<p>Out of the blue, my National Merit Finalist son wants to know about scholarships at Hofstra! Frankly, I don't even know where it is, or anything about the school. He's in the running for Harvard, Princeton,Georgetown, Washington and Lee, and Vanderbilt (depending upon scholarship $$$), and Auburn University for full ride scholarship. However, Hofstra popped up, so I thought I'd check it out. I seem to recall in the 60's Bill Cosby had a comedy routine about--don't know anything else about HU. Help?</p>
<p>I live fairly close to Hofstra so maybe I can help a little. For one, Hofstra is located in Hempstead, NY. It’s in the Western end of Long Island, very close to NYC. The town of Hempstead isn’t the greatest (or safest) but it’s close to everything (the city, beaches, shopping, e.t.c.) You seem disappointed but it’s really not a bad school. It isn’t really well known nationally, but it certainly is regionally. I’m not sure what your son is interested in studying, but Hofstra is known for getting their students great internships in the City. Based on the other schools your son is considering, i’m assuming he is a top student. If that’s the case, their honors program is great. And getting a good scholarship would not be a problem. </p>
<p>Btw, a presidential debate between Obama and Mccain was held there. Good luck with everything. I hope you find more information!</p>
<p>This is not a school I’d recommend to a kid who has a hope of getting into Harvard. Lot’s of commuters, not a lot of diversity, geared to average students.</p>
<p>Princeton Review student surveys give Hofstra a C+ (78) for Academics and a D (64) for Campus Quality of Life. The students surveyed said:</p>
<p>“Hofstra “is generally considered a party school,” students concede, “but it is easy to avoid that if you want to.” Many students “go to the bars and pubs that are around college campus” to blow off steam, or “if not, they make parties at their dorms when their RA is away and invite people over to play beer pong.” Greek organizations on campus are “really enjoyable,” hosting “fundraisers and activities,” not to mention the occasional house party. For those seeking alternatives, “There are several malls and movie theaters nearby, the train station is 10 minutes away, and it’s only about a half hour ride into NYC, and Nassau Coliseum is also right next door so there are always concerts and events. Jones Beach is also very close and popular when [the weather] is nice.” The Student Center Theater shows “popular films that are out of the theaters but not yet released on DVD almost every weekend.” College sporting events are less popular-“Our teams aren’t great,” one student concedes-and the school recently dropped its football pro- gram to save money. Hometown Hempstead “is a bit of a bust.” Not only is there “nothing to do” in town, but students perceive it as “an area of depression and crime…The campus itself is generally quite safe, but that safety does not extend very far past the limits of the campus.” Fortunately, safer destinations are nearby and easily accessible by car or public transportation.”</p>
<p>There are other NMF full scholarships (Northeastern, Auburn, Alabama, Texas A&M, Arizona) that I’d find more appealing.</p>