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California University of Pennsylvania (CalU) Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See California University of Pennsylvania reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending California University of Pennsylvania. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free California University of Pennsylvania reviews, or contribute your own California University of Pennsylvania review if you're a current student there.

  • 10 out of 10 people found this review useful.

    Jay from pittsburgh, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    At California University of P.A. you will come across many professors that push you to not only learn but understand what you are learning and apply it in your everyday life. Cal U professors are among the best I have ever come across and seem to truly care about their students and there individual success.
    Am enjoying being here

    One word comes to mind when describing my feeling of being here at Cal U-Love. It is tucked in a rural area of western P.A., far enough away from the hustle and bustle of a big city, but close enough to Pittsburgh for a weekend visit. California University of P.A. has a beautiful campus that is complimented by a nice small town where there is always something going on. The people at this school are always very friendly and making friends here is one of the easiest things to do, just make sure you remember to study!
    Bang for the buck

    You will get you monies worth here. At Cal U you can really see your money being put into action. With the new dorms, which are some of the best I Have ever seen, the brand new gym, scheduled to open this school year, or the parking high rise and convocation center that are currently in construction. Anywhere you look at Cal you can see you money being put to work.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be prepared. This is college now, if your not used to lots of people be ready for some culture shock. But remember everyone else is going through the same thing you are.
    College is fast paced. There is going to be more work, harder tests, lots of reading, and many new concepts thrown at you even in the first few weeks of school. Remember to try to enter with an open mind and that your professors are always there to help you.
    Don't be scared and have some fun. While college can be scary at first, coming in with an open mind will really help you make the transition. Sometimes college can seem overwhelming in those first few days or weeks but you will get through it with support from friends, family, and professors. Do not forget to lean on the people who can help you, no one can go at it alone.
    Great for these types of students

    Great for students who like a relaxed atmosphere. People who do not want to be too far or close to the city. Great for people who are ready to work hard and succeed. Cal U is a great place for anyone that wants to accept the schools values and have the best four years of their life.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Amanda

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    If you have taken similar courses in high school and will have to take them or want to take them, expect some information to be repeated. You can definitely expect to be exposed to new information, ideas, and opinions at Cal.
    Am enjoying being here

    People are really friendly on campus, and though there isn't much in town, there are plenty of clubs to be involved with. Also, the Student Activities Board comes up with activities and people who visit the campus to perform. We've had many comedians visit campus including Bob Saget. The gym is also another way to keep busy if you're worried about being bored. The campus is absolutely beautiful. Sometimes the food in the Gold Rush dining area could be better, but the Student Union offers other food options.
    Bang for the buck

    The cost is excellent compared to other schools I was comparing. You definitely get your moneys worth in paying for a dorm. When choosing a meal plan consider how many meals you think you will eat each day.
    Tips for prospective students

    -Choose the best meal plan that fits you.
    -Definitely look into scholarships, it's worth a shot and it's free money. What more could you ask for?
    -Consider what type of living arrangement you want. Cal offers many times, some are more expensive than others. Don't try to live above your means or what you are comfortable with.
    Great for these types of students

    -Those who like to be involved in clubs/organizations, this will keep you occupied. If you're not one of those types of people you will probably find yourself bored.
    -Those who have the motivation and desire to learn. This is college, the professors aren't going to push you every step of the way to complete homework, etc.
    -Those who like meeting new people from many locations.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Omar from Pittsburgh, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The curriculum is good. The school does not just want to build a good student, but your character as well.
    Am enjoying being here

    California is a small town and the campus does not have much around it. So there is not a lot to do here, but if you are into sports you will have a good time.
    Bang for the buck

    I think of the Colleges in PA that compare to Cal U you are definitely getting what you paid for with Cal U and some.
    Tips for prospective students

    Take your SAT and ACT scores seriously. If you do well on these test half of your battle is won if you chose this school.
    Great for these types of students

    If you want a hometown type campus feel with a big city education Cal U is your school!

