<pre><code> So recently I’ve been trying to choose between attending Penn State (Abington for two years, then University Park) or Michigan State, but I haven’t been able to determine which university would be best for me. I’ll be majoring in Engineering (either Mechanical, Aerospace, Nuclear, or Computer Science) and I’m primarily concerned with just pure academic quality.
I’m aware the MSU would normally be considered better than Abington, but if I go to Penn State I’m planning on transferring to the main University Park Campus after two years. From what I understand, Penn State’s University Park campus is generally considered to be better for engineering than MSU (not entirely sure). I know that many students decide to use this 2+2 Plan, but I’m confused as to whether the two levels of education I’ll receive from these two campuses will be on-par with the education I’d receive from just going to MSU for the entire four years.
Other things I’m considering are opportunities (such as available interships, or really anything to help with getting into a great Grad School) and also financial factors.
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<p>Thank You!</p>
<p>How much does each cost (before loans)? What’s your parents’ budget?
Are in-state in PA or in MI?
What type of environment are you looking for?
I’d be tempted to say Michigan State for all 4 years since academic quality is your prime concern, especially since you won’t have to handle changing campuses and the academic quality your first two years are likely to be better at MSU. Also, Abington doesn’t have housing (I think) and not much campus life. However weather and college town are better in University Park than East Lansing.</p>
<p>I know a former Penn State engineering professor. He said that 2+2 kids often struggled since they weren’t used to the level of competition and standard of excellence of the University Park campus. In other words, the most accomplished students out of high school go to University Park, whereas the less accomplished students go to the regional campuses.
When you mix them back together after 2 years, the stratification returns. The University Park students have had to elevate their game because everybody’s good, whereas the regional students really don’t have to as much. </p>
<p>Maybe given your choices, the best thing you can do is go to Abington with the understanding that your standard of excellence ought to be high A in your technical courses (math, science, engineering) so that when you get to University Park you do not fall into this trap. Also, maybe you can get the course materials used at University Park (email the professor of the class with the explanation that I gave - i.e., you want to ensure that you are learning the prerequisite material up to University Park standards not Abington standards). You can probably get the problem sets and old exams. </p>
<p>If you’re not willing to do that, I think you are better off at Michigan State where you’ll have the same peers all the way through. </p>
<p>I’m from Hawaii, so I’d have to pay out-of-state tuition for both of these universities. Abington is about $24,000 before any form of aid comes into play, while MSU is approximately $34,000. Both are decently within our budget, so it’s not as pressing of an issue as academics are. In concerns to what environment I’m looking for, I’m leaning towards the large campus feel of MSU although I’m really fine with either location.</p>
<p>Hmmm, that’s interesting. Thanks for the advice! I’m more attracted to the idea of a competitive environment since I’ve been accustomed to being near the top of my class throughout high school, so hopefully I won’t stagnate at Abington. However, two years is quite a while. Would the gap between the quality at University Park and MSU be worth the two years of Abington? I’m willing to work as hard as possible, but I’d just rather not put my self at a disadvantage.</p>
<p>Based on what you say above, MSU sounds like a better fit.
However, are you sure you’re ready for the weather in East Lansing, Michigan? Plan a budget to buy winter clothes there, as there won’t be anything sufficiently warm for sale in Hawai’i. Look up LL Bean Duck Boots, or -20 insulated coats, for example. Not that Abington is warm by any means :)</p>
<p>Also remember that the University Park campus is substantially more expensive than the Abington campus. Personally I’d choose MSU in a heartbeat. </p>
<p>On the other hand, if you graduate from PSU-University Park, no one will care that you spent the first two years at Abington. PSU does have a higher ranked engineering program, while MSU doesn’t offer programs in Aerospace or Nuclear.</p>
<p>It really is a hassle switching campuses after 2 years, but lots of engineers go the 2 years at a CC before a university route and succeed. Determining if the hassle is worth it, is a question only you can answer.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>Michigan State is a fantastic school! My sister just graduated from there and I plan on going (hopefully if they dont switch my tuition classification on me) It’s a great school and offers a lot! </p>