<p>I am a transfer student and I have been admitted to both SUNY Plattsburgh and SUNY-ESF for Environmental Science. I am struggling to make a decision between the two of them. I am from Syracuse so ESF is much closer to my family and friends, so I feel like that would be their preference for me. However, I love Plattsburgh's location in the Adirondack's and right on Lake Champlain. It is also very close to Montreal and Burlington which is pretty awesome. Both schools have very good programs and comparable cost, so it's a really tough choice.
I like the fact that all of Plattsburgh's classes, labs, and fieldwork are taught by professors, no TA's. I also like the fact that on-campus living is much more available there. Really the only issue is the distance.
I was all set to go to ESF until visiting Plattsburgh recently, and although I had visited friends there before, I didn't really know how much they had to offer. After going through a real visit I really liked it.
I do like the like-mindedness of students at ESF though, it would be nice to be around others who care about environmental issues.
I guess the bottom line is that now I am beyond confused. Help?!</p>
<p>For what it’s worth, looking at the stats of the school ESF looks like it has so much more potential. Plattsburgh has a 32 percent grad rate after 4 years . . . that seems pretty bad. ESF is 49 percent. The SAT scores for ESF are much, much better than Plattsburgh. I have visited neither school so I don’t know if Plattsburgh is more wonderful in true life. On paper, not so much.</p>
<p>Just my personal opinion… My husband went both undergrad and grad to ESF and loved it. I had friends at Plattsburgh and visited both schools. ESF has a much better reputation, and you can do tons of research in the Adirondack’s at the Ranger school at Cranberry Lake. My husband’s major was Environmental Science, too! He also liked taking courses at SU and paying state school tuition!</p>
<p>I also see you’re a transfer student. My husband transferred, too, from OCC. ESF accepted all of his credits because of their articulation agreement and he graduated on time in two years, other schools would have required him to take more courses. I don’t know if you went to OCC, just saw that you were in Syracuse.</p>
<p>Personally, I would choose SUNY-ESF. That is probably because I am from Syracuse, so my opinion might be a little biased, but I think that it is a very nice campus and has recently underwent a lot of renovations (the dorms you can see from 81 are gorgeous). I’m a junior at a local high school, and I have been to Plattsburgh before. Plattsburgh is nice and I like the location, but I think that the amount to do in Syracuse outweighs that. Like I said, that’s just my opinion. Good luck though!</p>
<p>Older son is a recent graduate of Plattsburgh. He is a Physics major and loved the small classes and attention from the faculty. He was able to attend 2 national conferences and make presentations while attending PSUC. I wouldn’t let the 32% graduation rate scare you off. All of sons friends graduated in 4 years and his girlfriend will be graduating in 3 1/2 years. In addition, he was contacted by many “name” grad schools to apply during his senior year.
You will probably qualify for more scholarships from PSUC than ESF since your good stats will work for you. Yes, there are unmotivated students at PSUC but if you follow the course catalog and work with your advisor you will graduate on time or early. The Honors program is a great way to network with other academically motivated students. If you like the Adirondacks, Plattsburgh is a good choice. Also, Lake Champlain is in walking distance from the school. Son visited Burlington and Montreal while he was at Plattsburgh and enjoyed the two cities. Good luck and congratulations either school will be a good choice.</p>