Is Penn State University for an average student?

toneranger
Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:20:01 +0000

I think difficulty can vary…significantly, by major. I know of some who started out thinking they would be engineers who have since dropped that major…it’s very tough. Also, the science classes can be difficult. And watch out for what some would call “cake” classes. I know a few freshman who took what looked to be an easy media class (Contemporary Movies or something). Three got Cs and one dropped out. Checking ratemyprofessors.com can really help with this…

Overall though, QB, I think your student will do just fine if she puts her mind to it. And seeks out help if needed (the classes are big in the first couple of years but professors and advisors are generally friendly and accessible.)

There ARE distractions and they tend to be very visible at PSU since the kids stay on campus. Those who are out and about in the wee hours on weekends tend to be blasted. Also, these kids are an enthusiastic bunch and they love to create facebook groups and vote for things…the ranking is therefore no surprise. And yeah…indeed…they DO party. But I don’t know of any kids there who didn’t figure out how to balance it all…or change their ways…although some kids I know had a ROUGH freshman year.