Siddhartha Satti

AI Engineer Intern at Nittany Ai Advance

- What factors helped you choose your college (size, location, cost, majors)?
For me it was cost, close to home but not next to. Penn state is about a 3 hour drive, Plus, it is one of the best public schools for my major, Computer Science in my opinion.

- How did you decide on your major, and did you change it? Why?
I decided Computer Science because I really liked coding and Ai

- What surprised you most about college life (academics, social, workload)?
The classes are way harder than high school but easier too cause the professors aren't always on your back about assignments which was one of the biggest surprises for me. You have a lot more free time in college.

- How has college shaped your career goals so far?
I always liked AI, but coming to college fully 'locked it in' for me. I am currently on the executive board for the Nittany AI Student Society (the biggest AI club at Penn State). Working with like-minded peers in that environment has really helped me focus my career path

- What extracurriculars or clubs helped with skills or networking?
As I mentioned, I’m on the exec board for the Nittany AI Student Society. That experience has been the most helpful for both technical skills and meeting the right people.

- How did you find internships or summer experiences?
Mainly through talking to people and networking. I actually landed an internship I did last semester specifically because I networked at a club event. You get the best opportunities just by talking to people

- What application tips (essays, extracurriculars) made the biggest difference?
For the essays, don't just focus on proving you're a 'good student' or listing every project you did. While those are good to mention, I think it makes a bigger difference to focus on why that specific college would be lucky to have you and why you would be a great fit for their campus.

- What do you wish you knew in high school about college prep?
I wish I knew how important self-discipline is. In high school, your schedule is managed for you, but in college, you have to manage your own time. Learning how to study without a teacher hovering over you is a skill I wish I had practiced earlier.

- One piece of advice for high schoolers on course selection or planning?
Don't overload your schedule with only hard classes in your first semester. It’s okay to space things out. Try to balance your heavy classes with some easier 'Gen Ed' courses so you don't burn out immediately