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Shaylun from Rices Landing, PA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    All of the teachers I've met are friendly and ready to help. The admissions and financial aid staff are patient and listen well if you have a question or do not understand something. Talking with them is like having a conversation with a friend, and the environment is relatively relaxed.
    Will enjoy being here

    Teachers seem to always be willing to dig into their extra time for their students, even those that are extremely busy. Service to the school and the community are both important to the faculty and staff at Cal U, from the grounds keepers to the higher ups in old main. The food at the goldrush and other places around campus is great.
    Bang for the buck

    For such a widely known university, Cal U has reasonable tuition. As the parking situation is relatively new though, it may take the campus a while to get it worked out, which is perfectly acceptable. There is always construction going on, which is a great sign for any university. It means that they are constantly upgrading facilities to better serve their students. The residence halls are so nice, not cinder block prison walls with no windows. You get your own bathroom! No community showers. And, you get air conditioning too.
    Tips for prospective students

    Take a tour of the campus first, I would say that Cal is a small campus in a rural area, and that may not be right for everyone. Talk to people who attend or have attended, ask them questions. If you come here, take the Covey class! It's called the seven habits of highly effective people, and it can be a mind altering class, if you let it be. It's free to everyone, as all the people who teach it are volunteers, so it is a great experience.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who want to live in a relatively calm setting that is close enough to a city to go and have fun on the weekends, but not so close that it is distracting to academics could really enjoy it here. Cal isn't about just one thing, be it just academics, or just sports, or just parties. A lot of great things about this school come in equal amounts, which makes it well balanced, so anyone looking for a well rounded experience would find it easy to acclimate to this school.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Reviewer from Valencia

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    I have not heard much about the academic aspect of this school. I mostly hear about the residence halls. However, they do offer an honors program with a separate residence hall just for honors students.
    Will enjoy being here

    They offer amazing residence halls. They also have plenty of things to do in each hall. There is a kitchen, a game room, and a room with a television with plenty of seating. They also have a movie theater, a coffee shop, and a large book/convenience store.

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Ashley from Clymer, PA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will enjoy being here

    There aren't a lot of places off campus, like restaurants or hangouts.

  • 0 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Jessica from Renovo, PA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Physical Therapy Assistant Program

  • 1 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Jerome from Hanover, PA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • 0 out of 4 people found this review useful. 1 person found this inaccurate.

    christina

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    In high school I was the type of student who got good grades with little effort. Everyone told me that would change when I got to college, but it definitely has not changed. I really haven't learned much at all so far.
    Am enjoying being here

    The campus is beautiful, but there's really nothing to do when you're done with classes. It's actually very boring, this is definitely not the college experience that I expected. Basically, unless you plan on getting wasted every night, you're going to go out of your mind with boredom.
    Bang for the buck

    Cal is too expensive; not worth all the money I paid to be here. Most of the price is in the dorms, which are nice but not worth it. I'm considering transfering to a college where I can get more for my money.
    Tips for prospective students

    Think about if you like to have alot of free time or if you like to get good use of the hours in your day because being at Cal, alot of time is wasted being bored with nothing to do. Also, look at the price & compare to other colleges that you're interested in.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who like alot of free time.

  • Daeshawn from Pittsbugh, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    a very rewarding experience for a relatively low cost. a small yet beautiful campus with everything you need relatively close by. a school that does more for you outside of the classroom as well as in.
    Tips for prospective students

    be sure to go on a visit, i visited several times before going and talk with the academic counselling staff when you do. also if your looking for work, apply for work-study as soon as you get there. p.s get involved!
    Academic Rigor

    i believe the academic rigor is tough for people who cannot manage their time well, other than that calu offers a great curriculum
    Dorm Life

    the best dorms you probably ever see and or get to live in.
    Food and Dining

    the food is great for awhile but gets old pretty quick, but the plus side is they are soon remodeling and changing all of that.
    What to do for fun

    there are countless clubs to be involved in and a great greek system. as well as plenty of friends and an activities board( i am a officer) that provides amazing trips, novelties and live shows of all kinds and there is an open mic cafe. i
    Bang for the buck

    this school has provided me with great friends, opportunities( intership with pepsi, my roommate with google) adventures and memories that i will never forget and it's only my 2nd year. i love it!
    Great for these types of students

    great for all types of students whose major is available!
    Clubs and Activities

    they are plentiful and amazing! over 200 i believe to get involved in.
    Greek Life

    there are plenty of greek live chapters and as well as a few new editions!
    Campus Safety

    i will forever feel safe and secure in this environment, the safety is something i can depend on here at calu

