Penn State - Overall Experience

College Prowler Take

Despite common reservations about the location and climate, most Penn State students are fiercely loyal to their alma mater. Penn State boasts one of the largest alumni populations in the United States; graduates are proud of their degrees, and employers recognize the University’s name immediately. Although the campus is located in a very rural area, school is technologically up-to-date and on the cutting-edge of current research.

Aside from academics, PSU is also known for its social scene, especially in relation to sports and parties. Nittany Lion football—home of the 2008 Big Ten Champions—is a national draw and a point of pride for both the University and the town of State College. For anyone interested in playing or watching varsity sports, PSU is a top choice. Penn State has also been ranked highly by many polls and “party school” surveys as one of the top party schools in the nation. While it certainly isn’t the wildest town, these rankings are definitely accurate. The small-town setting and large-school atmosphere makes for little else in the way of entertainment, so it can be hard to avoid encountering the party scene during your time as a student. Still, the mix of work and leisure seems to work well for most of the student body, and academic standards at Penn State remain relatively high. It’s easy to spend four years at Penn State as an ever-serious student, focused completely on whatever you choose to study. With so many opportunities to relax nearby, balance and moderation are some of the best skills to learn from your four years in college.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Penn State has something for... Penn State has something for everyone, I think. Penn State is alright. Try to get a car if you can because it gets boring, but that can happen anywhere. I mean after living somewhere for a while, you do everything and then start looking for new options. Overall, this school is great, and the best part is the football games. Even if you don’t like the sport, the games are fun, and almost every student has tons of spirit. 12345 Overall Experience Report

Anonymous says:

I would never dream about going... I would never dream about going anywhere else. This has been the best three years and counting of my life, so far. I’ve learned more and experienced more than I would have ever dreamed. Penn State was the best decision I’ve made in my life. 12345 Overall Experience Report

Anonymous says:

I love Penn State. I wish to be... I love Penn State. I wish to be nowhere else. The atmosphere is relaxed, and it is a nationally-recognized Big Ten school. There are lots of ways to get involved in different organizations, and the school spirit is tremendous. 12345 Overall Experience Report

Anonymous says:

Overall, my experience here is... Overall, my experience here is good. I never wanted to transfer to another school. I cursed the weather and the foreign teaching assistants many times, as well as the science department’s system for curving grades. But you will meet someone new everyday, have wonderful random experiences, and get a good education. WE ARE . . . PENN STATE. 12345 Overall Experience Report

Anonymous says:

I can’t say I’ve had the best... I can’t say I’ve had the best experience at school, but I can’t imagine having had a better time anywhere else. For the people I’ve met, the classes I’ve taken, and all the money I’ve spent, I think Penn State is a pretty good place to be. 12345 Overall Experience Report

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: James Bunting
Hometown: Whitehall, PA
Major: Journalism

James's favorite activity is traveling. He's been to Disney World three times and the Caribbean twice, and he spent three weeks in Europe.

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