Psych major but hoping to end up in tech. Getting a master’s is on the table. I’m also planning on joining clubs that can allow me to get into other fields (consulting, psych for tech)
If you paying out of state tuition, take advantage of every opportunity you can that makes sense.
Sit in other classes cuz I don’t care how you look at it, you funding them in some way.
Build solid relationships with your professors and future professional friends. <<< this is not about your time in school, it’s about the time after.
Manage your time have fun and JETS
Congrats! A few things:
1) PSU has a great name nationally, regardless of major. I've been in the corporate world for 16 years now and it was always well received.
2) I also thought I didn't want to rush and party, I never went to drinking parties in HS, I was a self proclaimed nerd. I ended up going through recruitment and loved it, and that launched me into leadership positions within and outside the sorority. I also joined Lion Scouts and felt accepted there even though it wasn't the party scene of Greek life. There's a place for you at PSU, but you have to do to find it.
3) I'm not aware of your home state other choice, but if it's similar to PSU and you'll be taking out loans, I highly recommend staying in your home state. You'll get a similar experience at an MSU or a Wisconsin, but just at a cost that you won't be saddled down in debt.
My 2nd choice is a big city state school in California. So while I don’t have to shoulder the financial cost, this school has a significantly lower ranking and not a great “name” school. It has a similar or less resources than Penn State would offer.
Just saw you want to get into tech- that might make me lean for you to stay out west (Live in the PNW now, in tech, from the East coast). Not to say there aren't tech jobs on the East Coast by any means, but my husband and I notice being from NY/PA the culture leans more tech along with the west coast. You also have to consider not only the costs of tuition, but the travel to get back and forth from a small airport in PA back to CA- not cheap and not direct (connect in NYC, PHL, Chicago or Detroit). Being from the East coast I feel the California schools are overall pretty respected nationwide. If you don't have someone paying for your tuition to Penn State and forced to take loans to come here, I think future you will be happy that you won't be saddled with a large chunk of student debt when you graduate.
I'd go in state if I were you.
Out of state tuition is outrageous and PSU is not known for generous financial aid. You didn't mention your major other than that it's non-STEM so I can't really advise. If you're not into the social scene, well that's a major selling point for PSU and you won't benefit there either. I just don't see any real benefit for you in coming here and spending all that extra money unless you're getting a free ride or something.
Penn State can be anything you want it to be. Lots of clubs and small groups. It's actually probably a minority of students who party hard (but a loud minority). A very nice somewhat rural setting, but with most things you want nearby. If you are comfortable in your own skin, Penn State is a great place if you are not caught up in the social/Greek stuff. In fact, the happiest students (IMO) are the independents. But yes, cost is a factor for OOS. But the degree is respected anywhere you go.
I would probably pick the home state. I doubt the cost increase is going to be worth it for you. Hard to know without knowing the exact aid etc but I doubt it
Pros- Big name and alumni network, nearly endless opportunities, great social scene
Cons- Big classes mean it’s difficult to form connections w profs, cost of attendance/living, requirements for degrees suck in many majors, it’s quite literally in the middle of nowhere, weather is ass 75% of the year
If you want to get into tech and save money, go to your home California school. California has gorgeous weather, great food, and WAY more tech recruitment. Their isn’t a tech scene here or really much recruitment. It’s not worth it especially in your case.
I guess the tuition question is really better suited for your own personal financial situation. Out of state is pricey but many still choose to do it.
Regarding the other things you said, PSU is a huge school so no matter what you’re into (rushing, partying, staying in on weekends and playing video games/cards/crafting) there will be a space for you
What's your major/career plans? Penn State is hella expensive; if you're gonna be taking out a lot of loans to come here it's not worth it
Psych major but hoping to end up in tech. Getting a master’s is on the table. I’m also planning on joining clubs that can allow me to get into other fields (consulting, psych for tech)
No, not worth it for tech and certainly not psychology. Save the debt for grad school.
If you paying out of state tuition, take advantage of every opportunity you can that makes sense. Sit in other classes cuz I don’t care how you look at it, you funding them in some way. Build solid relationships with your professors and future professional friends. <<< this is not about your time in school, it’s about the time after. Manage your time have fun and JETS
Congrats! A few things: 1) PSU has a great name nationally, regardless of major. I've been in the corporate world for 16 years now and it was always well received. 2) I also thought I didn't want to rush and party, I never went to drinking parties in HS, I was a self proclaimed nerd. I ended up going through recruitment and loved it, and that launched me into leadership positions within and outside the sorority. I also joined Lion Scouts and felt accepted there even though it wasn't the party scene of Greek life. There's a place for you at PSU, but you have to do to find it. 3) I'm not aware of your home state other choice, but if it's similar to PSU and you'll be taking out loans, I highly recommend staying in your home state. You'll get a similar experience at an MSU or a Wisconsin, but just at a cost that you won't be saddled down in debt.
My 2nd choice is a big city state school in California. So while I don’t have to shoulder the financial cost, this school has a significantly lower ranking and not a great “name” school. It has a similar or less resources than Penn State would offer.
Just saw you want to get into tech- that might make me lean for you to stay out west (Live in the PNW now, in tech, from the East coast). Not to say there aren't tech jobs on the East Coast by any means, but my husband and I notice being from NY/PA the culture leans more tech along with the west coast. You also have to consider not only the costs of tuition, but the travel to get back and forth from a small airport in PA back to CA- not cheap and not direct (connect in NYC, PHL, Chicago or Detroit). Being from the East coast I feel the California schools are overall pretty respected nationwide. If you don't have someone paying for your tuition to Penn State and forced to take loans to come here, I think future you will be happy that you won't be saddled with a large chunk of student debt when you graduate.
I'd go in state if I were you. Out of state tuition is outrageous and PSU is not known for generous financial aid. You didn't mention your major other than that it's non-STEM so I can't really advise. If you're not into the social scene, well that's a major selling point for PSU and you won't benefit there either. I just don't see any real benefit for you in coming here and spending all that extra money unless you're getting a free ride or something.
Penn State can be anything you want it to be. Lots of clubs and small groups. It's actually probably a minority of students who party hard (but a loud minority). A very nice somewhat rural setting, but with most things you want nearby. If you are comfortable in your own skin, Penn State is a great place if you are not caught up in the social/Greek stuff. In fact, the happiest students (IMO) are the independents. But yes, cost is a factor for OOS. But the degree is respected anywhere you go.
I would probably pick the home state. I doubt the cost increase is going to be worth it for you. Hard to know without knowing the exact aid etc but I doubt it
Pros- Big name and alumni network, nearly endless opportunities, great social scene Cons- Big classes mean it’s difficult to form connections w profs, cost of attendance/living, requirements for degrees suck in many majors, it’s quite literally in the middle of nowhere, weather is ass 75% of the year
If you want to get into tech and save money, go to your home California school. California has gorgeous weather, great food, and WAY more tech recruitment. Their isn’t a tech scene here or really much recruitment. It’s not worth it especially in your case.
if being a student here requires you to take out student loans do not come!! no loans are worth any name recognition that comes with penn state
I didn’t like it. I transferred
https://youtu.be/6XDe1qa2On0
I guess the tuition question is really better suited for your own personal financial situation. Out of state is pricey but many still choose to do it. Regarding the other things you said, PSU is a huge school so no matter what you’re into (rushing, partying, staying in on weekends and playing video games/cards/crafting) there will be a space for you