Before you look down upon the other commonwealth campuses, allow me to share my current experience.
I was a University Park hopeful at first, I applied later than most and was accepted to the Altoona campus. I visited once before orientation and the campus was beautiful. Although it is not near as large as University Park, there are still a good amount of students attending that make the campus feel bigger. I attend the football games and other events at University Park. When I was at the white out game this year, I was 8 rows back in the student section behind the goal post, and most of those in my row were Altoona students. I am a Lion Ambassador and in a THON committee. I get to be just as involved with Penn State as I want to be while being at a smaller campus. I really am having the time of my life.
Advice to high school seniors: DON’T WORRY SO MUCH! I was so stressed about my college apps and adjusting to college, but it is not as hard or scary as you think. I was super shy moving out of state to a school where I didn’t know anyone. I got out of my comfort zone and now I am making the most out of my college experience thus far. Altoona is a great branch campus, you are just as much of a Penn Stater as anyone at University Park or any other campus. WE ARE! Feel free to ask any questions! (Just no chances please). 