Ten Things You'll Love About Your Branch Campus

1.      Smaller Class Sizes

The smaller classes helped me become more comfortable about asking questions, especially in math.  Most of the time when we were doing examples in class, I would try them to do them by myself first to test myself.  If I got confused about the problem, I just asked about it in class.  My biggest class at Altoona was about 80, and my smallest was about 15. 

2.      One on One Time with your Professors

When you have a question about a class, you have to muster up the courage to go talk with your professor.  You become more comfortable talking with your professors.  They treat you more like a person; they might even know your name.  They get to know you, and you get to know them.  This also prepares you if you need to switch to University Park because you are more confident.  You’ll know how things work from office hours to test taking.

3.      Homework buddies are everywhere.

If you’re in the library doing a take home quiz or homework; there is bound to be someone else in the library doing the same thing as you.  If I ever got stuck on a question, I would find someone else in the class to see if they’ve done it yet. 

4.      It has everything that University Park has to offer.

Even though you’re not exactly at the Pennsylvania State University, it has everything that it offers!  Organizations, student life, and all the help you’ll need.

5.      Everyone knows someone you know.

Eventually, you’ll figure out that someone you meet the first week of school is bound to know someone else that you know already!  When they say small, they mean small.

6.      Organizations are great!

Penn State offers a range of clubs and rec teams.  If you get to your branch campus, and you they don’t have an organization you can start your own!  I started a SWE group at the Altoona campus!  All you need is 10 people, a constitution, and incentive!

7.      Research as always.

Most people are unaware of this, but almost every Penn State professor is required to conduct research.  If there is a professor that you like, you can ask them to do research for them or they might even ask YOU!  This is a great opportunity; if you can juggle both school and research.

8.      Adapting to College.

Starting at a smaller school was definitely the right choice for me.  I was at a high school with only 40 kids in my grade, so the transition was much easier.  It gave me a chance to figure out my college study habits, and not be overwhelmed with such a big campus.

9.      Saves money.

Most of the time, you save a little bit of money if you start at a branch campus too.  You can eventually switch to Main Campus, but some campuses have engineering programs where you can stay all four years.  Plus, saving money is the key to broke college kids.

10.  You’re not that far away from PSU!

Every branch campus is usually not that far from PSU.  Especially Altoona – it’s only an hour away!  So if you’re really bummed about not being at Main Campus, it’s only a stone’s throw away! 

Amy Tomasko is a junior majoring in Chemical Engineering and is a Mentor for WEPO'16!