  • Chelsea from Mountville, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    it is a fun, and very closely knit college. it's in a small town which allows you to make friends easily. an overall great school academically and socially.
    Tips for prospective students

    if you are looking for a large college this is not the place for you. also it is important to stay on top of your classes and study every day. don't party during the week, save it for the weekends.
    Academic Rigor

    it's the perfect balance between challenging and rewarding.
    Dorm Life

    the dorms are very new and are beautiful. everyone has their own bathroom to themselves. if you keep the door open to your room it's a great way to meet friends!
    Food and Dining

    there are lots of food options and it is all very good!
    What to do for fun

    there's usually a lot to do for fun during the warmer months but over winter it gets kind of boring.

  • Alyssa from Jeannette, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    California University is a great college full of great professors. These professors know you by name, and my biggest class so far has been 45 kids. I love the campus and the environment surrounding CalU.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you are going to attend CalU I advise you to expect issues along the way. The people in charge of records are very disorganized and will mess at least two things up along the way. Also, apply for something they are known for. NOT THEIR NURSING PROGRAM.
    What to do for fun

    NOTHING.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    There is nothing really traditional about the campus. They just have a bunch of statues around campus that represent different important people.
    Great for these types of students

    Those that are not looking for much of a campus life and would rather be studying.

  • Ethan from Slippery Rock, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Professors will push you to learn and help you if you get stuck, but remember this is a university.
    Am enjoying being here

    There is always something fun to do.
    Bang for the buck

    I believe I am receiving a respectable education for the cost of tuition.
    Tips for prospective students

    This is you classic average sized school. To some it will seem in the middle of nowhere to others it will seem just right. This school doesn't have an extensively wide range of majors so it would help you to have a major in interest while looking at this school. The campus is growing along with the quality of learning.
    Great for these types of students

    People from small towns probably will find this college attractive.

  • Danina from Pittsburgh, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The professors here are really good with returning emails and answering any questions that you have. I haven't had a lot of homework yet but the work that I have done so far is enough to get me thinking.
    Am enjoying being here

    This campus isn't too big or too small; it's just right. There is plenty to do and everyone makes you feel welcome.
    Bang for the buck

    This year tuition and other fees went up. I'm guessing that it's because a new convocation center was being built. I haven't seen it yet, but I'm hoping it is worth the money.
    Great for these types of students

    Cal is great for any student that wants to get a taste of freedom but still wants to feel like they are a part of a family.

  • Andrea from Armagh, PA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    I really think I will like the academics at this school. I seem to fit right in with what is being taught here and am really considering this school.
    Will enjoy being here

    I am from a smaller town so Cal-U is the perfect size for me. I like how the buses run into Pittsburgh so I can always go there if I get bored. I also love the set-up of the campus and the dorm rooms are very nice and spacious.
    Bang for the buck

    Cal-U's price is perfect. I know that I will get exactly what I will pay for and more.
    Tips for prospective students

    Visit the campus because I'm sure that you will love it.
    Great for these types of students

    If you aren't really into the whole city thing, you will really like Cal-U.

  • Mikayla from Ligonier, PA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    I'm considering going to this school to major in robotics engineering technology after I graduate in two years.
    Will enjoy being here

    I will enjoy my RET classes and experiencing college life and possibly the marching band.
    Bang for the buck

    Their RET program is now comparable to CMU's program, but CALU is cheaper.
    Great for these types of students

    Anyone who wants to engineering, this school is for you!