Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Deciding Between Villanova and Penn St.

Okay, so I've been accepted at both Villanova and Penn St., and now I'm kinda stuck. Villanova looks awesome, and so does Penn St., but they're pretty different. Any advice on how to choose between them? What should I consider and why?

a year ago

If you are deciding between Villanova and Penn State, it's essential to compare different aspects of each school to see which one aligns better with your academic goals, social preferences, lifestyle, and financial situation.

Academic Programs: Research whether one school is known to have a better program in your intended major. For example, Villanova is known for its business, nursing, and engineering programs, among others. Penn State has strong engineering, business, and education programs. Keep in mind that this is a general statement as both schools offer solid programs across a wide variety of fields.

Campus Culture: Both schools have different vibes. Villanova is a private, Catholic institution with a smaller student body, and therefore, might offer a more tight-knit community feeling. Penn State is a large public university with a greater student body, so the environment might be more diverse and bustling.

Location: Consider the surroundings of each school. Villanova is situated in a suburban setting, close to Philadelphia, which could provide more job and internship opportunities, while Penn State's main campus is in University Park, more of a college town setting.

Athletics: If you're interested in sports, Penn State is part of the Big 10 and has a strong football culture. Villanova, a smaller school, is part of the Big East and is known for its basketball team.

Financial Aspect: Lastly, and very importantly, look at the financial aid packages each school offered you and consider your family's financial situation. The cost could end up being a decisive factor in your decision.

In the end, try to weigh all of these factors according to their importance to you. After analyzing these aspects, go with your gut feeling. Often times the final choice comes down to where you can envision yourself thriving and being the happiest. Good luck with your decision!

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.