Penn State is the alma mater of a great deal of famous and successful people, from Keegan-Michael Key to Ty Burrell. For a lot of celebrities, though, fame and fortune get in the way of attending college the traditional way.

Whether they skipped college altogether or simply didn’t think to consider finding their academic home in Happy Valley, plenty of celebrities give off Penn Stater energy. So, we compiled a list of stars that we think would have attended Penn State if given a second chance.

Taylor Swift

While Swift may have gotten her honorary doctorate from NYU, she had to have always imagined herself going to college the traditional way. If she only had the chance to attend a Lion Ambassador-led tour without being mobbed by Swifties, we think she would’ve ended up in Happy Valley.

As an avid Eagles fan and self-proclaimed “outside of Philly” girl, Swift would fit right in with her fellow in-state students. Swift would be the type of girl to carry extra Nittany Lion temporary tattoos around the tailgate and even offer to apply one for you. If you need any further evidence, she brought her Fearless Tour to the Bryce Jordan Center in 2009 when she was the age of a typical college student.

Sabrina Carpenter

Another Pennsylvania native, we think former Disney actress turned Taylor Swift-opener would fit right in here at Penn State. Obviously a girl’s girl, she’d be the type to hold your place in the Starbucks line while you grab a coveted table or kindly let you know your hair is out of place.

She’d probably be in one of the biggest sororities and would be one of those people that everyone knows. Plus, campus is so big that she would be able to slink around without running into the boys that she sings about.

Christian Pulisic

There doesn’t need to be any speculation here. Star soccer player Christian Pulisic told a reporter that if he hadn’t immediately jumped into the professional soccer scene, he would have attended Penn State.

Pulisic would have been in University Park for the 2020 and 2021 seasons, and it’s hard not to think about what could have been. The blue athlete backpack would look so good on him.

Kendall Vertes

This one is just so easy to imagine. A former Pittsburgh girl and “Dance Moms” star, Kendall Vertes surely wouldn’t want to settle for something close to home – she’d want to be different. In fact, Vertes has been spotted in the past few years at some local fraternities and football games.

It’s unclear why she didn’t end up coming to Penn State, but we can see her on a Saturday afternoon with a white tennis skirt and Nittany Lion ear headband before joining the Lionettes to perform an incredible dance routine mid-game.

Ed Sheeran

OK, Ed Sheeran as a Penn Stater probably seems completely weird, but let us explain. On his most recent tour, Sheeran has been known to show up at random places in every city he visits to participate in some kind of community service or community interaction, and he loves every second of it.

Where better for him to go than the home of the world’s largest student-run philanthropy? Obviously, Sheeran would be a THON entertainment captain, working to cultivate the most electric music lineup for THON weekend. He’s the kind of guy that would make THON his entire personality, but not in an annoying way.

Lea Michele

Between her many roles on Broadway and the cinematic gold that was “Glee,” we think Lea Michele would’ve graced Penn State’s School of Theatre if she had the chance. She’d get the lead in every NRT show, even if she couldn’t read the scripts, and she wouldn’t shut up about it.

On top of all her performances, she’d probably be the president of her sorority and a THON captain, but in true Rachel Berry style, it would never be enough.

The Jonas Brothers

This one is obvious. The Jo-Bros love Penn State, and Penn Staters love them right back. The trio grew up in New Jersey, so they would be bleeding blue from that out-of-state tuition. Maybe you’d see Joe drinking a Dirty Sprite at Champs or Kevin with a painted chest at the Stripe Out game. Nick would definitely be the star of Centre Stage. If Disney hadn’t snatched the brothers up from an early age, we think Happy Valley might’ve.

Miles Teller

Between being a Pennsylvania native and starring in almost every popular movie released in the early 2010s, we think Miles Teller gives off Penn State vibes. Considering he pioneered the fraternity-loved mustache trend in “Top Gun: Maverick,” Teller would 100% be a frat bro. Naturally, Teller is a fan of all the Philadelphia teams and would bring that same energy to every Penn State game, rain or shine. Teller’s just the type of guy to start the “We Are” chant at every event.

South Korea is a beacon in the global entertainment industry. It is home to an illustrious roster of immensely talented celebrities who have carved out a niche with their riveting performances and artistic prowess. Yet, their abilities are not confined to the limelight, as a notable number have also distinguished themselves in the academic arena.

At the forefront of academic excellence in South Korea lies Seoul National University (SNU) — a revered institution with a rich history of nurturing minds to foster innovation, critical thinking, and leadership. Recognized for its high standards and rigorous programs, SNU has been the academic home to many individuals who have risen to stardom, cultivating their artistic talents and fostering a deep-seated commitment to educational excellence.

Let’s delve into some of the South Korean celebrities who attended Seoul National University.

Kim Tae-Hee (B.A. in Clothing and Textiles)

Kim Tae-Hee, known for her striking beauty and acting skills, is one of the most famous alumni of SNU. During her time at the university, she studied clothing and textiles and even served as the president of the SNU Women’s Ski Club.

Kim Jeong-Hoon (School of Dentistry)

A talent scout discovered Kim Jeong-hoon, a dropout from SNU’s School of Dentistry, at a bar near the university. This led to his debut in a music duo called “UN.” He later appeared in various dramas, including “Princess Hours.”

Lee Sang-yoon (B.A. in Physics)

Lee Sang-yoon graduated from SNU with honors in Physics. At 24, he caught the eye of his former agency director while walking in Yeoido, and this led to his debut in a Hite Beer commercial in 2005. Afterward, he took on roles in different TV series.

Lee Honey (B.A. and M.A. in Korean Music)

The former Miss Korea and the third runner-up of the 56^th
Miss Universe pageant (2007), Lee Honey, is a famous SNU alumni. She pursued both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Korean music at SNU, graduating in 2010. She was also actively involved in the SNU Women’s Ski Club with Kim Tae Hee.

Lee Juck (B.A. in Sociology)

Lee Juck, the leader of the 90s duo “Panic,” was also involved in the group “Carnival” and the band “Gigs.” He entered SNU in 1992 and graduated in 2004 with honors in Sociology.

Jo Yun-suk (B.A. in Chemical Engineering)

Jo Yun-suk graduated from SNU, majoring in Chemical Engineering. During his freshman year at SNU, he won the bronze medal in the 5th Yu Jeha Music Competition. In 1998, he debuted in the modern rock band “Misuni,” and from 2001 onward, he pursued a solo career using the stage name Lucid Fall.

Jang Kiha (B.A. in Sociology)

Jang Kiha, the lead singer of the indie rock band “Kiha & The Faces,” is a singer-songwriter, actor, essay writer, and radio host. He graduated from SNU honoring in Sociology.

Beenzio (Department of Sculpture)

Beenzio, a South Korean rapper, is known for his melodic style of rapping. He attended SNU and earned a degree in sculpture in 2004.

These stars who attended SNU have demonstrated their remarkable talents in the entertainment industry while also maintaining a commitment to their academic pursuits.