University of Delaware vs. Penn State: Can anyone provide thoughts on campus life and academics?

I'm thinking about attending either the University of Delaware or Penn State, but I'm having a tough time making a decision. Can anyone who has attended or knows about these schools give me some insights into the campus life, academics, and overall experience? Thank you in advance!

I can definitely give you some insights into both the University of Delaware (UD) and Penn State! Here's a breakdown of some of the features that will have a big impact on your overall experience at each school.

Campus Life:

University of Delaware: The campus in Newark is fairly compact and easy to navigate, with a mix of beautiful historic and modern buildings. UD has a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of student clubs and organizations to get involved in. Greek life is present but not overly dominant. Off campus, there's a charming Main Street with shops, restaurants, and cafes right next to the campus, offering a nice balance between college town and city life.

Penn State: Located in State College, Penn State has a much larger campus than UD and can feel more overwhelming to first-time visitors. The community at Penn State is strong and enthusiastic, and you can definitely feel the school spirit at sporting events, especially during football season - the White Out game in particular is the stuff of legend. There are numerous clubs, activities, and Greek life opportunities to suit a variety of interests. The surrounding town also offers shops and eateries, but the vibe is more of a classic college town.

Academics:

University of Delaware: UD is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, education, and health sciences. The faculty is reputed for being approachable and engaging in their teaching. The class sizes are generally smaller, which could lead to more personalized attention and a closer-knit learning environment.

Penn State: Academically, Penn State has a wider range of top-ranked programs, including engineering, business, communications, and sciences. Do be aware that class sizes tend to be larger, especially for introductory courses, but often shrink in upper-level classes. Research opportunities and facilities at Penn State are abundant, so students frequently have the chance to work with renowned faculty members on meaningful projects.

Overall Experience:

Ultimately, the right choice will depend on your personal preferences and priorities. If you're looking for a more intimate campus and learning environment, you might prefer the University of Delaware. On the other hand, if you want a larger campus with an abundance of school spirit and research opportunities, Penn State might be the better choice for you. It's essential to visit both campuses if possible and trust your gut feeling about which school will be the best fit for you. Good luck with your decision!