York College Pennsylvania

Date: Sep 14 2011
Major: Education (This Major's Salary over time)
York College of PA was, honestly, one of the best decisions of my life. Given, a lot of people bash us in reviews—which is fine. The reviews you see are those of people who come here just to drink. Many, many of those people drop out after the first semester—their complaint is that there's "nothing to do" in York. While that's true to an extent, I think the ones who stick it out realize that a vibrant city life and all that isn't all there is to the college experience. I've met incredible people here, and we make our own things to do. Whether it be walking to Rutters at 3AM, a Walmart run in the middle of the night, playing Basketball at Grumbacher, exploring York City or just having a good time around campus, you can always find something to do. Don't let the fact that York isn't NYC or Boston scare you. If you come here with preconceived perceptions, you will not enjoy YCP. Trust me.

The people here are friendly, and easy to talk to. Given, you have your bad apples, but that's everywhere. My advice is to leave your door open the first week or two, at least. Talk to the people on your floor. Go to campus events, and get to know people. York offers tons of opportunities to meet new people—you just have to take the initiative. If you don't, you're not going to enjoy York (or any college, for that matter).

As for the faculty, they're brilliant. The teachers I've had so far are inspiring, and really do care about their students. York has a policy that states no class can be more than 40 students, and classes rarely, if ever even reach that number. Professors are accessible and friendly, and are eager to help you. Advisers and those within your department care so much about your future, and they really do try to help you as much as possible. We don't have a faculty made up of people who come and leave—most of the professors here have been here for quite some time.

Furthermore, some of the kids here are working for their education—not mommy and daddy. A majority take out loans, and a majority care quite a bit about their education. You may think it's easy to get in, but don't think for a second that means York is a "dumb school." The students here, for the most part, are incredibly bright. The problem is that most students here cannot afford to attend ivy-league schools—the competitive price of York attracts such students. I got into some pretty competitive schools, but chose to attend York instead partially based upon its price, but also because of the absence of kids who are spoiled, quite honestly. I frown upon people who insult my school as being a "lesser school"—they have no idea what they're talking about, at all. York is an incredible school with incredible programs, and therefore they attract a certain type of applicant pool. Most employers around here actually put job applications from graduates of York at the top of their pile. The students who don't care about their school work are the ones who come to York to drink, and only to drink. I will tell you right now, if you're coming here to party and drink, do not come. Just don't. The kids who come here to party are the ones who always drop out or transfer. If you're a well-rounded kid who wants a decently priced education and a great college experience with friends and faculty who will change your life, then by all means—you can call York home.