Couple of months back I was looking for an opinion whether I should go for Penn State or UW. I couldn’t get to UW because their deadline had passed and since Penn State had accepted me, I moved there considering all the good reviews and suggestions on the internet. Before moving to Penn State I was studying at Green River College in Auburn, Washington.
I don’t know how to start or out this together without really saying that Penn State is not a good school at all or not what I really expected. I was so excited to go and continue my study as philosophy major. I have taken classes at Green River and professors over their were so good. They were not just about going through syllabus and doing or following what they say. They considered each student as a good future contributor to society rather than going to course material. The school Penn State as I see it is a factory of securing a degree. I accept the fact that our first goal going to school is getting a degree but isn’t it that we become more rational and thinking out of the box? I am taking 4 classes (ethical leadership, economics, political philosophy and political science) and the professors are like, whatever we say is right and whatever your thoughts are, are going to gutter. Me being an undergraduate student, agree that I cannot know more than my professors but I believe I at least know something which is right! My overall GPA is above than 3.6 too which I managed in 2 years at a college. Each day I go to class, I don’t learn anything but what I already know! The outline of assignments and class discussions are so vague! If it was only with one of my class, it was understandable that the professor is not the best. But the case is same with all of my classes! Moreover, the professors only acts as professor during their 1hr 15min class and after that, they are just rude and totally different person in nature.
Overall, the school system is like a factory where certain number of items are produced in certain time. The who school system treats the students as a commodity. By commodity I mean, just pay the tuition, follow what we say (as it is!) and get your degree.
OP, I am sorry your experience has been so disappointing, when you put so much thought into the choice you made. That must be frustrating.
I agree that many of the classes in the humanities, in general, are best suited for robust discussion, and that is hard to have in large classes. My students have, however, had very different experiences at Penn State. Their professors have been kind, understanding and professional, for the most part – there have been some duds, to be sure.
I would sum it up as you get what you put in, and you learn as much as you open your mind to. Not to blame the OP, just to say the biggest variable in EVERY college education, EVERYWHERE is the student. I do think there is value in the OP’s post as a cautionary tale of falling in love with the idea of a place as perfect or a perfect fit, when it is just not that simple. I always worry when the acceptance threads are full of “it’s the only place I’ve ever wanted to go” or “I am crushed because it was my first choice”. We should all remember to focus on getting OUT of school, not just getting IN. In 30 years, you won’t believe how little it mattered, after all.
If you actually know that you aren’t learning anything in your classes, it’s your responsibility to fix that problem.
Do you seriously believe that the 40,000+ undergrads that attend University Park are all going to be considered for their “contributions to society” and “unique opinions”? As someone who graduated from UW, let me tell you that learning to “play the game” in college is just as valuable as developing critical thinking.
There are a ridiculously large # of opportunities for every college campus, go make the most of them. Actually go and talk to your professors, many enjoy talking with students and challenging them to succeed.
Sure, college can sometimes be “like a factory”, but learning to “operate the factory” is a valuable skill that will get you high places in the job market, and is what separates good students from successes.
Mail77: i am actually doing my job by spreading the word. your reply is nothing but totally biased and coming out of book with no practicality. I absolutely believe that if school is hosting 40,000+ students, it is their responsibility to create a forum for their voices and ideas.
I will tell you real thing, not an average good talk: This school is nothing more than a cooperate like mcdoanlds. this school gives you quantity, don’t bother about quality. and not to forget that most of the classes are entertained by graduate assistants, not actual professors.
@hassan7 - My D is just finishing her second year, she has never had a class taught by a grad student. As for knowing everything they are teaching you, then perhaps you chose your classes poorly.
My husband and I are both alumni and my daughter is a freshman there now. I could not disagree with your perception of PSU more. She’s had an English professor invite her to coffee to talk about her ideas because she so enjoyed my daughter’s paper. She also brought a stapler for my daughter ftom home when my daughter’s broke and she had to turn in a paper with a paperclip. Sounds like personal attention to me. My daughter has had some more reserved professors, but also some very involved ones. But in the end, it’s up to her to make sure the professors know her. She’s had some TA’s, but found her professors approachable and available.
It sounds like you would be happier at a small LArts college where everybody knows your name. Penn State is a huge school. It’s not for everyone. No hand holding here. You need to get out and make your own opportunities, or not. But in the end, it’s up to you to make your experiences.
Dreadpirit & jilpsu: i am glad it is working out well for your children. No doubt some professors are really particle and passionate about teaching and helping out their students.
“no hand holding here”, no one really care about anything, opinions doesn’t matter. This is what it is, this is how it works! PERIOD.
I maintain, if hand holding is what you want, a large university is not for you. Penn State expects you to be an adult and figure stuff out. They aren’t going to hold your hand to join a club or walk you to your professors office hours or indulge you when you think you know more than the professors. You are there to learn the subject the professor is teaching. In large classes, you cannot have open discussion between 500 students. It’s impossible. But Penn State offers immense opportunities to get involved in causes and subjects that interest you through one of their 900+ clubs. They also allow you to start your own club if your interests aren’t being met with those 900+ clubs. There are PLENTY of opportunities to engage in forums to express your ideas and opinions and even make changes in the campus government etc…
Penn State isn’t “hosting” you. They are partners with you in obtaining an education. You pay tuition, they provide learning opportunities. That’s the ‘contract’. The rest, and what you make of it, is up to you.
@hassan7 - Whatever your opinions are about Penn State, I appreciate you sharing them. My DS is considering this school, and he likes to read about all types of experiences there; not only the good ones. Thank you for sharing.