Is Penn State University for an average student?

Parents Forum
41

<p>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… </p>

<p>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.) </p>

<p>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.</p>

42

<p>Is anyone familiar with the communications disorders/speech pathology program at Penn State?</p>

43

<p>Not sure where else your D has been accepted. I suggest she do an overnight visit to Penn and one to a smaller school and see which she likes better. My S, on a HS jr, loved Penn State and every other big school we visited. He would probably like a smaller schools too, if he gave them an opportunity, but he is a kid who likes lots of activity. Your D needs to make a decision on whether she feels more comfortable in a smaller LAC or a big U.</p>

44

<p>

As you probably know, ‘making’ the Blue Band is extremely competitive. See these links:
[YouTube</a> - Making the Blue Band (Promo)](<a href=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcbcqQVpOdc&NR=1]YouTube”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcbcqQVpOdc&NR=1)
<a href=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge1JEA5CaD4[/url]”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge1JEA5CaD4&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

45

<p>questbest</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>I don’t believe your statement “most schools are “party schools.”” is correct. As I noted, most schools (small, large, public, private) have some party scene, but how extensive they are and how much of an impact they have on campus life do indeed vary. Given the visibility of this at PSU, it is fair to point out it can be a distraction for a number of students. But only you know your child. if you are not worried about this as a distraction at PSU, then so be it but it is fair to point out for others</p>

46

<p>I work at a college near Penn State (not affiliated though). If your daughter does not want to attend a very large institution then Penn State Main might not be the best fit at first. It is a massive campus and with that come all the issues you would imagine a small city having. One option would be to attend a branch campus closer to your home and then consider transferring to the main campus once she is ready. Branch campuses have an unfair reputation, the branches of PS which I have had dealings with offer an excellent education in a smaller, more intimate environment. Do not allow false stereotypes to make your decision for you. If she wants a degree from PS, then this is a viable option. </p>

<p>ps. Penn State is not actually a state university, even though it receives some funding from the state. The 14 state universities which fall under the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE)</p>

47

<p><<as you=“” probably=“” know,=“” ‘making’=“” the=“” blue=“” band=“” is=“” extremely=“” competitive.=“” see=“” these=“” links:=“”>></as></p>

<p>LC82 - Thanks. Trust me - he is very much aware of the competition. He has the “Making of the Blue Band” DVD and we spent almost 2 hours visiting the band facility last summer and talking to the people there. He also knows that if he doesn’t make it - there are still opportunities for him to play. But he’s still hoping to make it…he really wants to play one of those 68 matched Bach Stradivarius trumpets!!!</p>

<p>He is not at all overconfident - but he knows that he has the skills to be competitive. From a marching perspective, he is part of a VERY competitive, highly thought of high school band. They do very “drum corps” style marching shows. Here is a video of their Fall 2008 show (no one really liked the fall 2009 show!).</p>

<p>[YouTube</a> - Ka](<a href=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0irsTe02Go&feature=related]YouTube”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0irsTe02Go&feature=related)</p>

<p>Musically, he is 3rd chair the top performing band, is one of 3 trumpet players in the schools symphonic orchestra, and is in the Jazz Band. He was also selected for the All-Region band and somehow gets pulled into every other special performance that needs a trumpet player (like various choir performances). He’s an excellent sight reader and just really loves playing.</p>

<p>So…keeping all those fingers and toes crossed! It would be an awesome opportunity and experience if he can make it.</p>

48

<p>Good luck to your son. I think that it makes a big difference at a school like Penn state if kids get involved in something…I keep hearing about Thon - anyone know anythong about it? Is there a tryout?</p>

49

<p>qb…well Thon used to be a greek affair…it was originally started by them. But it has expanded by leaps and bounds over the last few years. For non-greeks, there are groups you can join - no tryouts. It IS rather hard to be a dancer…but there are so many other roles that are rewarding. From getting on a committee to standing outside and “canning” for donations, there’s lots to do. And yes, it’s a great way to make friends while doing something good for the community. Check out the website…lots of info there. You can also donate online…a worthy cause!</p>

