For a while Hofstra was one of my number one choices and I am planning on visiting this summer. I plan to major in communications and I’ve heard they have a strong department. However I began researching online and a lot of people say they had a horrible time at Hofstra and to not apply. There were also some good reviews as well. I know you shouldn’t believe everything you see online but I really want to be able to choose the right college for me and I am nervous about getting a subpar experience socially and academically like I have in high school right now. My other top choices are Marist College, Ithaca, and Syracuse. Are these better options than Hofstra?
By the way to give you insight to how I am doing academically I have a 3.7 gpa and get A’s and B’s.
In general, the kind of people who leave negative reviews online are the unhappy ones- when everything’s fine, people don’t feel the need to go online and vent. I live on Long Island and Hofstra has a pretty good reputation. It’s a nice campus with good academics- my personal impression is that there’s not a TON to do in the surrounding area, but my view might be warped by the fact that I grew up around here. I wouldn’t say any of those options you listed are academically better than Hofstra.
Syracuse’s Newhouse School of Communications is far superior to Hofstra. However, Hofstra’s proximity to Manhattan can not be overstated – students routinely get internships in New York. Socially, Hofstra is a mixed bag. The immediate area surrounding the campus is lacking, even dangerous at times. Nothing seems to be happening on campus after 6 pm, so most students head to the underage bars on the perimeter of the campus along Hempstead Turnpike. There’s not much school spirit but the modest Fall Fest is popular, and usually features concerts. Most students receive a good deal of financial aid to offset the pricey tuition and fees. A small, but visible Greek Life represents about 600 or so students.
It really depends what you are looking for. I know a number of people who went to hofstra and enjoyed it. The academics are alright and there is a decent social life. I do think a lot of people are put off by the location. It’s close to a not so nice area of long island. It’s closer to the city than stony brook but getting there can be a little inconvenient. Also, Hofstra is private and can be quite pricey so take that into account.
As for your other choices I can say that its less party and sports oriented than Syracuse, more diverse than marist and less isolated than ithaca college.
really dude you’re comparing Hofstra to Marist? That’s pathetic, The amount of aid Hofstra gives you compared to Marist is inferior, Marist way better academic programs, social life, and campus than Hofstra which is known to be a very expensive school with little aid given and students who graduate from there leave with lot of debt I heard. Syracuse may be the same with Hofstra in terms of financial aid and academic programs but it’s way better in terms of social life and campus scenery, I mean Syracuse is one of the top party schools in the nation and not to mention Syracuse’s superior athletics, the only drawback would be the weather which is really cold in Syracuse. As for Ithaca, I don’t really know much about it.
As a current Hofstra student (who had a very strong GPA and SAT score in high school) I can honestly say that my decision to come to Hofstra was my best decision. People will have negative things to say about any school, but the size, location and campus are all ideal. Support services and faculty are very friendly and have shaped my experience greatly. Also, they will work hard to get you where you need to be after your four years, you just have to take advantage. Good luck!
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How are the academics at Hofstra?
I go to Hofstra currently and it was honestly the best decision of my life. Academically, it depends on the program. If your interested in communications, it is one of Hofstra’s strongest programs. We have our own campus radio station that the communication students work on and I’ve heard them raving about their experiences. Hofstra is next to a not so good area but as long as you travel in groups, you will be okay. Campus scenery is pretty soectacular (not the best I’ve seen though).The people at Hofstra are pretty nice and friendly. You have your usual unfriendly people but the nice people at Hofstra are some of the best people I’ve ever met. Despite going to a private school, they’re extremely down to earth and grateful for the opportunity to attend this great university.