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DeSales University Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

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

  • 6 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Lawrence from Sellersville, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The faculty make sure to deliver personal one-on-one attention to each student. It's a guarantee that one of the first professional contacts you have out in the field will be one of your teachers, and DeSales only uses full time teachers in the classroom, no student will ever be instructed by a teacher's assistant. Not only must teachers receive an excellent review to earn a full time faculty position, but they must also be advancing themselves professionally or actively working in their field of expertise, to guarantee the students are getting teachers very much connected to current events in their professions. To quote Dr. Brennan Pursell, Everything I do at DeSales is for the students. No scholar can forget that they are the reason why he has a career in the first place.

    Am enjoying being here

    After applying to 3 other major universities, and getting feedback from my friends who chose to go to state schools, I could not be happier with my selection. Student Life at DeSales goes far beyond the call of duty, and makes sure that not only are students getting a good education, but they are getting life experience during their time at DeSales. The Character U program run for freshman is one of a kind, and an excellent way to help break the ice for students about to take a plunge into a brand new experience. Additionally, the dormitories are fantastic, with nearly every dorm having suite-style bathrooms and being fully maintained. Yes, you read that right, you never have to clean your own bathroom (or stock toilet paper for that matter)! Each dorm room also has high speed Internet, premium cable, and individual heating and air conditioning systems. In regards to campus life, the other 3 schools I looked at could not even compare.

    Bang for the buck

    While the initial price tag can seem a bit high for some, especially those looking at much more competitively priced state schools. However, over 90% of the students in attendance are on some form of scholarship. In my case in particular, DeSales actually wound up being even cheaper than most of the other schools. It's definitely worth it to apply and talk to an admissions or finicial aid counselor.

    Tips for prospective students

    Really make sure to visit DeSales and get a feel for campus. They offer many events for potential freshman to make sure that their decision is a well-informed one. First, I'd recommend starting off with a tour and counselor interview afterwards. It's a great way to meet a student or two who already attend the school, and then you can talk candidly one-on-one with one of the very people who take part in the acceptance process, and it makes it much easier to help accept students when they can attach a face to a name. Next up, apply! Their rolling admissions allows you to hear back from them with their decision in only a few weeks, so the sooner you apply, the sooner you hear back! Once accepted, they run tons of fantastic events to help clarify if DeSales is the right fit for you. They have an option to Overnight with a current student (who is usually in your major), where the two of you can attend a special event, room together for one night, and then attend classes with them the next day (free lunch too)! Then, there's scholarship day, where students can compete for scholarships within their department and get to talk to their department heads face to face in an interview session. Lastly, of course there is the Bulldog Bash! This is a big party for any and all accepted students just to have some fun, with some great prizes to be won, and students can mingle with one another to get to know each other before even stepping foot on campus as a full time student! There are tons of ways to visit and get an idea of what it's like to be a DSU student, and I really recommend taking advantage of them.

    Great for these types of students

    One of the things that really stood out at DSU over other colleges is that they have tons of leadership opportunities available for freshman. Anyone who wants to take an active role in their education really should be here, because the campus (all 450+ acres) gives the feel of a much larger school, but the population (1500 undergrad who live on-campus) allows you to get to know almost everyone, and creates a great, personal environment. One of the coolest things about DSU is that, it is the students campus, and students play a role in shaping the school as much, or more, than the administration does. If DeSales is lacking something in your interest, you are not only welcome to start it, but actually encouraged, and the support for your projects and endeavors are beyond helpful. If you want to make sure you're getting the most out of your 4-year college experience, nothing tops DeSales University.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Anonymous

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    DeSales has a lot to offer with their academics. The teachers are all very informative and willing to help. I really do think I am learning a lot since I have been at DeSales! Most of the professors are willing to make class as fun as possible while still providing you with the most information possible.

    Am enjoying being here

    Although DeSales is in a very rural neighborhood there is still a lot to do on and off of campus. The Student Night Life committee (SNL) makes sure that all students have plenty of options when it comes to taking a breaking or relieving stress. I also enjoy being at DeSales because I only live about 45 minutes from campus so I have to option to go home whenever i want.

    Bang for the buck

    DeSales, initially is very expensive but, like myself, many students get scholarships and grants to make it more affordable. The classes are great, the facilities are clean, and the activities on campus are very diverse, there is something for everyone! I definitely think you get the most for your money at DeSales!

    Tips for prospective students

    If you are looking to come to DeSales University for college I definitely would advise taking a tour and also, if possible, scheduling an over night stay so you can experience living in a dorm, going to classes, and eating at the DeSales University Center. If you have an interest in the arts you should also come to a dance performance or see a theatre performance!

