<p>Hey there, I'm thinking about going to PSU and I'd like to know more about it.</p>
<p>I'd like to know more about things like:
1. Classes. Is it easy to register for classes or they just get filled up too early? How are the profs, good teachers, available for students or not? Do we get insane workloads (homeworks), I prefer classes that challenge in quality, not quantity. Are the admins helpful or just available when we write the check?
2. Are the dorms any good on your campus or they simply suck? If apartment is a better choice is it easy to find a decent one? Also please suggest a dorm if you can. Any dorm that isnt run-down, or way too quiet.
3. What about the surrounding town. are the residents friendly? Or whether its safe or not over there. One more thing, any decent access to supermarkets, diners, movies, etc?
4. Its campus life. Are the students friendly towards foreigners and one another? Is it easy to make friends? What about social scenes, do they party all the time or never party at all? Not a party animal, but prefer places with social life.
5. Anything more, unsual, or any concerns I should know about?</p>
<p>Also, is it tough to get accepted there? Mainly to either engineering or architecture school.</p>
<p>If you're willing to tell me more, feel free to respond. Any infos appreciated.</p>
<p>sorry that i don't have answers because I am going to be an incoming freshman, but I am doing this as a bump! looking forward to hear the answers^^</p>
<p>Penn State is a great place and town.The nice thing about Penn State is even though its not near a city it is its own city with always something going on, sports, plays,lectures,politics, campus events, Bryce Jordan center only has huge events on campus. The town is a great college town. The college makes up the town, there is everything you would need there and its safe. University park campus is so big it has its own zip code! The Architecture major only takes 70 students a year and is a lot of work!!!</p>
<p>My son is late in his freshman year at PSU-UP. I can respond to some of the questions.</p>
<p>First, like many before me I have been sucked in to the general spirit that surrounds PSU. WHen I vist I feel a general upbeat attitude among the students, and a mellowness. I strongly suggest that you visit.</p>
<p>Most frreshman are in East Halls, which is an older and not-so-attractive complex. But my son has had a good time there and the dorm is perfectly adequate as living accomodations go. SOphomores are not guaranteed space on campus but I am told getting off campus housing is generally not a problem.</p>
<p>PSU-UP has a huge party reputation, but my son found it less than robust party scene once fraternity rush was over and the parties were no longer open. There seem to be plenty of parties if you want to find one, but I'm not sure how much there is to do on the weekend if you're not partying. My son has complained a bit about being bored on non-party weekends. </p>
<p>State COllege is generally very friendly, as it is a small university town in the middle of the state. I find the campus clean, and crime seems not to be a problem. If you're looking for more of an urban experience, try Pitt. You're not gonna find urban excitement at PSU-UP. </p>
<p>I understand that it is challenging to get accepted to enginerring or other specialty colleges, but getting into DUS (liberal arts) seems not to be much of an issue if your SATs and grades are OK. </p>
<p>By the way, my son is ROTC so if anyone is considering that pls advise and I can shed more light.</p>
<p>hvccgolf, I'm not looking for urban exp. But is it true that Penn State is just soo far from any major city? That's probably not a good thing if theres nothing to do on weekends. Or are cities still within reach?</p>
<p>Daughter goes to PSU. She will be a senior. Penn State is the college for everyone. There is always something going on. If you are not into the frats, there is always something to do. The hub has planned activities also on the weekends. With so many students and clubs, the football games and THON there is always something major going on.</p>
<p>Architecture is very competitive, its easier to get into engineering. My son got in the engineering program (he will go to Northeastern though because he wants Pharmacy and Penn State has no pharmacy program). We were very impressed with the engineering program. If you haven't you should go to an engineering open house. It was very helpful.</p>
<p>Its very easy to register for classes, its done online. As a freshman, when you register it may seem that all the classes you want are full. But if you keep checking elion you will be able to get into the class, as people drop and add through the summer. My daughter has never NOT gotten into a class that was closed. And yes its like any school, good professors and bad ones. But you can check out rate my professor before you register in a class, to make sure the teachers good. </p>
<p>As a freshman, if you are not in a living community (which I recommend highly) you want to be in East Halls. though its far, you meet the most freshman students. The town of State college is very nice and safe. There is so much to do at Penn State you don't need to be near a big city. Its a city in itself.</p>