<p>From the PSU website and their admissions materials...
"Today, one of every 115 Americans with a college degree is a Penn State graduate"</p>
<p>They played this up at the info session too.</p>
<p>Yes, I know it is supposed to get you excited about the alumni network with regard to jobs.</p>
<p>But for me it was a HUGE turnoff. IMHO with so many being handed out, it just doesn't seem so special.</p>
<p>Is this a question or just a comment? Penn State University Park is a very well respected degree. I believe they are including degrees from branch campuses and graduate programs, so is not surprising this number is a little large. The amount of University Park students is smaller, though, as it is the flagship and most selective campus. You transcript that is sent to jobs lists which campus of Penn State you attended, because employers want to know if it was University Park or not. The large numbers are a great way to network, as you will always have an alumni association to join near you no matter where you live. I have found the networking, both socially and in the business world, to be very helpful. I don't know why they focus on this in the admissions materials, as I remember thinking that same thing after having worked hard in school. I thought, "Why would I go somewhere that some many people graduate from?" The key is to do well once you get there, and take advantage of the almost limitless resources that are on campus. The huge network makes is very easy to find internships, as there is an online network set up to connect students with alumni wanting to help by providing internships and connections. It is a great degree and has served me well. I think people in PA get a jaded view of the school, as they see so many people getting into Penn State. The problem is that many of those are not getting into the main campus, as it has gotten increasingly difficult to get into University Park. University Park is a top 50 school in the country and a top 15 public university for a reason. It is a special degree.</p>
<p>I suppose my post was both a comment and a question. I've been accepted to PSU at UP, and for many years thought 100 % that I would attend but, now I am unsure. That 1 in every 115 stat was what started me questioning my decision. The admission process/ application was another negative. It really only considers GPA+SAT.<br>
U Mich processes many apps too, but it seems to me their application and the weight they place on the essays will make for a more interesting student body.
Out of all of the colleges I applied to the PSU admissions process didn't measure up.</p>
<p>Its tough to be exclusive when there are that many of you. You certainly wouldnt see Harvard advertising this. Of course this is the role of a state U flagship. The same could be said about UVirginia/North Carolina/Texas/California. You can still have a great time and get a solid education. The difference will be peer group.</p>
<p>They say that one out of 1000 Americans have a University of Michigan degree. Does that make you feel any better? LOL.</p>
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Penn State is a darned good school in a great college town. That makes it special to many people.</p>
<p>You will definitely get a job coming out of Penn State. The alumni base and reputation of the school make a degree from PSU very valuable</p>
<p>I think Pennslyvania State University- University Park is a good school.... It made it to a list of schools I to consider applying to. Though I didn't know Pennslyvania State University- University Park was looked this well upon.</p>