Penn State World Campus Admissions Question

Colleges and Universities A-Z Penn State
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<p>Hi Everyone,</p>

<p>As a new member, I did search around the site for an adequate answer, but ultimately decided it'd be best to simply start a new thread.</p>

<p>I'm 28 and last year decided to join Full Sail University online to pursue my (first) Bachelor's degree. I was FULLY aware of the downsides associated with that program, but - in my very specific situation - decided the benefits would outweigh the drawbacks. After an academic year with that school, I have changed my mind and began to look at other institutions.</p>

<p>After careful review, I began looking into Penn State as a viable alternative. Needless to say, their application process was somewhat more in-depth!</p>

<p>Long story short, I recently received word that I was accepted into my degree program of choice through Penn State World Campus, beginning this Fall.</p>

<p>While I know Penn State - University Park is well known for being relatively selective (and a great school, to boot!), I wonder if anyone can shine a light on the acceptance rates associated with World Campus? My understanding is that you have to be accepted into both W.C. and the individual college (in this case, the College of Communications.) After feeling rather burned by Full Sail, It'd frankly be reassuring to hear some voices let me know that this "is" some sort of accomplishment.</p>

<p>I know the application process is a bit skewed when you're an "adult" applicant, so, again I'd feel a bit more confident if I knew they didn't just accept everyone. Unfortunately, I haven't really seen any information about this subject, or even anyone indicating they were denied admittance to W.C.</p>

<p>Again, a little bit of reassurance would be MUCH appreciated. I made career decisions in the past that have lead me to have some wonderful opportunities, but more recently have wanted to begin making some changes in my life, and this is certainly a bigger part of that. Any information would be very much appreciated. Thanks so much!!</p>

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<p>World Campus is one of the most highly regarded distance education programs in the country. “Acceptance” rates are not really applicable, because students have a very wide range of goals, careers, and come from many different circumstances so it’s comparing apples and oranges. Some are conventional students who have switched “campus”. Some are grad students working abroad with another university. Many are like you, returning for a degree after considerable job experience. So your SAT scores and GPA are not the best measure of your academic potential…</p>

<p>You should be proud of being a WC student (hey, they even have their own shirts! and bumper stickers!). Your diploma will be a PSU diploma, your professors are PSU professors who are also teaching classes in person. Many PSU students take a world campus class over the summer. S2 transitioned from being a UP student to being a WC student. He got a job offer in his field before his BS was finished, and WC advising, classes, etc. fit into his life MUCH better and I have only the highest praise for his experience there. </p>

<p>This is not for-profit fly-by-night education. This is not a web class that you phone in. This is the real deal. With attendant costs, workload, and expectations. Your peer students are a very motivated, organized, thoughtful bunch of people. Congratulations!</p>

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<p>cpinmo & greenbutton, It’s been a year since this thread was created, so I’m hoping you can provide some insight -</p>

<p>I’ve been accepted to Penn State’s “World Campus” as well as Northeastern’s “College of Professional Studies”. I’ll be transferring in with my AA and will be earning my BS in Political Science. My goal then is to go to law school, which will be an “on-campus” endeavor & won’t necessarily be at the same school I do my undergrad work at.</p>

<p>How has your experience been with the World Campus courses? How does it compare to on-campus learning? (greenbutton, I’m not up-to-date with all of the acronym’s I’ve seen used, but I’m assuming “S2” means “son #2”). I’d appreciate any insight or advice you can give me, as student experience with either program is going to factor into my decision on which school I choose to go to.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

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<p>Well, of course it is not the same as on-campus. PSU World does, however, consistently receive national attention for the excellence of its academics and emphasis on solid preparation. The WC site used to have the ability to show you past syllabi, course reqs, etc., so you can really see what you will be doing. S2 had a lot of reading, a lot of papers – pretty much the same load he had taking classes on site at UP. Some of the same profs, actually. </p>

<p>One difference is that the structure (due dates, assignment types) is very much more standardized across classes and within each class. One class had weekly skype lectures, one had videos of lectures, so there was personal contact, but papers were all due on the same day, so were assignments. There was a discussion board requirement in a class, there was a group project, there was a lot of feedback on assignments — more than his traditional classes gave him. The advising is excellent, and again, World is set up expecting that the students have lives outside of the classroom. I know I am biased, but I can’t imagine a better place to study online. Be prepared to work hard! </p>