Experience and Recommendations for Attending Penn State
Choosing the right university is one of the most important decisions students and their families make. When it comes to Penn State, the experience can greatly vary depending on your major and personal preferences. In this article, we will explore why Penn State is a top choice for many, its academic offerings, and the benefits that come with attending this prestigious institution.
Academic Diversity and Reputation
Like others have mentioned, the suitability of Penn State greatly depends on the major one intends to pursue. The university offers outstanding programs in Engineering, Nursing, Business, and Education, among others. While there may be better programs available elsewhere, Penn State offers the significant advantage of being a state school, which means it’s cheaper to attend. Additionally, its reputation, while not matching that of Ivy League institutions, is highly respected and can greatly benefit students when it comes to job opportunities and professional development.
Personal Insight from an Alumni
I received my Master's degree in Plant Pathology and worked as a PhD candidate in the same department at Penn State. The quality of education and the opportunity to find a related career are top-notch. The university's dedication to providing a well-rounded education is evident, from the hands-on experiences to the research opportunities.
Specific Field of Study: Broadcast Journalism
My son, a senior at Penn State, majoring in Broadcast Journalism with a sub-program in Sports Journalism, has had an incredible experience. He spends half his time behind the microphone, gaining valuable practical experience. He does play-by-play for every sport and hosts two sports-talk shows on campus radio. As a parent, it is highly rewarding to hear his broadcasts and see his growth.
Attractiveness of Penn State to Employers
As an alumni, I have always been recognized by business peers for having degrees from Penn State. Growing up in Pennsylvania, Penn State was often referred to as "the poor man's Princeton." Today, it is more accurately described as "the upper middle class Princeton" due to the rise in tuition costs. Corporate recruiters are often better evaluators of schools, and Penn State consistently ranks first in recruiting talent in the U.S. This speaks to the university's ability to produce high-caliber graduates.
Unique Opportunities in the Schreyer Honors College
My daughter, who is part of the Schreyer Honors College, had a remarkable experience. She majored in biology and found the honors classes to be highly demanding, typically with only 10 students. Being in the honors college opened all university doors to her, providing numerous opportunities. She graduated as a principal author of 5 published articles in prestigious peer-reviewed journals. This underscores the significant advantages that can be realized by talented and dedicated students.
Academic Flexibility
I chose Penn State because of its academic flexibility. As a high school student uncertain about my future studies, I applied to Penn State because it offered the chance to explore various fields and receive a credible degree. I initially started as a Chemistry major but could not pursue lab work. Without losing any credits, I switched to Computer Science. During the 1970s, I added a second degree in Management Science to complement my technical background. This flexibility is unparalleled at many other institutions and allowed me to tailor my education to my interests.
Conclusion
Attending Penn State can be an excellent choice, depending on your field of study and personal goals. Whether you are interested in the distinguished reputation, the state school affordability, or the unique academic opportunities, there is a lot to consider. As a student considering Penn State or as a parent looking for guidance, I hope these insights provide valuable information to help you make an informed decision.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to jmyers at alumni dot psu dot edu.