Choosing a College

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I am prospective college student looking for an undergrad school to complete prerequisites for physical therapy school. As of now I am in the process of choosing the college I will attend. Money is an issue, so I know for a fact that I will be in-state. I'm a NY resident so it will be a SUNY. I have applied and been accepted to:</p>

<p>-SUNY Albany
-SUNY New Paltz
-SUNY Oneonta
-SUNY Cortland</p>

<p>I am not looking for information on academic prestige, but if you have any, it is welcome. All of these schools have a suitable degree for me to obtain and that is good enough for me. I would like to know more of the social life and atmosphere. I'm looking for the right "feel". I've personally narrowed down my choices to Albany and New Paltz. I hated Cortland and I have yet to visit Oneonta (I plan to). I realize that my narrowed down choices are complete opposites, which is why I've asked for your help, because I liked both when I visited. I am very conflicted because:</p>

<p>-I am used to small schools, so in terms of class size, I lean towards New Paltz.
-I have never experienced much culture in my life and would very much like to. I am sick of dominant races and ignorance. Albany seems better in terms of cultural diversity.
-I am shy and unaccustomed to freedom. I feel as if going to Albany would give me a chance to learn more about independence because of it's large size.
-Art is a huge pastime of mine. New Paltz is very artsy. I hear Albany got rid of some kind of important art program, but I forget what.
-In regards to my academic and career goals: Albany has a PT program I can sign up for that will guarantee me acceptance into a PT grad school in Albany. This does not completely catch my attention though, because I don't know if I'd want to go to grad school in Albany (my hometown is 3 hours away). I was planning on getting good grades and applying to a good grad school in Manhattan, closer to where I live.
-I'm not much of a partier, but I do know that is inevitable</p>

<p>Also, I know nothing about Oneonta but would like to know more</p>

2

<p>I think the main difference besides the size and campus feel of both New Paltz and Albany would be the type of student that attends. New Paltz is more artsy and quirky where Albany would be more mainstream. New Paltz does appear to be more selective at this time, so the incoming classes are really bright. Albany has more of a party school reputation. My son chose to transfer to New Paltz and could have gone anywhere. He loves the down to earth population, the small class sizes and the ease of getting to town. There is a small community feeling with everything in walking distance and the town is a funky and fun college town.</p>

3

<p>My thoughts exactly, Lily. Thank you for your input, and I’m glad your son likes New Paltz. So far, everything I’ve been hearing about that school has been positive.</p>

4

<p>I think it’s really a big school vs. small school decision.</p>

<p>Albany will offer more simply by virtue of greater size and resources. The PT program sounds good for what you want to do, and it will certainly encourage independence. On the other hand, it’s gray and boring. There’s not much to do besides party, and drinking is HUGE there. It’s very easy to “get lost” at a school like Albany. But if you think you can handle it, the more power to you.</p>

<p>New Paltz, on the other hand, will give you a much more individualized experience. While they may not have exactly what you’re looking for academically, the small class sizes and beautiful surroundings will be much better than what you’ll find at Albany. I’ve been on the New Paltz campus a few times and everything is very easily accessible, easy to learn, and the facilities are very nice. They also do have more of an “artsy” reputation than Albany.</p>

5

<p>From SUNY Academic Quick Facts: <a href=“http://www.suny.edu/student/downloads/Pdf/2011_Admissions_qf_stateop.pdf[/url]”>http://www.suny.edu/student/downloads/Pdf/2011_Admissions_qf_stateop.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Middle 50%</p>

<p>Albany SAT: 1110-1260<br>
New Paltz SAT: 1100-1300</p>

<p>Albany ACT: 24-28
New Paltz ACT: 24-29</p>

<p>Albany GPA: 88-94
New Paltz GPA: 88-94</p>

<p>According to Princeton Review the average class sizes are the same: 20-29. Don’t think there are not plenty of lecture sized classes at New Paltz…it’s just not true.</p>

<p>So because the admission rate at New Paltz is less than Albany’s doesn’t mean the students are smarter…and it certainly has nothing to do with the quality of the school.</p>

<p>I’d have to say there is more to do in Albany than New Paltz both on campus and the surrounding area…simply because of the fact that the Capital district is much larger, has more museums, restaurants, colleges, shopping, theatres, parks, intership opportunities, ease of travel…and so on. So to day there is nothing to do but drink is not accurate. Albany is larger than New Paltz in both student body and campus size, but New Paltz is not what I would consider to be small like a LAC, and Albany is certainly not big like a University of Florida. As far as beauty…both are upstate New York…if your looking for a nice view go to another state.</p>

