like do they go to parties to or are they more academically focused? Im asking because I dont like to party and drink, I was wondering if going into the honors college would be a good choice for me, in terms of being around people with same interests.
@Ajpat123 I’m not sure about specifically Schreyers, but there is a Special Living Option (SLO) that is for non drinkers/partiers etc where similar minded people live on the same floor etc…Perhaps that’s an option vs. Schreyers if you don’t get into Schreyers (it’s a lower acceptance rate than UP admissions)
do you attend penn state? How is it for shy/reserved kids? Im the type of person who will join clubs and activities but it will take me awhile to open up, is PSU a bad fit for me? I was wondering if the Penn State atmosphere rubs off on most people like me.
I am nota student there, but I am an alumni as is my husband and my daughter is a freshman there this year. PSU has 40,000 students and nearly 1000 clubs. It is possible for anyone to make Penn State whatever they want. There are plenty of things to become involved with. My daughter has yet to go to a frat party and she’s fit in just fine. Don’t believe the hype about it being a party school. There are certainly parties, but I think there is plenty of space for those not interested as well.
The PSU atmosphere is loved by all types. I think you will be just fine.
Thanks for answering, I was starting to get annoyed by all these PSU Party School posts. Im going to visit the campus to see If I like it.
@Ajpat123 I am not a student at PSU UP but my son is and he is not a big partier and is/was a quiet kid and I think he is very happy. Quiet/kids will do fine at PSU BUT you do have to really make effort to put yourself out there and meet people and join clubs and go to events. I know it’s hard but it’s worth it. Also, don’t be discouraged if a particular club or activity is not for you, just move on and try something else. You will find your fit.
Every college is party school to some extent and big sports schools even more so, but that doesn’t mean that partying is necessary or required to have a great time.
Does the size of the campus intimidate people? is it hard to find mentors?
As you know the campus is large as is the student body, so yes initially I would think the campus and the volume of student can be intimidating. But like anything else you get used to it, you get to know your way around and you have friends. I don’t think that intimidated feeling lasts very long. Of course, if you come from a big city or big high school it might be less intimidating. But again, the transition from high to college is intimidating until you get the hang of it. So, based on my limited experience, if you think PSU is a good fit for you I wouldn’t let the size of the campus sway my decision. Also, in my opinion, the UP campus is very beautiful.
As for finding mentors, I can’t answer that question but I think that rests with you and your determination to locate a mentor.
Are you considering any other “smaller” schools? My middle daughter wants big. My older daughter attends UDel and the 17k students is her limit of how big she wanted. I have a friends daughter who wants to go small (nothing more 2,500 students.
Not saying PSU won’t be great for you. But, its something to look at.
Another thing to consider is that engineering students (you’re MechE, right?) often have to spend a decent amount of time on their studies if they want to cut it. Either way (Schreyer, engineering, clubs, societies) you can find a smaller group of people who are dedicated students and/or don’t party much.
True, Im not too worried.
lol. I am in the Honors college and I will tell you there is a crowd for anyone there. Whatever you are into, there are people there that will have the same interests as you. Yes, we are focused on our academics and our studies, but we have fun as well.
@jlhpsu by “UP,” do you mean UPenn? And where did you find the admit rate for Schreyers/what is the admit rate? Thanks.
Hope jlh doesn’t mind me answering, but I happen to have that article about last year’s acceptance rate in my search history…
@TheLiberalPanda UP = University Park, the Penn State main campus.
http://news.psu.edu/story/348974/2015/03/19/academics/record-number-applicants-schreyer-honors-college-class-2019
There were “3,721 applications received for the incoming freshman class” last year; there are only 300 spots total; 300/3721 = 8.06%.
oh… I’m a klutz.
That’s an insane rate. I hope my app is strong enough. Kinda wish they looked at SAT scores; I think that’d boost me a bit, but w/e
@bodangles don’t mind st all. That’s the article I’d have posted too 