UMCP or Penn State?

Marfern
Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:03:05 +0000

I am an NJ high school senior looking to major in journalism; not yet sure if print or broadcast though I’m leaning toward the latter. I’ve been accepted for the Fall of 2008 at the Merrill School of Journalism at the University of Maryland at College Park and the College of Communications at Penn State (University Park campus).

I’ve visted both schools and have met with J students and professors at each, and I am impressed with both universities and their J programs. It seems that the well established Merrill School is widely reputed to be one of the best J schools in the country, at least for print (programs include print, broadcast, magazine), is a limited enrollment program with around 500 -600 undergraduates total, and is located in or near major media markets; very attractive campus, big time sports, lots of spirit, but surrounded by sketchy area and so vulnerable to on and off campus crime.

PSU’s College of Communications was established relatively recently (became a separate college in 1985) and is supposed to be the largest communications school in the country (2500 undergrads) with tracks for print, broadcast, PR, and online), with supposedly strong connections with alum and others which can be important in terms of obtaining internships and jobs; campus is huge and sprawling, lots of spirit, big time sports, and located in the middle of nowhere but in a safe and college friendly town (State College).

Both universities are considered public ivies and are highly ranked public universities by US News and others, with rankings that are pretty close to one another.

Which school would be best and why? I need to decide before May 1st and am having a tough time. Help!! Thanks!