With the May 1st deadline rapidly approaching, I am getting pretty nervous about not knowing where I want to attend college in the fall. I have narrowed down my choices to either Temple University or Penn State University Park; however, from there I am having a tough time picking one. Neither one really stands out over the other as the place to call home for the next four years, so I am asking for the opinions of other people. I have visited both campuses and they both seem really nice to me! I plan to be a communications major with my backup choice being secondary education if that does not work out. I would describe myself as a fairly outgoing young male who has a passion for photography and would like to continue to be involved with Student Government and other organizations geared toward helping others. I’m also not much of a partier and care about my schoolwork and grades.
With that in mind, which school do you think would be a better fit for me? Please mention some of the pros/cons of each school as you see it! Any information that you think would help out here would be much appreciated ! Thanks everyone…I just wanna get my life together already and solidify a roommate haha!
PSU might have a better all-around reputation, and its post-graduate job-placement record is excellent, but I think your internship opportunities will be better in Philly, and you will have a much more diverse and stimulating community to pursue your interests in at Temple.
They are SUCH different places to live, so be honest with yourself about which you prefer. Personally we liked Temple a lot more for the city vibe and access to job options. If your someone who’s looking for that classic " college town" experience, you’d be much happier at PSU . For your degree the academics between the two are so close to be considered a tie. I would pick Temple
Can anyone comment on the street crime level at Temple? It’s the only school I have searched on Google Image (using my PC) that has a tab for “ghetto” – I’m not making this up.
Congrats on having two great options! Why don’t you go to the accepted students days at both schools? You would really get a feel of each, go on tours, see the dorms, eat in the dining halls, learn about your specific major, and also just get a chance to look around and see where you think you’d feel you’d be happier. After visiting both one more time, I suggest that you discuss with your parents the pros and cons of each. My daughter thought she wanted Penn State- she really wanted that traditional campus feel. But after visiting, she thought that the Penn State campus was too big, too spread out, and too overwhelming. (However, I know many Penn State students who absolutely love everything about it- they call it “Happy Valley.”) Surprisingly, after visiting Temple, my daughter really loved it. She had never thought she wanted a city campus, but loved the feel of Temple- it felt smaller and more manageable than Penn State. She also loved the fact that it’s so close to downtown Philly which offers great internships, restaurants, concerts, etc. We are from the suburbs and all felt very safe and comfortable at Temple.
@njmom1523 Wow it seems like you two were in a very similar situation as myself! I am also from the suburbs about an hour outside of Philly. Currently, am scheduled for an accepted students day at both schools, one of which is Temple this Saturday. The one for Penn State isn’t until the end of march though, which worries me a bit because it’s kind of close to the deadline for committing. I am especially concerned about finding a roommate because I have some troubles relating to other guys. I found one at PSU that I really like and haven’t mixed with anyone at Temple yet. This kind of concerns me a bit…I have visited both campuses though and hope to make my final selection this Saturday! Do you know what the difference would be between an accepted day or a normal tour day?
First of all, I wouldn’t suggest basing your decision on whether or not you’ve met a roommate yet. (Although I do know at Temple, the housing selection starts on Saturday March 5, which is early.) Both colleges are big with lots of different types of people and both will have many guys who you’ll be able to relate to and get along with. As far as the difference of a regular tour day and an admitted students day- on a regular tour day, a big part of the info session is how to get admitted- what GPA/SAT scores you’d need in order to get admitted, etc. and they give a general tour and talk about all majors and clubs etc. Usually on an admitted students day, since you’ve already been admitted, they are now trying to “woo” you and get you to choose their school. They will still give tours, but they also will give info sessions on your specific major, often with current students talking about their experiences. They sometimes have you eat in the dining halls. They may offer presentations about housing, meal plans, financial aid, etc. Some colleges have booths set up with all of the different clubs/activities offered. Seeing a campus once you’re admitted is a different feeling than seeing it before you know for sure. I also think that location is something to consider. If you are having a great college experience, then hopefully you won’t want to go home too often. But for some students (like my daughter) just knowing that you’re a little closer to home is comforting. And other students, are absolutely fine and happy being a lot farther away. So there really is no right or wrong answer- it’s just what’s best for you and I think after visiting again and discussing with your parents, the decision will become easier.