50

<p>Thon is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world! There are no tryouts. Students belong to groups which can be sponsored by dorms, sports, frats/sororities, clubs etc and they raise money for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Childrens Hospital in Hershey. They raise money by soliciting donations either by mail or by canning. Canning happens four times a year. You may have seen students standing at intersections in all kinds of weather with a can to collect change. Fundraising culminates during Thon weekend where members from the various organizations dance/stand for 46 hours. Each organization adopts a Thon child, someone who is receiving treatment from Hershey Medical Center. That child and their family participate in Thon weekend if they are able, depending on their health. Last year the Penn State students (branch and main campuses) raised over 7.4 million dollars. [Home</a> | THON.org - Conquering Childhood Cancer](<a href=“http://www.thon.org/home]Home”>THON.org – For The Kids®)</p>

<p>If you would like to donate, consider crediting my sons organization, Atlas (Affiliated with the Shreyer’s Honor College). [Atlas</a> THON PSU Dance Marathon Team](<a href=“http://www.atlasthon.org/]Atlas”>http://www.atlasthon.org/) Participating in Thon has been a wonderful life changing experience for him.</p>

51

<p>Well said, Knitkneelionmom! My d is a freshman and is in 2 thon groups. She did interview to be in one which was for public relations, but ended up on a rules and regulations committee. Beyond the obvious that it is a wonderful charity for a great cause, it is a great way to meet and get to know people on a large campus. They have events all year long and it seems everyone is involved in some way. It’s really a great thing. For one of her groups, you have to meet one other person from the group once each week for lunch. Just another way to get you outside the group of friends you have in your dorm or whatever and meet people.</p>

52

<p>Some videos to watch. [Videos</a> | THON.org - Conquering Childhood Cancer](<a href=“http://www.thon.org/Gallery/videos]Videos”>http://www.thon.org/Gallery/videos) collegemomof2, if you are able, make a trip to State College for a couple of hours during Thon weekend. We have been every year for the past three years. It will fill your heart with joy, sorrow (if you happen to be there when they show the video of the kids who didn’t survive this year) and enormous pride in your child and the students of Penn State.</p>

53

<p>It would be nice if we could get Ira Glass to spend a few hours at THON . . . :)</p>

54

<p>What a wonderful organization…Is Penn State the only college that participates? Did it start at PSU?</p>

55

<p>Yes, PSU is the only college that participates. It has expanded to many high schools in the area and they hold “Mini Thons” with the proceeds going to the Four Diamond Fund. Thon began in the early seventies but became alligned with the Four Diamonds Fund in the late seventies. The Four Diamonds Fund was started by the Millards, a family that lost their son to cancer. FTK</p>

<p>Here is a list of area High Schools that have held Mini Thons</p>

<p>Annville-Cleona Middle School & High School (10) - $31,600
Big Spring High School (5) - $44,477.09
Biglerville High School (1) - $5,025
Central Dauphin High School (15) - $68,612
Cheltenham High School (2) - $21,036
Conewago Valley Intermediate School (3) - $17,260
Cumberland Valley High School (3) - $55,500
Dallas High School (5) - $13,291.13
Daniel Boone Area High School (1) - $1,141
Dover Area High School (7) - $37,098
Eastern York High School (1) - $15,080
Elizabethtown High School (2) - $1,179
Ephrata High School/Garden Spot High School/Cocalico High School (7) - $18,209
Governor Mifflin High School (1) - $25,000
Hempfield High School (1) - $38,158
Hershey High School (16) - $13,600
Indiana Area High School (1) - $1,167.80
Lake Lehman High School (2) - $2,404
Lampeter-Strasburg High School (5) - $25,814
Lower Dauphin High School (3) - $22,239
Lower Moreland High School (2) - $25,481
Manheim Central High School (4) - $15,764
Mechanicsburg High School (4) - $25,500
Northern High School (6) - $17,700
Palmyra High School (3) - $22,304
Park Forest Middle School (1) - $13,102
Pennridge High School (4) - $6,316
Red Lion High School (3) - $28,329
Simon Butler Elementary School - 6th Grade (2) - $9,312
South Side Elementary School (3) - $2,453
Southern Middle School (1) - $10,845
Springfield High School (7) - $110,336
Spring Grove Middle School (7) - $32,000
Stewart Middle School (2) - $2,200
Upper Dauphin High School (5) - $
West Mifflin High School (1) - $2,000
Westmont Hilltop High School (1) - $7,045
Woodlyne School (1) - $1,500</p>

56

<p>What a wonderful organization!!! Sounds so worthwhile for kids to participate in.</p>