<p>I'm trying to decide between pitt and penn state. I like pitt more but I have compelling reasons to consider penn state; it will cost me about 10k less a year, and I have family members currently enrolled there that will help me adjust. With that said I'm afraid penn state wil just turn into an elongation of high school, just a bunch of suburban kids with in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do but drink. I've already done 4 years of that and need a break. Penn state also strikes me as being less caring about academics and just obnoxious about football, so idk what to do. Please give me advice on where to go.</p>
<p>How are the perceived disadvantages of Penn State any different from Pitt?</p>
<p>I agree in many respects but 40K is ALOT - but more importantly Penn State WON’T be like your HS because there are tens of thousands of people there with a VARIETY of interests so going there (which I would in your case) will just mean that it is VITAL for you to find the students that DO NOT engage in the things you hope to avoid. The great thing about Penn State is that it is large enough to find nerds, partiers, artists, protestors and everything in between. It’s about how you navigate your own relationships. Good Luck! By the way, it is a top 50 school nationally so it’s still a GREAT Univ.</p>
<p>ucbalumnus - I just feel like the city offers more options than partying. I realise partying is a huge party of college and I will definately partake but I really feel like a city enviornment can offer more to do.</p>
<p>fliqer - I agree that there are all sorts of kids at psu. If you were in my financial situation would you choose psu?</p>
<p>Honestly I would…but only because I know folks who have gone there and those who weren’t interested found that it was big enough to get away from the beer bongs and football (when they REALLY wanted to haha) - just keep your social life in a variety of groups and don’t get caught up into one “click” and you’ll be fine. Is honors college a possibility if you can achieve a high enough GPA? If so than that would really help in terms of getting the intellectual stimulation you seek. Also, I know sometimes we think our “state U” is where everyone goes, but Penn State has enough to satisfy your inner nerd for sure intellectually.</p>
<p>fliqer - thank you for your replies it definately helps to get dfeinitive answers from someone haha.</p>
<p>Most welcome and good luck! Enjoy your college years!</p>