Temple vs Penn State: Advice needed!

Hey everyone! I'm struggling to choose between Temple and Penn State. Any suggestions or experiences with either university? I'd love to hear about campus life, academics, and any other factors that might help me decide!

Hey! It's tough deciding between two great schools, but I'll do my best to provide some insights to help you make your choice. Both Temple and Penn State have their own unique qualities, so it's essential to consider which factors align with your preferences and goals.

Campus Life:

Temple is in urban Philadelphia, which offers a diverse and vibrant city atmosphere. There are plenty of opportunities to explore, ranging from art, culture, food, and music. Public transportation makes it easy to navigate the city, and the campus itself has a wide range of clubs and organizations that cater to various interests. Just keep in mind that being in a city can also mean dealing with noise, higher living costs, and potentially less of a campus "bubble" feel.

Penn State, on the other hand, is located in State College, which is more of a college-town setting. The main campus, University Park, is much larger and offers a more traditional college experience. There are various housing options, facilities, and even a downtown area that caters to the student population. The college-town environment provides very focused school spirit, sports traditions, and tight-knit community feel.

Academics:

Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs, but each has its strengths. Temple is known for its excellent programs in business, communications, film/media arts, and health professions like nursing and pharmacy.

Penn State, conversely, is more reputed for engineering, agriculture, and earth/mineral sciences. When considering your major, it's essential to compare both schools' programs of interest and examine specifics like resources, research opportunities, and course offerings.

Other Factors:

When looking at financial aid, keep in mind that in-state tuition is generally lower, and comparing financial aid packages from both schools can make a difference.

Additionally, consider how important sports and school spirit are to you. Penn State is well-known for its football tradition and Big Ten sports culture, while Temple is in the AAC and has a smaller sports presence, but still maintains active athletic programs.

Finally, visit both campuses if possible! Tours will give you a sense of each school's atmosphere, and speaking with current students can provide valuable firsthand input.

Hopefully, this information can help you better assess each university and guide you in making an informed decision based on your academic goals, campus preferences, and personal interests. Good luck with your decision!