<p>I’m not suggesting that you go to Albany or that Albany is the best fit for you, but don’t let someone elses misconceptions sway your decesion.</p>

<p>Do your own research to see if the things that your interested in are there for you. What clubs do you like. Take a look at the course catalog and see if the offered classes are interesting to you. Talk to the department heads and advisors. Are there intership opportunities? Are there research opportunities?</p>

<p>I know students who went to both and are very happy and have been well served. I live close to both…they are only about 60 miles apart, and can tell you that parties are just part of the culture of both schools. I go to both schools to see plays, sporting events, art shows, and so forth. Both are great schools. Which one is best for you is a question you’ll have to do your homework on.</p>

6

<p>lsd87:</p>

<p>I realize that New Paltz is not all small classes, but I do know the largest class size has no chance of going over 50 students – I have asked about and seen all of their lecture halls, they aren’t big. In addition to that, their general classrooms are the size of small high school classrooms. So obviously that size range is much smaller compared to SUNY Albany. Although it varies greatly, Albany’s lecture halls can reach the 100s range. I am not saying that every class in Albany is big, I have taken the time to contact students and they have given me reports of some small class sizes, but it very much depends on what the student is studying. </p>

<p>I agree that just because the admission rate is lower does not mean the students are smarter. I just hesitated from saying anything when it was addressed, I apologize. </p>

<p>“As far as beauty…both are upstate New York…if your looking for a nice view go to another state.”
What exactly are you implying? That upstate NY is not beautiful?</p>

<p>I am not trying to get people on here to choose the right college for me, I simply want honest opinions and more information about others concerning these schools. I will not let these opinions “sway my decision.” I try my best to remain unbiased, and my views on these schools (as of now) only focus on the positive. I have no right to say anything specific against them. </p>

<p>I’ve done my research, and have too many facts for my mind to handle. Unfortunately both schools are equally accommodating as far as my academics and interests go. For instance, New Paltz has an anime, Asian, and art club. Albany has Liga Filipina, a club for people of my culture. Both have recreational swimming, which is a huge factor I look at personally. Both schools have hospital internship opportunities, but I’ve already planned on doing my internships over the summer in my hometown, instead of having it conflict with my studies during the school year. </p>

<p>I’d like to let you know that I’ve decided how I will make my decision. I will be attending a “Shadow A Student” event some time this month or in March at SUNY New Paltz. At this time, that school is preferable to me – not because of opinions here, I’ve established this beforehand. I believe attending this event will determine whether I truly like the school or not. I will look into a similar event regarding Albany. </p>

<p>The purpose of this internet post was simply to gain more knowledge. Choosing the right college is a tough decision. I’ve underestimated how tough it would be…But at least I’m taking the initiative to begin making the decision now in February while it’s still generally early.</p>

<p>I appreciated your input, but not your demeaning tone. Good day.</p>

7

<p>My snarky comments were not directed at you so I apologize if I gave offense. Good luck.</p>

8

<p>Not sure which of the schools you are looking at has PT or if you then have to transfer or then apply to grad school. I believe Buffalo has a 5 year program. You may want to check it out.</p>

9

<p>lsd87:</p>

<p>Oh, alright. You should have specified who you were speaking to then, lol. I only assumed it was me because I started the thread. It’s okay, I’m sorry too.</p>

10

<p>crazed:</p>

<p>PT requires an undergrad degree in biology, chemistry, physics, exercise physiology, or exercise science. Afterwards there is grad school. Right now I’m looking for an undergrad school with an in-state price. I already applied in October so I’m done with acceptances, I’m just trying to choose from this narrowed down list. </p>

<p>I did check out Buffalo, it was one of the first schools I visited. I’m aware of their 6 year program for PT. It seems overly competitive and I am merely an average student, though. I actually wanted to go to Buffalo pretty badly until I considered the distance from my home. 8 hours away from me. Didn’t seem worth it.</p>

11

<p>Oneonta has an articulation agreement with a PT program (Sage Graduate School in Albany) but the grad program is very expensive. Don’t know anything about it’s quality.</p>

12

<p>Furrze:</p>

<p>Mhm! I’m aware, but thanks! :). I’m actually visiting it at 10am today (Saturday).</p>

13

<p>To say a universityis more selective is a half-truth a best. It depends on the major. Albany has at least a dozen programs that are ranked in the top 10. New Paltz probably has their own strengths. I received my MBA from Albany and it has the only HRIS consentration in the country. I had multiple job offers. I’m just pointing out that you should look at the program not get lost on US News’s magazine rankings.</p>