I myself was recently admitted into University Park with the intended major of mechanical engineering with the Summer 2019 session. I’m interested to know how people feel about the summer start option, and if it is a good program/if people have enjoyed or found it beneficial in the past.
@ewidlake there is a thread at the top pinned about summer:
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/penn-state-university-park/1735995-summer-courses-leap-and-others.html#latest
However, I will throw my 2 cents in.
downsides:
- extra cost
- lose part of summer
- no real “break” between HS and college
- less activities/organizations to get involved in
- dorms get hot - bring a fan! (or two?)
upsides:
- adjust to campus when there are fewer people on campus
- figure out how to live with a roommate / dorms / dining halls
- summer is a fun time in State College
- adjust to being a college student
- 6 bonus credits may get you in front of the line for registering for Spring
- take a labor intensive class in summer (ie. English) since less classes and not football season
- classes are a bit more chill in summer
- smaller class size (LEAP is 24)
- make friends in a smaller environment
Guess which side I lean on?
My daughter did summer LEAP and loved it. I’d recommend it to anyone if the cost is not a factor. Those 6 credits really get your feet wet and you aren’t a deer in the headlights freshman when fall start rolls around. You have a little better lay of the land and can hit the road running into a full credit load. It is an extra cost for room/board/tuition, but I felt it was worth it and so did my daughter.
Daughter felt it was the best decision she ever made. Really helps with the transition into college life.
LEAP is awesome. One of the best things PSU does. I know PSU alum who are years removed from school who are still meeting up with former LEAP pride friends. The advantage of starting in summer can make all the difference.
My D17 would completely agree LEAP is awesome - and she did NOT want to go at first. Was the best summer of her life and those two classes helped her so much. She met her best friends, State College is beautiful in the summer, there’s stuff to do, the list goes on and on… If my son decides to attend PSU, he will be doing LEAP and is happy about it. When we asked around about it two years ago, we could not find anyone who did not recommend LEAP. If it’s affordable, don’t let it hold you back from PSU.
What is the difference between LEAP and the regular summer program?
@kesnyder5 The regular summer program is just summer classes. You can look at Lionpath and see what classes are offered - you can see class size and where and when the classes are offered. There will be a mix of incoming freshmen and upperclassmen who are staying for their own reasons (summer jobs, athletes, changing majors so need to get caught up, etc).
LEAP is a defined program - you sign up for a “pride” - which is two classes taught with the same cohort of students. Class size is 24 people. You will get to know those 24 people well, which can be great. You will have an upperclassman mentor - their job is to encourage social activities and they will help you navigate campus at the beginning. Like any other thing, some mentors are great and really plan fun activities, while other mentors are more ‘meh’.
Typically, a pride consists of either English or CAS (Speech Communication) paired with another class, although their may be one or two prides that are not Engl//CAS. English and CAS are freshman requirements for everyone, so some kids like getting their writing course (English) out of the way with only one other class to work on in summer. You can look at prides and choose something interesting that might be in your major - agriculture, business, engineering, etc. - or you can take general education requirements (a science credit). Some kids like taking a class in their intended major so they meet other kids that will be in the same college, while others would prefer to meet a broader range of students - your call. There is also the AURORA - outdoor orientation program - which is raved about by participants.
I am guessing by your photo that you might not be destined for Penn State? But hopefully this information will help you or others also.
@lucyvanpelt Thank you so much for your info! My son was accepted to Penn State (summer session) and is waiting on a decision from Ohio State – (OSU is his 1st choice but we are not ruling out his others! ) Thanks again!!! 