    Great for these types of students

    Any student! There is such a diverse group of students attending DeSales currently that anyone could find their place and fit in. Also, DeSales students are extremely welcoming and are glad to have new students and will greet them with a smile.

  • 1 person found this inaccurate.

    Resident of PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Desales basic academics leaves something to be desired. While your major-required classes are generally high-quality, especially in the sciences, the core curriculum classes such as english, theology, etc. are for the most part pretty shoddy. The professors that teach these classes seem to have been the cheapest available and this shows in the quality of their classes. That being said, major classes, the sciences especially, and the biology classes in particular are without par. They are excellent programs that prepare you for your post-college career. However: smaller academic departments such as the tv/film do not have the funding to hire good professors, and are living proof of the old saying, if you can't do, teach. This does not hold true for the other fine arts disciplines; the dance and theater programs are amazing a regularly produce insanely high quality professionals.

    Am enjoying being here

    Student life is excellent. Due to the small size of the student body, it is possible for an ambitious individual to know the majority of his or her fellow students with ease. This produces lasting friendships and close-knit bonds between students of different disciplines, and incredible amounts of collaboration between individuals and graduation years within their respective departments.

    Bang for the buck

    Desales is more expensive than it should be due to a large number of poor monetary decisions by the administration.

    Tips for prospective students

    Take the core curriculum required classes at your local community college; the classes at Desales are not worth the unholy amount of money you will pay in tuition for them.

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    anonymous from Phila, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    pretty campus
    personalized attention
    great academics

    Tips for prospective students

    talk to professors, they are very helpful. easy access to shopping if you have or have access to car. most students are around on the weekends.

    Academic Rigor

    4 stars

    Dorm Life

    4 stars

    Food and Dining

    food is good, but repetive. helpful for special dietary needs

    What to do for fun

    sports spectator, shop in area, hang out with friends, weekend activities

    Greek Life

    none

    Campus Safety

    feel very safe. good security, ems rural area

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    James from Conshohocken, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Desales is one of those places that you think about when you to get away from everything. It has a conveniently sized campus with lots of friendly people. It is also a place that makes you feel like you are at high school all over again. DSU makes you feel very much at home. But, College life can get stressful and you should be ready for it. My advice is that you should take advantage of all of the opportunites and activities DSU has to offer. Meet lots of people and network with everyone because it makes things a whole lot easier. Go outside of your own comfort zone and find out what it is like to experience different things. Also, build relationships with professors. DSU is a small school and professors are able to meet on a 1 on 1 basis to help you throughout most of your problems with classes. Finally, manage your time here at DSU. College is fun and exciting time for individuals, but that could all come crashing down if time for studying, hanging out, sports, and other activities isn't managed correctly. If you remember those few tips, DSU will be one of the best schools that you have ever had to study at.

  • Amanda

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    This is a small school, just what I was looking for. There is a lot to do and you'll never get bored.

    Tips for prospective students

    Be ready to meet people and get involved. There is plenty to do.

    Academic Rigor

    This school is definitely academically challenging me. I love my major and love my classes.

    Dorm Life

    Dorm life and having a roommate will take some getting use to. I am an only child so it was different for me. But you just have to make the bext of it and keep the communication lines open.

    Food and Dining

    It isn't home cooking but then again nobody cooks like your Mom!

    What to do for fun

    There is plenty to do here. There are plenty of clubs to join, volunteer work, go to a soccer, baseball or basketball game. Sledding in the winter right on campus.

    Clubs and Activities

    Psych Club. Trips. others....

    Campus Safety

    Safe, very safe!

  • Shel

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    it is a very nice school and the people there are quite friendly. the professors are great and will help you with whatever you need.

    Tips for prospective students

    come prepared for their freshman character u program and attend the events, not only because they're fun but also because it's such a simple 'course' that you can pass.

    Academic Rigor

    it is a very rigorous program compared to high school but it's not bad after you get through it.

    Food and Dining

    from the little bit of food that i've had, it's very good from the duc and skylight lounge. have not yet visited the cyber lounge but they have excellent food as well i hear.

    What to do for fun

    they have many different events going on every month and very little is there a day where there are none. the mcshea center also offers a lot of variety of activities from pool to just watching tv.

    Campus Safety

    they are pretty big about safety and make sure during orientation you know plenty about what to do in case of emergency. help boxes are set up at many locations around campus in case and they have a number you can call as well.

