Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Top Questions

I wish I would have known more about financial aid options. The school is great, but their tuition is absolutely ridiculous.

How much it has to offer students and all the resources available to help provide the opportunity for academic success

Before coming to Penn State, I wish I had known that the freedoms attainted at college would be both a blessing and a challenge. As much as I wanted to leave home at the time, I wish I had known that I was in for the ride of my life-- learning time management, participating in study sessions galore, and gaining a social life greater than anyone could ask for. I also wish I had known that so many nerves were not necessary, considering I had the ability and confidence indside of me to succeed the whole time.

I wish that I had known which clubs to join. I eventually found my place and am involved in a few great organizations, but it took me a semester to find where I wanted to be.

That the weather isn't always the greatest.

Before attending school, I wish I would have had a better understanding of what the different degree programs entailed and how they would apply to a career in a related field.

I wish I would have known how academically competitive the university is so I would have adjusted accordingly. I've heard from the majority of students who attend the main campus that the course-load is very heavy. Even though I have effective time management skills, I feel very overwhelmed most of the time because there just is not enough time in a day to complete the important tasks. In addition, I wish I would have known about the high internship placement rates for students because Penn State does a wonderful job of supplying us with resources for jobs/ internships.

This perhaps is not what you're looking for, but I wish I knew how much I loved community service before I got here. There weren't many opportunities for service from my high school, so coming here was a bit shocking. I love that I've found a place in my service org as vice president. I really hit my stride when I was regularly performing acts of kindness and learning the skills of communicating effectively with the rest of my club and executive board. And, I have gained many important professional contacts!

I wish I had known that it would be a tough adjustment. I know that orientations briefly introduce the troubles that might face prospective students, but I was not aware of imminent debt, financial responsibility, and time-management issues that I and many other first-year students have experienced. I also wish I had known that there are ways to recover from a bad bank account or a missed class. This would help to relieve many new students' worries or doubts.

I wish I would have known how advanced the curriculum was because I could have better prepared for the challenges that would occur.