Temple University

For the purpose of being completely honest, my main motivation for going to Temple University was based on the very large scholarship I received. I had applied to over 10 schools, and had not anticipated going here. But even though my decision was based on personal finances, if I had known then what I know now, I may have been willing to pay the full out-of-state price. I really love this university. The people are extremely nice, and for someone who visits private catholic colleges often, I can guarantee that Temple students are much nicer. The academics are challenging, especially if you're in the honors program, but the challenge is always to your benefit. There is not a ton of mandatory work, but the work that you are given is always graded and is an good assessment of your knowledge of the subject matter. The dorms are about a 7/10 in terms of comfort, but the lack of wireless in certain dorms is frustrating. There is always new construction, and its exciting to walk into Alter Hall (the main Business School building) which is new as of 2008 and is gorgeous inside and out. I believe 3 or 4 new buildings will be completed in the next couple years. The social life is very good at Temple, and while partying off campus is an option, the sheer volume of people and the its proximity to Center City, Philadelphia assures that being bored on weekends is difficult. The only gripes I have is with the safety off campus. It is a problem, and going off campus at night in North Philly can be risky depending on where you go. However, that should not detract from the excellence of the rest of the college.

1st Year Male -- Class 2014

Education Quality: A+, Perceived Campus Safety: D+

I attended the Fox School of Business and I can say that it was a good decision! The strength of the program is definately the professors. I also found my classmates to be good peers. TU is a very diverse place so this was my first time being in a class with students from far away places like Russia and Nigeria. There is also a strong contingent from Philly so it keeps things interesting. The course work is well laid out and exposes the student to many different disciplines. The coursework also can be rigorous at times. After Wharton, I think that Fox is the next best choice for business education in Philly. I didn't get to attend classes in the new building but it looks fantastic! Perhaps one of the best things about attending Temple is that it is a school of the future. It just keeps getting better all of the time! I was surprised to go back and visit on a warm day and with the new buildings and warm sun, I thought that I was in California at UCSD or UCLA! I also saw tour groups of potential students and their families making comments like... "Wow"! "I never would have thought!". As far as what I would have done differently? I think that I would have remained more focus in my senior year in high school. Once I made my college choice I started playing around in high school and became lackadasical. Entering college I was way too laid-back about things. I found myself having to catchup and was really a shining star at Temple until my junior year when I hit stride again. Be prepared to work hard because Fox students are more like working professionals. I noticed other students from liberal arts studies and the like having a good time with their easier course load. So high school students and tranfers coming to Temple, stay focused and intense! Get deep into your studies. Hang around brainiac types. Keep your computer skills and math skills at a high level. Also TU and Fox offer great programs such as Study Abroad and many clubs. I worked a part-time job while at Temple which is also good because you meet a ton of people doing that. After awhile I couldn't walk across campus without 75 or so people I knew waving or smiling at me! I really did and still do feel at home at Temple U! One other thing that I should mention is that Temple has a very liberal feel to it. It's a big state school in a big city location. It's great to be in Philly where you can visit and even party at other nearby schools! The park system is very nice and downtown has great attractions and is very walkable. During the semester you never run out of things to do at TU. During the summer I used to hang downtown. Oh and yes, take summer classes to keep up or get ahead. Temple offers a huge number of summer classes. Heck, you might even graduate early! And business students, keep going after you graduate and get your MBA. I took a huge break and just finished mines. I majored in International Business ... great stuff!

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

Temple is a great value out-of-state and depending on the program is really integrated and innovative. I was a Communications major, and despite it being a top-notch program in a major city, I found History to be more appealing. I love the professors in the History department, they are much better 'teachers' than anyone outside of Liberal Arts. I would recommend Temple if you aren't looking to pay a lot of money but still want a pretty good education in an urban environment. Don't listen to the horror stories about on-campus experiences. Living in a city (whether it is Detroit or Seattle or Boston or New York), it's a CITY. Use common sense, don't go half naked to a party in a high-crime area (which Temple surrounds, and every other school in Philly minus UArts surrounds).

1st Year Male -- Class 2012

Innovation: A+, Extracurricular Activities: B