Hello, I am mainly looking for advice in a relatively uncomfortable situation I have found myself in. Anything would help I’m just trying to identify as many strategies as I can to improve my personal situation. I currently am I second semester Freshman at Penn State - University Park as a engineering pre major intending to study computer science. I chose this school almost entirely because of its reputation in the field of computer science and its notable social scene. Academically, I have done relatively well for an engineering student (for those of you who understand how difficult this is!!) but I have almost no social life and simply put, have grown to hate being here. I have tried to seek involvement in Greek Life and club sports and have been denied both semesters. Despite the academics, I am paying far too much to find no enjoyment here. At the same time, the location is not ideal. There is little to do and I am seemingly in the middle of nowhere. I am out of state and pay around 50k a year to be here. For these reasons I’ve started to discuss the possibility of leaving. I live in New Jersey so in state tuition at Rutgers is very alluring as is the reputable computer science program, but I had considered Rutgers prior to accepting my offer at Penn State and was less than satisfied by the deteriorating campus. The school however is in good proximity to NYC for internship opportunities which is also alluring. It is on the list of potential schools. If anyone has experience there, can you comment on the Greek Life and or club sports (soccer specifically)? Another option I have is Temple. It is in a prime location close to home for me and in a city where I would be able to seek internship and employment. The reputation of the computer science program is not quite as good but still prominent especially in the Philly area. If anyone can comment on engineering and computer science at Temple, is it good? Temple is also very similar in price to Penn State, maybe a little less, but location may warrant the price. Can anyone comment on the Greek Scene or club sports? Anything would help, these are the 2 things I’d be most inclined to be involved in though. Any opinions would be appreciated. Even other schools I have not mentioned that may be good ideas. I’m not entirely opposed to staying at Penn State but I would definitely like to improve my situation which is becoming progressively more and more difficult. Thanks
While you wait for answers about transferring: Have you checked out ECs that don’t cut people? Clubs, intramurals, that kind of thing?
You’d also be in-state for TCNJ which is supposed to be a great school.
Temple is a great school if you want a more urban feel. Rutgers is a pit. Warning: If you can not find your niche at a campus as large and popular as University Park (I mean did you THON?) then you are going to have same issue next college. Transferring is not for the wishy washy. @philbegas is right; TCNJ has a good rep. and it will save you $.
Most people don’t participate in THON, in fact, and being on a committee / being a dancer can be one of those activities that are competitive to join. I don’t see how that’s relevant.
@bodangles it is relevant because it raises millions of dollars for kids with cancer ($10 mil this year). Not being involved in THON is like not attending the football games. That’s the culture most kids want when they apply to PSU. Twelve students from my high school are at University Park as freshmen and only two did not participate in THON in some way–just like their h.s. selves. I know it is disappointing to not be chosen to dance, but I do think their lottery system is fair (I have two committee member friends–one a jr and one a sr). Honestly, I have never met one past or present PSU student who did not love it. The OP posted and ditched . . .
@keepcalmandtransfer I know what THON is. I’m a Penn State student. One of the 20,000-25,000 Penn State students who is not involved.
bully for you @bodangles then why don’t you reach out to @transfer1045 ? I go to Temple and even I was there for Thon weekend! #sad #FTK (“for the kids”).
@firstleague Did you read up above where I tried to do just that? OP hasn’t been back since.
People who participate in THON are literally a minority. That’s not “sad.” That’s a section of people being involved in something they like. Cool! I do that with other things! Like research, an animal shelter, and book club.
And I’m really, really tired of people trying to explain THON and FTK to me, lol. As if I don’t get that knowledge already by just being on campus.
My explaining ftk was for other readers @bodangles my sad hashtag was a trumpism --I was joking but I do apologize. I hear you though–I find all the “Chance Me” threads excruciating!
@firstleague Then I apologize! I misinterpreted.
@firstleague same on the explain 8->