Penn State or St. Bonaventure

College Search & Selection
1

I can’t decide which college I would prefer to go to. I have been accepted at both and have visited campus multiple timed, along with talking face to face with admissions, and pre health professions advisors.

I will be studying business management and will attend dental school upon graduation, as I want to operate my own practice. I know business isn’t the path most dental students take, but I am willing to take the pre requisites.

I have family ties to both universities andy parents really aren’t pushing one way or the other. I know the two choices are very different, and come with different lifestyles, bit I can’t seem to make a decision. I am just about 50-50.

Any info, response would be greatly appreciated.

2

You would really be comfortable whether the school has 2,400 students or 40,000?? I’d imagine they’re wildly different environments.

3

My younger sister went to Saint Bonaventure she couldn’t stand it and transferred out of there after the semester ended. With the exception of a Walmart there’s nothing to do but get drunk and hang out in the dorms.

4

The above is not true. It will come down to whether you want a small school or large school. Bonaventure has lots of school spirit and there are many clubs, intramurals, community service opportunities and interesting things in the surrounding towns. There is a very nice ski area about 20 mins away and many great natural areas. Bonaventure is also one of very few schools with on-campus golfing, a true 9 hole course with clubhouse.

The Walmart mentioned is also in a shopping center with a new movie complex as well as other stores. Allegany on the other side is a nice little town walking distance.

Drinking is probably more prevalent at Penn State.

A lot revolves around basketball, and this year both the mens and ladies team had national spotlight. Also the Bonaventure rugby team is one of the best in the east with a great social function around it.

Again it will come down to whether you want a small school experience or large.

We’re you accepted in the dental program with University of Buffalo?

5

@OnTheBubble , @bodangles , @MGLantz42 I didn’t realize they had a Buffalo program until after the deadline, so no

My main concern about Penn State is whether I will be able to get into dental school from there or not. I am an intelligent person who is motivated to work in order to get to dental school, but I feel that compared to Bonaventure, a high GPA is going to be tougher at Penn state. The reason being is that I am not certain I can succeed in Organic chemistry (other prerequisites) in a class of 100+ students where many of whom are at a higher level of academic intensity than myself.

6

I mean. Not all of those 100 - 300 students are going to be at an academic level higher than yourself. I got an A on my last Orgo II test and have been hearing people bemoaning their 50s and 60s. It’s not going to be easy anywhere, but you’re not “competing” for grades.

(I go to PSU)

7

Go where you will feel most comfortable academically. That is the key. If you are happy in a smaller place with smaller classes and more personal advising, Bonaventure is the choice.

If a big school motivates you go to Penn State.

You cannot achieve high grades in the wrong environment.

8

@bodangles In a class like that or a similar science what would you say the opportunities to actually know the professors and students in the class are? I know admissions and everybody says there are a plethera of opportunities, but I know that they will say whatever makes you feel good.

9

You won’t get to know the professors by just going to class, but going to office hours and chatting after class and actively working at fostering a relationship works fine.

10

You won’t see a professor in many classes at Penn State, especially the first year and likely second year in some cases.

11

Professors also conduct the labs at small schools.

12

As a second year engineering student I have only ever had a grad student as a teacher ONCE. The rest were professors.

13

@bodangles @OnTheBubble thanks so much. This will end up being a tough choice, probably going to need to visit campses again, and no decisons will likely be made until mid April.

14

Are you a PA resident?

15

@Onthebubble Yes, but the prices are still comparable. I think Bonaventure is a bit less expensive.

16

Agree, the decision should come down to fit. Think about differences between the schools and your preferences. Some ideas (not all inclusive) might be…would you like large lecture classes or prefer smaller classes? do you want Greek Life or prefer not to have it on campus? do you want big time sports or is it not important? would you be more comfortable on a large or small campus? is it easier to combine your interests (business and pre-dental) at one school v the other? is there a meaningful cost difference to consider (especially with grad school in your future)?

17

Bonaventure is less than instate tuition at Penn State??? Actually that not surprising because Penn State is about $35k.

How much less is Bonaventure?

18

@OnTheBubble The difference is about 7k, maybe 8 I don’t have the papers with me right now. Cost is a factor, but not a barrier at all.
@happy1 The greatest factor is the path into dental school, especially through business. Both schools are accommodating, so I’m gonna see where this takes me

19

I have decided to enroll at Penn State, but will consider transferring to St. Bonaventure if that is the best option for me after freshman year.

20

Just realize that you would most likely not get similar merit or need-based aid at St. Bonaventure as a transfer student. The most generous aid at most colleges goes to students enrolling as freshmen.