<p>I've been looking around at colleges recently and PSU is definitely near the top of my list. But I just wanted to hear from you guys why you think Penn State is the best, or maybe why you wouldn't recommend it if you don't like it. Anyone who has went to PSU or is currently enrolled, if you could share some of your experiences that would be great!</p>
<p>Some more specificity would be appreciated but I’ll try. For the record, make your own decision by trying to visit the campus and asking specific questions about the university. Some may get rubbed the wrong way with the “convince me to come here” connotation the title implies.</p>
<p>Though I’ve only completed one year at Penn State, I think (mostly) everyone will agree with me when I say that Penn State is an amazing, unique university that has a crapton of stuff to offer you while you’re there, as well as (equally as importantly) after you leave. </p>
<p>When I first stepped onto the Penn State campus, I felt something that I had not felt before when stepping onto a college campus. I’d later tell my parents (begrudgingly after they mocked me for it) that it was equivalent to a child’s first time to Disney World. To me (and certainly to others) Penn State has a certain infectious aurora about it that you just can’t help but want to be a part of. Maybe it’s the beautiful surroundings, both on campus and downtown State College (the prototypical college town, by the way). Maybe it’s the school spirit that’s put on full display during all (or most, depending upon who you talk to) of the home football games, as well as the months surrounding THON, and various other events. Personally, it’s a combination of those two, as well as the fact that you’re getting a quality education that employers look for (WSJ rated us #1 in something recently, I’m sure it’s plastered all over the website), and starting a new chapter of your life in an extremely large and diverse environment. (Many would here say that Penn State’s predominantly white and not diverse, but it’s only as diverse as you make it.) Some are put off my the size, but it all becomes worth it for me when I’m one of ~110,000 screaming fans, jumping up and down to Zombie Nation.</p>
<p>Penn State was my dream school for a while before I decided to go, and it met and exceeded my expectations my freshman year, so I may be a bit biased/flowery with the writing above. I hope that helped though. If you do decide to go, or have any more general questions about Penn State, check out my “Ask Me Anything” thread, or one of the others on here.</p>
<p>Thanks Duke, I appreciate the feedback. I have actually visited campus and I did really like the atmoshpere that you were describing in your post. The only thing that would hold me back from selecting PSU this fall (assuming that I get in) is the fact that I’ve been a pretty big Pitt fan growing up and my dad, a Pitt alumni, absolutely despises Penn State (he attended Pitt back in the early 80s when the Pitt-PSU rivalry was in full swing). He said that ultimately the choice would be up to me, but it may feel awkward at first going to a school that my dad has taught me to hate. Then again, after a few months on campus I may fall in love with PSU and forget all about my current uncertainty. I forgot to mention in my original post that I plan on majoring in either Communications or Business, if anyone has had some experience in those fields at PSU your feedback would be much appreciated!</p>
<p>Go to penn state because people may confuse it with UPenn. That will be awesome for you.</p>
<p>Thre are actually lots of discussions on this board about pros and cons of Penn State and comparison of Pitt vs. Penn state- here are are a few- most people posting on the Penn State board are fans of Penn State- if you ask this question on the Pitt board you’ll get different persepectives- or ask the question on the “college search” forum to get more opinions. Ultimately, the only opinion that matters is yours. I’d also consider what major you are intended to study as there can be significant differences in the programs and how they are run, how admission to majors works, etc.</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/penn-state-university-park/1144369-pro-cons-penn-state-v-pitt-my-chances-being-accepted.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/penn-state-university-park/1144369-pro-cons-penn-state-v-pitt-my-chances-being-accepted.html</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/penn-state-university-park/1110780-out-state-stay-far-away-psu.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/penn-state-university-park/1110780-out-state-stay-far-away-psu.html</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/penn-state-university-park/1047861-diversity-penn-state.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/penn-state-university-park/1047861-diversity-penn-state.html</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/773436-pitt-penn-state.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/773436-pitt-penn-state.html</a></p>
<p>Anyone confusing Penn State with UPenn probably isn’t in any important position to make it worthwhile.</p>
<p>I agree with pamom59, though, you go there for academics. Make that your main focus.</p>