By Skylar Ferguson and Chloe Mattus, 11th graders at Brien McMahon High School

After an overnight stay at the Embassy Suites in Philadelphia we were eager to begin the first day of our college tour. Due to the pandemic, we lost the opportunity to tour as 9th and 10th graders, so this is our only year to experience a spring break Carver college tour.  This morning our bus driver maneuvered the narrow streets of Philadelphia and delivered us safely to Temple University. 

Our university campus guide began the knowledge exchange by talking about Temple University having six campuses and sites across Pennsylvania, plus international campuses. We learned that Temple is a 4-year public college founded in 1884 by Russell Conwell. Today nearly 30,000 students are enrolled at its campuses here and around the world.

At three blocks wide, many would consider the main Temple campus to be a large urban school, but Temple felt like a smaller school. The student-to-teacher ratio is 13:1. Students from the main campuses have access to study aboard. Study abroad opportunities can last up to four years. The campus in Rome, for example, offers a two-year academic opportunity, the remaining two years to be completed at the main campus in Philadelphia.

Admission to the honors program at Temple is based solely on a recommendation, not an application. Temple does not require an SAT score. Instead, they ask for an essay about who you are which is weighted as an equivalent to an SAT score. 

Intriguing information was provided. For example, the new library has sections that are open 24/7 and gives online access to reserve books prior to arriving at the library. There is an app that gives you access to what’s going on around campus and around Philadelphia. The other library sections close at 2 am.

Our tour guides encouraged us to “…make use of EVERY single penny from your tuition because there are so many benefits Temple gives out.” For example, tuition includes free tutoring. Our tour guides were very persuasive and welcoming.

Temple graduate student Malene Barnett joined us on our tour. Years ago, Malene painted a mural on the first floor of the Carver Community Center. We are eager to locate and appreciate her artwork the next time we visit the community center. 

There are three different on-campus living styles, traditional, suite-style, and apartment living. You have a roommate with each living style and they go in that order from least to most expensive. 70% of freshmen live on campus and a lot of upperclassmen live off-campus which is conveniently located within walking distance of the campus. The earlier you put your deposit down, the more likely you are to go get the room you like, which would be by May 1st. The first day to apply for the room of your choice is April 1st, which is “first come first serve” for all four years. We think that makes sense and is fair. There is an online quiz for prospective roommates that includes group chats. You are not allowed to have pets in your room unless they are certified service animals. Getting a job is recommended for students who are good with time management. 

The school’s diversity includes 350 clubs and organizations, six sororities, and seven fraternities. There is academic rigor, the student accommodations include a media center, student center, movie theatre, transportation on campus, pet-friendly hotel access, and strong security that enables us to easily see ourselves being a part of the Temple community.

Temple has a 70% acceptance rate and a 70% graduation rate. Overall, we were impressed with Temple. We will be adding Temple to our list of preferred schools.