<p>Its numerous distinguishing characteristics are its strengths to many, but its weaknesses to others not so attuned.</p>
<p>Most are happy to derive reflected glory from its well-known standards and reputation for academic excellence, but the flip side is that this reputation is earned and some can find it tough sledding.</p>
<p>The university’s huge academic diversity means all sorts of people are there. Some people prefer homogeneity, and to be surrounded by people who are more uniformly like them.</p>
<p>It’s large size supports its wealth of activities and programs which many welcome, but others might prefer a more intimate school, with a smaller scale.</p>
<p>As an outstanding research university it has its share of top professors and a 700+ page course catalog. But that package inevitably comes with its share of TAs and large classes, a trade-off which some people do not prefer.</p>
<p>Its setting, a bucolic, campus-focused institution in a college town, means you are in a place that is dominated by students. Many find this environment outstanding for one’s undergraduate studies. But there are others who would prefer greater access to a large urban center, despite the resulting dilution of campus life that may follow.</p>
<p>Its location in upstate New York is relatively convenient for many of its students. Many enjoy experiencing the four seasons there, but some seasons more than others; it gets its fair share of New York winters, which evidently scares some people who come from warmer climes.</p>
<p>That’s all I can think of, at the moment.</p>