The feeling of getting into Penn State was amazing but I quickly was saddened when I realized I didn’t get into University Park. I wasn’t accepted into the University Park campus but into the Altoona campus. My mom simply won’t let me go there because of the location/other factors. The only way I will be able to go to Penn State is if I get into University Park. I really need some advice on what I should do in this situation.
What I plan to do:
Call on Monday at 8AM and explain my situation to them…
Tell them I have received the best grades I have ever had this semester (4.4 Weighted GPA)
Tell them I am not an excellent test taker and tried harder in school to make up with it (which I did)
Tell them I am willing to go undecided and attend University Park or even start in the Summer
Is there anything else I can do to help me convince them to let me into University Park?
My Current Stats are:
3.45 UW GPA
3.71 Weighted GPA
4.4 Weighted GPA this Semester
11 AP’s in Highschool
26 ACT <------This messed me up
This is my only chance to go to this school and I have been dreaming to go to this school from the start. What can I do?
I’m not looking at living in an area with such a high crime rate and am really looking for a campus like University Park. My mom is on the exact same point I am at and at the end it’s really her decision to let me go there.
moneybag you don’t have to explain your personal situation or constraints to anyone…they are your personal situation. I thought you did a good job of laying out your plans and asking if there’s anything else you could or should be doing.
From having read this blog a lot, and I mean a lot, I would say you have it covered. Call on Monday and let them know you would like to be considered as undecided and/or for Summer Program. People have said this is known to work at times. It can’t hurt. Also make clear that PSU UP is your only choice in the PSU system for personal reasons. Try and avoid anything that could be construed as a knock on another school. Even if it’s not meant that way. Make sure they know that if they offer you this opportunity, you will definitely accept it. They don’t want to waste the slot or their time. It sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders, and I hope things work out for you. I’m sure they will no matter what.
Let me preface this by saying that I am not trying to be mean or pile on to your stress with my comment. Quite the contrary. I am trying to show you the reality of the situation so you are prepared for what you will be up against when you call on Monday - which I think is worth a try for your own peace of mind at the very least. You seem like a very smart girl and your stats would probably have gotten you into summer session if you applied to that originally. Keep in mind that re-evaluations only occur after they have made decisions on every priority applicant. So you will be behind them in line and spots are being filled. That being said, of the four things you mentioned, only the last will make any difference to their decision.
What grades you are getting your senior year will not make a difference. It just won’t. They don’t consider senior grades and told us that if we send them, they will be discarded. Even my D who is taking dual enrollment at a Penn State campus…they said they won’t consider that. Test taking anxiety…ditto. They don’t care. They are a “by the numbers” admissions school.
You didn’t mention what major you applied for. If it was a difficult major, you can call and ask to be reconsidered for summer and/or DUS as that has worked for some. But I think @PerplexD was being honest with you when he was pointing out that they are getting hundreds if not thousands of calls all from people who have “unique” situations and reasons for why UP is the “only” campus for them. My D is the same…she wants UP only. But, she will go to Altoona if she doesn’t get in to main campus. Truly - only very extenuating circumstance will work for a decision change without a change in major and/or starting session. You truly may have a unique situation - but “my mom won’t let me go” or “I want a campus like UP” is not going to be a reason for them to change your starting campus. Everyone who applied to main campus feels the exact same way or they wouldn’t have applied there.
Also, It sounds like maybe you have never been to the Altoona campus? The campus is in a beautiful neighborhood setting and the area around the campus is not high in crime whatsoever. “Downtown” Altoona may be higher, but that’s quite a distance from the campus. It may be a much smaller campus, but it’s park like just like the UP campus. It is, as @PerplexD also pointed out, less than an hour from Penn State. So don’t let that deter you. I’ve been to PSU Altoona many times. There is nothing whatsoever to be scared about with crime…at least no more than State College or any other college campus. Here are the crime reports for both campuses. BOTH campuses are pretty safe with the largest majority of crimes being liquor laws. However, the overall crime rate (per 100,000 people is lower at Altoona);
University Park: http://www.police.psu.edu/clery/security-reports/upload/UP14-3.pdf
Altoona: http://www.police.psu.edu/clery/security-reports/upload/AA14.pdf
I do wish you the best of luck and hope you have some more things to consider before you call admissions. If I’m asking or pointing out these things, certainly they will as well. I feel for you, because my D wants UP so badly and I know she will feel terrible if she gets deferred to Altoona - so I hear you. I’m just trying to point out some of the problems with your plan. Good luck.
I questioned you about what you meant about location, because there so many students attending Altoona. I know personally know two of them and they love it!
Many of the accepted students on this forum just got acccepted Altoona. You made a statement that could scare many away without really knowing the truth about the Altoona campus. Maybe even causing these students to change their minds without even touring the campus. That’s all.
I just wanted to know if you were referring to crime, because then I was going to jump and defend the Altoona campus. @jlhpsu did a great job! Thank you.
And yes, you’ll be up against many other calls on Monday morning. I’m sure they are use to it.
To be fair. If you knew UP was the only campus and no alternative was acceptable then why did you even put it down? Didn’t you discuss this with your Mother? I’m sure this could have saved you and admissions from plenty of wasted time.
Good luck ! And your third point is the only one that may work for you.
I know this was a bit ago but I’m sure others are reading it.
I have to be honest. One thing I know is that in most cases, you’d need to attend the summer course and also likely go undecided.
I can say this. I would NOT put Altoona on as an alternative. I don’t care if it is one hour away from UP.
