DeSales University
Center Valley, PA, USA

Reviews

DeSales University

Lawrence from Sellersville, PA

a current student here
14 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Ariel from West Easton, PA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Be who you are and be that well. DeSales will help you find yourself and unleash your true potential in life. They help develop student's faith, knowledge and overall being.
Tips for prospective students
First and foremost, be proactive. Don't save things until the last minute. Assignments and papers will pile up before you know it and you will feel overwhelmed. Another tip is get to know your professors. A huge advantage DeSales has is that it is a small school and you are capable of have a personal connection with professionals in your field of interest. Plus, you never know when you will need a good recommendation!
Academic Rigor
A majority of the upper level courses as well as a select undergrad course are very challenging. The key is to ask questions before you fall behind and don't be afraid to a other students from class for help. I have been in dozens of study groups and some of them resulted in wonderful friendships.
Dorm Life
I personally commute to DeSales but I stay over all the time with my friends and teammates. Upperclassmen buildings are nice but overall the housing for DeSales students is good.
Food and Dining
Once again I commute, but every now and then I stay to grab a bite to eat with some friends. The food is exceptional and fresh. However, I have heard the lack of variety gets to some people. I have no complaints.
What to do for fun
It is what you make of it. There are plenty of intramurals, disc golf, gym, playground right down the road and a CRAZY AWESOME sledding hill in the winter. You have to see it to believe it. But honestly, you create your college experience.
Bang for the buck
There is some serious bang here. I could picture myself anywhere else. Except maybe overseas, but DeSales has a study abroad program.... so that's not a problem!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Fall Fest â?? September, Homecoming, Battle of the Bands â?? November, Super Weekendâ?? February, Siblings Weekend â?? February/ March, Spring Fling â?? April/May, Winter Formal, Relay for Life, Senior Week, plus HUGEEEE Thanksgiving and Christmas DELICIOUS dinner for campus... for free :)
Great for these types of students
Theater, athletic, artistic, catholic, students used to the small school environment, nature lovers, and really anyone looking to better their future.
Clubs and Activities
www.desales.edu- Best Buddies, Campus Ministry, Colleges Against Cancer, Ball room Dancing, Bowling club, Soccer, baseball, softball, laccrosse, feild hockey, friends of rachel, pro life, pshcology club, zumba and so much more. Hey.... even start your own!
Campus Safety
We have one of the lowest crime rates in the country.... except for our crazy deer crashing through class room windows.... haha

Anonymous

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
DeSales University is a family oriented university based on Catholic beliefs. There is a strive for excellence in all classes and on sports teams. The challenging curriculum and professors that push students to do their best work is definitely a plus.
Academic Rigor
The academics are very rigorous. It does depend on the major, but overall the classes are advanced. The professors are always willing to help if students need it.
Dorm Life
Life on campus is always fun! The relationships with other people on this campus is close and personal. Everyone is friendly and the dorms are newer and always clean.
Food and Dining
The food at DeSales is much better than other Universities. There is a wide selection and the university does take notice to students with allergies and has food accessible for them. There is always something good to eat.
Campus Safety
Campus safety is very important to DeSales. There are police on 24/7 and call boxes all around the campus. The school is located in a very safe area, literally located in the valley of Center Valley.

Jessica from Newtonville, NJ

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I've been on campus for a total of three times. I absolutely love it there and it feels like home to me. The people are so friendly and extremely welcoming.
Tips for prospective students
You have to love small classes and getting to know the people around you. I bet it will be easy to adjust too and don't worry about it being a catholic school. They don't force the religion upon any one.
Dorm Life
I love the dorms! Two rooms share their own bathroom instead of the whole floor!
What to do for fun
There's plenty of clubs and activities always going on.
Campus Safety
The campus safety is amazing. There is emergency push buttons located all over campus and the campus police are always roaming around. I've heard you can call the campus police if you don't feel safe walking to your dorm at night and they will gladly escort you home.

Keri from Lehighton, PA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
My first impression of DeSales was that it was not for me and I did not fit in with the types of people there. Although I still do not talk to a lot of people, I found my group of friends and they have made DeSales worth going to. The academics at DeSales are phenomenal and I think I will be extremely well-rounded and prepared for anything after I graduate.
Tips for prospective students
Take your academics seriously. It is not cool to get bad grades because you are the one paying for them. Time management is your best friend and procrastination will not work like it did in high school.
Academic Rigor
The academics at DeSales are extremely rigorous. It is difficult and challenging, but I have completely changed my way of thinking.
Dorm Life
The dorms are nice, I just wish everybody was closer.
Food and Dining
Everyone at DeSales complains about the food, but in all honesty, it is probably A LOT better than most schools. The dining really is not that bad.
What to do for fun
Good question.
Bang for the buck
Academically, you get more bang for your buck, but if you're going here for the college experience, forget about it.
Greek Life
None whatsoever.
Campus Safety
The campus is safe. There are campus police driving around everywhere. You can usually leave your belongings in a public place on campus for hours and nobody will touch them.

Stefanie from TELFORD, PA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
DeSales has a beautiful campus and a friendly environment. The people and staff here make one feel so at home, and they strive to help you in anyway they can. The small college feel is not a detriment, but a benefit.
Tips for prospective students
Don't judge a school by it's size. Remember, you're going to have to be walking that campus everyday. So, it should be beautiful and easy to navigate. The small college atmosphere is conducive to personal involvement.
Academic Rigor
Classes are not exhausting, but, depending on the major, they can be rigorous.
Dorm Life
Resident Advisers constantly have dorm activities going, which helps you meet the people you are living with, as well as being fun.
Food and Dining
There are so many options. My favorite food here is the macaroni and cheese! There are daily changing menus, as well as fresh fruit, salad bar and deli constants.
What to do for fun
There are daily events, sports, and weekend trips to things like Phillies games, Baltimore, New York and other local attractions.
Campus Safety
I have never felt unsafe on campus. I can walk around it at 1:00 am and still feel perfectly safe.

Shel

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.