Is there a specific reason he chose Berks as his alternate campus?
have you looked into Behrend campus? The Behrend campus (Erie) is a very good campus for engineering. In fact, it’s ranked #22 in Mechanical Engineering at schools where a doctorate program doesn’t exist.
Lots of students start there on purpose because the engineering classes can be weed out classes and they are just as good at Behrend but with smaller classes. Behrend is not a commuter campus. There are a lot of dorms on campus and a vibrant campus community there. The enrollment on campus is larger than Berks as well.
It’s in a safe area outside of Erie. Beautiful campus as well. It’s considered a four-year college in its own right with many majors there that UP doesn’t even have.
If my child were looking to go into engineering, Behrend would be the second (or even first!) choice campus for me. Since your son has already been accepted to Berks, he could likely switch to Behrend campus. Also - be aware, tons of students decide to stay at Behrend because it’s such a nice campus - and they have Mech E. as a 4 year or 2+2 program there.
Coming from OOS - I’d suggest Behrend, Altoona or Harrisburg as the only campuses to consider.
Thank you so much for this detailed information. Very helpful. He picked Berks not knowing any better and based on some quick google searches. Should have researched this more. We will look into Behrend Campus.
@jihpsu@momofrs2021 I agree with @jihpsu that Behrend is a more residential campus and in that way more suitable for an out of state student. However, northwest PA (Erie area) is cold and very snowy. Either Berks or Harrisburg would have a much more moderate climate. All three of these campuses have ABET-accredited 4-year Mechanical Engineering programs.
That is inline with daughters app. She had strong GPA and probably too many APs but they offered, she took and the school is one of the tops in the state. Also, I think you mentioned in another thread “program”. She was accepted into a lesser applied program. PSU is a reach school more for OOS financial than admission. We are hoping for some, it doesn’t have to bring it to instate, but some just so they are in the conversation.
Living in the Harrisburg area, I’m not that sure the weather between Western Pa, and South Central is all that different. Behrend has the Ohio Valley climate to deal with, but I don’t think it’s that different from what we get here in the Harrisburg area. My oldest kiddo has lived in Pittsburgh the past two years and says it isn’t much different then what she grew up with. That being said, she is an in-doors kinda kid - for what that’s worth?
Nope - none at all. Which is maddening - but it’s the way PSU has done things for many years. At least now they have an EA option - which is only a couple of years old. Before the wait was to Jan 31st.
Applied: 11/8
Early action :yes
Decision date: 12/11
College: earth and mineral sciences
Decision/ Major: meteorology
Campus: accepted university park fall 2021
Thank you so much for the tip- I had no idea penn state had special living options! My son did the summer weather camps at penn state and they stay at the honors dorms so we’ve had to set the expectation that the regular dorms may not be the same experience.
Irvin Hall is the opposite of luxury. It’s probably one of the oldest buildings on campus. But it has two things that few other dorms have, charm and close community.
As a parent, you probably wont like Irvin because it’s old. But the kids don’t care. They’re just happy to be among peers. It’s a great community. And the building is close to all his classes.
He can walk over to East Halls for the parties whenever he wants, then go back to Irvin for calm and quiet (kind of).
Penn State gives very little merit aid, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t awarded any. I don’t think that PSU notifies anyone of financial aid until February.