The experience and perception are NOTHING AT ALL CLOSE TO PSU UP.
I’ve had several students who have opted for Abington and did that as a two and two, some who did get into PSU UP by asking for them to reconsider, and I attending the summer program.
Also, PSU goes off more of your GPA. Honestly test scores mean nothing if your GPA is up there. That’s what they usually go based off of.
Bottom line, if I wouldn’t want my own kids to go to Altoona… I wouldn’t want anyone else’s.
This is of course personal reasons and we all have our opinions. So agree to disagree. I won’t even reply to someone who tries to tell me MY FEELINGS are wrong! Those are my feelings based on MY experience. Period.
Someone else may have complete other feelings, and that too is fine. I will not tell them they are incorrect. I simply am saying that this is not an option I recommend. Now granted what I recommend may not mean a thing. But I know of countless people who left PSU all together, and transferred to entirely different schools based off of their experience at Altoona, which deterred them completely from even wanting to attend UP. And ultimately they wound up much happier at other colleges completely.
Never settle, fight for what you want. At least that way you tried your all.
PSU is a wonderful school. But so are countless others, where you do not have to be pushed down the ranks. And you can enjoy your experience fully and whole heartedly, in an area where you will truly be comfortable and enjoy for 4 years.
To anyone picking a second option for PSU. Stick with Abington. Not Altoona.
For those who love it, that is absolutely awesome.
But in my experience many have been very disappointed and transferred out after their first year, leaving PSU all together. And for many it was their first choice school.
The next 4 years or more is a huge decision. Think about wisely.
And why pay the same amount for something no where near what it should be.
Do your homework! (Hahaha) and check out your many options at many other wonderful schools.
Best of luck to all!
@thecollegescoop4u Why would you post on a year old post about a school you hate? You didn’t like Altoona. Ok. So what? Lots of people do. LOTS of people. I am thrilled my son is going to Altoona. My daughter is at UP and has been since she was a freshman. To people reading this - don’t listen. Do your own research and figure out what you like. This last poster apparently has an ax to grind.
I do not hate PSU whatsoever. I’m simply stating an opinion about an alternative campus. And clearly. A year old or not. People still read it.
You did!
I’m glad your thrilled your son is in Altoona. It’s nothing at all even close to UP in terms of perception OR experience.
Good for them if they’re enjoying it. But maybe they need the smaller environment.
And to those reading this. YES. Do all of your research!!! I can guarantee that Altoona is no where close to other campuses.
UP is wonderful! Even Abington/Ogontz is great! Altoona. I can not with good conscience advise students that they’d truly enjoy it for 2 years. Save your money! Go somewhere else! Then apply back to PSU UP!
COMING FROM A PROFESSIONAL! Not a mom who wants to defend where their money is going or justify the fact their child is there and that makes it amazing. IT DOES NOT!
I have said all that is needed.
If you want to try for PSU UP. Request a consideration and do the summer program. No guarantee whatsoever it’ll work.
But if you want just a degree from PSU. And can deal with places like Altoona. Go for it.
I wouldn’t suggest it. And I’ve traveled campuses all over the world.
Moms seem to get very “angry” if the truth is spoken about a place their child is attending. They have to justify it to themselves that they didn’t allow their kid to make a bad choice. It’s ok. I get it.
Oh goodness @thecollegescoop4u There is no way you are a professional. Even if you claim to be so. You do not speak in a professional manner whatsoever.
1st…I read your post because it pops up as new when you resurrect an old thread. If you, a “college professional”, weren’t so stinking BRAND NEW to college confidential, you’d know that.
2nd…NO ONE said it is like UP. It has 4000 students vs 40000 students. Of course it’s not the same experience. But it is a beautiful small campus with lots of amenities and lots of people love it. Does everyone? No. No school has everything for every single person.
3rd…I am a PSU alumni (UP). So is my husband (Altoona for first two years by the way). Our daughter is a sophomore at UP. Many friends went to Altoona. We, unlike you, are extremely knowledgeable about Penn State and Altoona.
Altoona enrollment over 4000, Abington Enrollment under 4000
Altoona has over 90 clubs. Abington 60.
Altoona has 4 dorms. Abington is just opening it’s first NEXT FALL
Altoona, 14 NCAA sports. Abington 13.
Bachelors programs, Altoona 20, Abington 19.
You see where I’m going here right? Also, Penn State Altoona is 40 minutes from UP campus. Abington is THREE HOURS. It’s MUCH easier to be involved at Altoona with UP campus…football games, clubs, events, etc…than it is from Abington. The Altoona kids go up for every game. I am not one to say any campus is better or worse than another. That’s up to each person to decide. But objectively comparing the two using the criteria you laid out (college atmosphere etc)…well, you can see just by the numbers.
4th…I don’t believe for ONE SINGLE SECOND you are an actual professional college advisor. Literally, not for a second. You don’t speak like a professional and no professional would give a blanket statement about a school regardless of the client. Nor would a college advisor professional have 5 posts at COLLEGE CONFIDENTIAL. You’d have thousands. And lastly, the best way to tell that you are indeed not a college advisor is that you just advised above that someone “go somewhere else and then reapply at UP”. That is very dangerous advice depending on the major chosen. It is not easy to transfer into UP as a junior and have met the ETM requirements and not have to go to school for an extra year.
Your advice is crap. Your knowledge is crap. I’ve been on this board for a few years now…actually advising people with no agenda. I’ve seen people like you, with a handful of extremely negative posts who obviously have an ax to grind, come and go. People see right through you. You can go now.