My daughter loved her college tour at Syracuse and thought that of all the schools she’s toured, the students at Syracuse seemed the most happy. As a result, she really wants to apply next year and, she’d probably get in unless there’s some yield protection stuff going on. She plans to major in biology. But, she’s not a partier; she’s pretty introverted and happiest in calm situations. A close group of a few friends, Netflix and a pizza – that’s her kind of night. I am worried that the Big Party culture of Syracuse won’t leave room for her, and those happy students she saw were happy because they are good fits for that culture. Would she get adrift/lonely at a school like this?
Hard to say for sure, but in general, I think (relative) introverts can do quite well at large schools. The tour should not be overlooked as an indicator, but an overnight would be more revealing.
Hi! I am attending SU in the fall. I visited and stayed with a friend for the weekend and also took a campus-sponsored tour. I’m the type of person who definitely fits into the “party culture” scene of SU, so perhaps this is a bit biased, but I truly do feel like there is something for everybody there. My friend and I went out to parties both nights I was there, but I met other students who were staying in, watching Netflix, getting dinner with friends and then going back to the dorms, etc - plus my tour guide was SO informative and mentioned a lot of the non-party related things SU has to offer like pre-screenings of movies, free shuttles to the nearby mall, boutiques in Armory Square, that sort of thing. I’m also in the SU Admitted Students FB group and MANY people who post looking for roommates indicate that they aren’t into partying, so she’ll definitely be able to find friends who are interested in a more low-key scene.
One thing that I will be honest about (having heard from students I met while visiting and from my own observations) is that Greek life is pretty prominent on campus; students who aren’t involved are referred to as “GDIs” (God-damn independents) and it can be limiting to not be Greek on campus if she ever does want to explore SU’s party scene. However, that’s just me going off of hear say and observing the culture for only two nights, so take it with a grain of salt. Ultimately, if your daughter loved the campus & felt like she belonged there, I would arrange a weekend visit - if she has any friends who go there, staying with them and getting the “college experience” would probably help her see what SU is like on a more social level.
Thank you, @nyudreaming212, that’s helpful. She has a cousin who is a freshman at SU, but the cousin (while very nice and fun to be with) is a sorority girl, loves big parties et cetera. I’ll still cross my fingers that my quieter kid will fall in love with a smaller school, but you know…ultimately it’s her choice.
My S will be going to Cuse next year. He sounds very much like your D. He was torn between SU and another school, but participated in the Own the Dome experience and already met kids like himself. He has been communicating with them via text and group text, and finally committed to Syracuse last week! He will be a mechanical engineering major and was impressed with the program when he visited.