  • Kevin from Collegeville, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    desales university is the perfect college student who is interested in intense programs working with great people. the professors and students at desales all make people feel welcome, whether you're a freshman or a fifth year senior. desales is the second happiest place on earth, next to disney world, of course.

    Tips for prospective students

    find a program that you're interested in, and if desales is known for it, then make it your number one school! some of desales' programs are stronger than others and the ones that are strong (such as nursing, pa, and theatre) are extremely reputable.

    Academic Rigor

    desales has many working professionals and past professionals in the field they teach in. the professors are a mix of doctors and otherwise fantastic teachers who take their classes seriously and make the class rigorous but fair.

    Dorm Life

    the dorm life is enjoyable and more comfortable than most dorms i've seen at college campuses. the only problem is the visitation hours. one sex is not allowed in the dorm buildings of the other sex at certain times during the night. this is irritating and gets some people into trouble even if they fall asleep and miss the curfew time.

    Food and Dining

    the desales university center is the main dining hall and is usually called the duc (pronounced like duck). the food they do make is pretty good but most of it is fried food and not very good for you. the pizza is terrible, but otherwise the options they have are tasty!

    What to do for fun

    the promenade shops are very close to campus and a lot of fun. otherwise, desales plans a lot of events for students such as bowling trips, movie nights, and visiting music groups or comedians.

    Bang for the buck

    if you get scholarships, the school is great for the price. but any college priced at $28,000 tuition is high during this time. they are generous in scholarships though and that helps.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    no

    Campus Safety

    used to be the safest college in america until a deer umped through a window during a class session in 2010. still very safe, i once left my backpack at dinner and it stayed in the same spot until i found it 48 hours later. nothing was stolen and it had not been moved by any student.

  • Shana from Bethlehem, PA

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

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    i am currently a high school student accepted into the desales h.s. scholars program for this term and into the pa program next term! the scholars program has afforded me the priceless opportunity to take classes that will literally help me with not only easing the tough physician assistant matrix, but jump start my gpa. everyone should apply for this exceptional program!

    Tips for prospective students

    visit the campus! it has privacy and close proximity to so much! take advantage of high school academics and grades, gpa, ap and sat's count!

    What to do for fun

    everything!

    Great for these types of students

    p.a., pre-med, nursing, theater

    Greek Life

    none

  • Stephanie

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    desales can cater to everyones needs/wants. the staff and student body at desales is open and friendly. the school might not be right in the middle of a city, but hellertown and bethlehem are just a short drive away-like wawa and walmart (24/7)!

    Tips for prospective students

    it honestly does help to have a car.
    get ready to be surprised, having a roomate and floormates is exciting but sometimes things do go smootly.
    do not fret over grades, tests or quizzes if something goes wrong your professor wil help you.
    dont be afraid to explore before picking your major, it may just happen that you come in a science major and discover that you stink at science.
    this is the real world, not high school, be prepared for the difference.

    Academic Rigor

    depends on your major.

    Dorm Life

    why do the heating units always break...and the plumbing back up? the cleaning ladies are sometimes a bit lazy.

    Food and Dining

    typical cafeteria food, just be near a bathroom within fifteen minutes of finishing a meal.

    What to do for fun

    anything. student night life hosts an event almost every night. and there are clubs and sports, plus intramurals for everyone. not into large groups, mcshea offers a great place to just sit and watch movies.

    Bang for the buck

    definitely my favorite school to visit and stay at. opportunities here are endless.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    steve the mailman...hes great.
    attending basketball games.
    holding the door for the person behind you.

    Great for these types of students

    shy but driven students who want to be successful. this school can help someone break out of their shell or help someone further their career.

    Clubs and Activities

    there are multiple sports and intramurals. clubs that had been previously cut due to funding are finding alternate sources, and students are actively involved in student government and student atheltic committees. the service department offers colleges against cancer as well as opportunities for special olympic games, big buddies, ect. the church doors are always open for volunteers.

    Greek Life

    there are no frats. or soroties. this has its benefits, no one is ever left feeling excluded or shut out of a group.

    Campus Safety

    actually the cops can be real sticklers for parking tickets.

  • Sam from Swampscott, MA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
  • John from Saddle Brook, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    It's cold here, bring lots of jackets.

    Great for these types of students

    Intelligent, Fun, Athletic, Talented Small-Town students.

  • Mary Colleen from Sellersville, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Definitely take advantage of all the University has to offer. From the Center for Service and Social Justice, Campus Ministry or even attending a sporting event, DeSales University helps me grow in all aspects of my life.

    Great for these types of students

    Artsy, undeclared, religious, searching, inspired