their children and their safety, but they must trust in how they raised their children, that they will continue to practice their teachings. Mistakes will be made, but it must be trusted that one will learn from these mistakes. Students must realize that they are getting a privaledge to attend college, and that their are certain experiences that are once in a life time, and should be enjoyed. But remember what your there for, an EDUCATION!

Look at schools in Canada

Let your kids make the choice. Be smart enough to show them places that you feel they would like but allow them to make the decision. You've been making the right decisions for them for a long time and the sooner you let them start making decisions for themselves the better off they will be. In college they will have to make all of their decisions on their own and it's better if you put them in a place they will be happy and able to do their best. You have to trust their judgement and then encourage them in whatever path they decide to take. Even if they pick a college that you as a parent may not have made, be supportive of them and let them go into it with a positive attitude. Encourage them to succeed and do well meet new people. However allow them to do it at their own pace and become their own person away from you. Let them find a place where they will be comfortable transitioning from childhood to adulthood.