Hi everyone, I just committed to Penn State University Park for Summer and Fall 2015 and had a few questions regarding my future school. First, is there any way to get out of summer session? My family isn’t exactly very well-off and if like to take out as little loans as possible. I also wanted to get a job this summer beforehand, but we didn’t have the money to make the down payment until after the work-study application deadline. Also regarding the timing of my commitment, how plausible is it that I don’t end up in supplemental housing? I was told after April 1st students will most likely be put in supplemental. Finally I have some questions about the Blue Band. Does anyone know if they provide instruments? I saw that they provide baritones, but I play trombone and don’t have my own. I’d prefer to not have to audition on baritone because I’m not nearly as proficient. If anyone can answer just one (or all
- This late, it is extremely unlikely that you could pull the "undecided major switch" card and get out of summer. Summer session is essentially an extra semester cost wise, It was definitely a turn off for me and I wouldn't have gone if I had to go for the summer. However, you're pretty much stuck with it now. You'll learn quickly PSU is not a school for the faint of wallets.
- If you want a job, and really want a job and actively look for one, there is one for you - it doesn't have to be work study
- There is a 99.99% chance you're in supplemental housing
We just paid summer tuition for our daughter
…in state it was slightly under 7k, so about 25% of what we will pay for the fall and spring semester combined. It’s an extra cost for sure, but I don’t consider it a waste because technically she can finish earlier as well. Others don’t see it the same way so you may get differing opinions on that! At this late point, I don’t think there is any way to get out of summer. But you can always try!
State College has lots of job openings in the summer because many of the students have left for the summer. If you want a job, you can find one.
My guess is you will be in supplemental housing at least temporarily.
I would definitely give them a call and explain your situation. I do know someone that got out of summer session for a different reason. That being said, I have heard only positive things about doing summer session. My daughter did not do it and was somewhat overwhelmed when she went in the fall- it took her longer to adjust than my son who got in for fall but chose to do summer session at his sister’s recommendation. Doing the summer session allows you to get used to the campus without 40,000 kids there. By the time fall starts, you will know your way around and will already have friends. So, if you do have to do summer session, I think you will find that you are happy you did! Good luck!
Only way to know is to contact the registrar’s office and give them your reason. If your admission is not dependent on summer attendance (and some are!), you can likely skip it if you ask before the session starts.
I worked all the way through my time at PSU, never had a work-study. Best money in town is working in restaurants and/or bars, work-study just provides the convenience of an on-campus job.
Oh, you’ll be in supplemental housing, but they always expect a certain percentage of dorm-residents to be no-shows or to have to leave early in the semester, and it is likely that you will only be in supplemental for a short time. And if you are one of the few who stays in supplemental, after the rest clear out it isn’t that different from a regular room, and may actually be bigger!
They did not used to provide trombones and I doubt they do now. They audition at the start of each year, if you need to save up for a year to buy your own instrument then that is just what you will need to do!
@cosmicfish Thank you so much! I’ve kind of just accepted that I’ll be in summer, but I signed up for LEAP so I’m sure It’ll be a good time. As far as supplemental housing goes, I’ve accepted that fact as well, but it’s nice to know isn’t all that permanent. Now time to find a trombone…