Pursue Your Happiness in PA: What I Saw, What Stayed With Me
I recently had the opportunity to see 10 colleges through the IECA “Pursue Your Happiness in PA” tour, and it was one of those weeks that leaves you both energized and thinking long after it ends.
There’s nothing quite like being on a college campus: walking through student centers, sitting in on presentations, hearing directly from admissions leaders, and (my favorite part) listening to students talk about their experience.
But what really stood out to me on this trip, more than just the individual schools, was how much is shifting right now in college admissions.
What I’m Seeing Right Now
There’s a lot happening all at once:
a projected 25% decline in college-aged students by 2037
the growing role of AI (and how thoughtfully colleges are responding to it)
continued evolution of test optional practices
real conversations around affordability, access, and international enrollment
And yet…none of it felt chaotic. If anything, it felt intentional.
Over and over again, I heard schools talking about preparing students not just for their first job, but for a lifetime of building meaningful change.
One quote that really stuck with me:
“AI is only as good as the question you ask.”
That idea showed up everywhere. Colleges are thinking deeply about how to teach students to think, question, adapt, and stay curious, especially in a constantly shifting world.
Here are some of my highlights!
Bryn Mawr College
I’ll admit, I’m a huge fan of women’s colleges. Bryn Mawr was one of those places that just quietly impresses you more and more the longer you’re there.
As one of the few women’s colleges, it offers a really distinct experience, and it’s not what many people assume. It felt:
deeply academic (in a good way)
collaborative, not competitive
a little quirky, a little understated, and very intentional
What stood out most was how much care goes into the student experience.
applications are read slowly (20–25 minutes each, with multiple readers)
students have layered support—academic advising, a class dean, success coaching, unlimited counseling
there’s a real emphasis on intellectual curiosity and loving learning for its own sake
And then you add in consortium access to Haverford, Swarthmore, and Penn, and the opportunities expand even more.
It felt like a place where students can really be themselves, and be taken seriously.
Penn State
Penn State is big. There’s no way around that.
But what I appreciated was how clearly they think about helping students navigate that size.
275+ academic programs
multiple pathways to get where you want to go
strong advising, especially for students who are still figuring things out
One of the students shared something simple but really helpful:
Do three things—something fun, something professional, and something service-oriented.
That stuck with me, because it’s exactly how students make a large campus feel smaller.
There’s a lot of school spirit here (you feel it immediately), but also a real emphasis on finding your place within it. I saw the phrase “We are…” everywhere (not “I am…”). They want everyone to feel welcome.
Lehigh University
Lehigh was one of those visits where everything just felt…connected.
academics + hands-on learning
interdisciplinary programs (business, engineering, health)
strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship
Students here aren’t just learning concepts—they’re applying them, building things, testing ideas.
And what I noticed most was the balance:
driven, but not cutthroat
collaborative, but still ambitious (work hard, play hard)
This is a place where students are pushed to pursue big things, but not alone in those pursuits. And the campus is stunningly beautiful.
Dickinson College
Dickinson has a very clear sense of who they are, and that comes through in everything.
sustainability isn’t a talking point—it’s embedded (carbon neutral campus, organic farm)
global education is central (a high percentage of students study abroad)
strong outcomes in pre-law, pre-med, and business
There’s also something about the community that feels very grounded.
Students are engaged, thoughtful, and willing to lean into conversations that might be uncomfortable—but important.
It’s the kind of place where growth is expected, but also supported.
University of Pennsylvania
Ending the tour at Penn felt like a full-circle moment.
I already knew that it was a large, highly selective, research-driven university, but what stood out to me was how intentionally it’s designed.
interdisciplinary learning is built in
students can explore across schools
there’s a strong emphasis on impact and using what you learn in the real world
And despite its size and reputation, there are clear systems in place to support students along the way.
Penn is a place for students who are curious, motivated, and ready to take initiative, but also want the flexibility to explore.
Final Thoughts
Every campus we visited was different. That will always be the case. But what stayed with me from this trip is this:
On a large scale, the conversation is shifting. Less about:
“Where can I get in?”
More about:
“Where will I grow?”
“Where do I belong?”
“Who will I become here?”
And those are the questions that actually lead to better outcomes and happier students.