Marist College vs SUNY New Paltz?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I'm debating between Marist and New Paltz and every time I think I've made a decision I completely break down and start from square one again. </p>

<p>I guess I'm just looking for some guidance and looking to hear what people have to say about both schools academically, socially, aesthetically, the whole nine yards. Even tell me about the food if you feel it makes a difference.</p>

<p>I'm basically looking for anything that would help me make up my mind. </p>

<p>I'm going to be a psych major and I'm looking to eventually get my PhD. The thing that's great about Marist is that it has a 5-year psych program. I could end up getting my masters in 5 years there. Marist also has a campus in Italy and a great study abroad program that I love and would definitely take advantage of, it's pretty, and the townhouses and the housing (after freshman year) looks phenomenal. </p>

<p>The reason I'm apprehensive is because I've heard that the student body at Marist is homogeneous. Everyone seems to be rich, white, and from either Long Island, New Jersey, or Connecticut or the like. I just don't want to endure high school all over again. (I'm from a rich white town on Long Island). I've never really fit in with the whole stereotype of my school (one that was rightfully created) and I'm very open minded and different, I guess. I'm just looking for more people who are different.</p>

<p>That's where New Paltz saves the day. The New Paltz atmosphere is perfect for me. Absolutely perfect. Very open-minded, very hippie-esque, very accepting. I've been told "if you can't make friends at New Paltz, you're doing it wrong". (plus New Paltz is half the tuition of Marist)</p>

<p>I just wish I could transfer the entire New Paltz student body to Marist and call it a day but life doesn't work that way unfortunately. </p>

<p>I want to know what you guys think. Do you feel that New Paltz is up to par with Marist academically? If I choose New Paltz over Marist will I be sacrificing an awesome education for a mediocre one? Is the student body at Marist as homogeneous as I've heard?</p>

<p>What would you do if you were me? (I know I have to make my own decisions and this is my life and my college experience but I'm just looking for any info that would tilt the scale because right now I'm 50/50)</p>

2

<p>We attended an info session and tour at New Paltz. There was quite a bit of focus on the academics at the school. More than I expected which was impressive. We did not take a tour at Marist but we know 2 people who currently are juniors there and one is doing the 5 year option but not in psych. So focusing on the academic content is what I think your next step needs to be. Compare the actual courses you will take in the psychology major at both schools. Read the bios and take a look at the research the professors are involved with. Check out the grad school placement rates for New Paltz in psychology. You have done a great job so far evaluating the schools now is the time to really see what you will be doing for academics at each.</p>

3

<p>thank you so much! i’ll definitely look into it. do you know if the 2 people you know at marist like it there?</p>

4

<p>New Paltz is getting more and more competitive each year. I don’t know the stats, but I think of the two schools as equivalent academically (although I don’t know anything about the 5 year psych. degree at Marist). My S’s best friend is a senior at NP and has been very happy there. I think that is important to find a school where you feel comfortable and like you fit in. Plus I’m guessing if you live in NY, New Paltz will be much cheaper which may be helpful if you want to pursue graduate work.</p>

5

<p>I would say that if you’re thinking about a PhD or PsyD, then New Paltz would be a great choice, even with the 5-year option.</p>

<p>You don’t talk about what your family can afford.
Other than the obvious differences between an in-state and a private,
is Marist giving you any merit or institutional aid? Consider what the cost through BA/BS would be at both schools. Then add in that fifth year at Marist and determine the overall cost. </p>

<p>BUT, do you want to do research in Psych or clinical work?
Do you really need a PhD, or will the Master’s get you to where you want to go?
Note that funding is not nearly the same (or generous) as hard science for PhD’s (research), and almost non-existent for PsyD programs (clinical), so consider that you’ll be borrowing a large amount of $$ for a career that typically underpays it’s practitioner.</p>

<p>Last, be sure to spend some time visiting the Marist campus when students are there to determine if the campus/population will be a place you would want to potentially spend 5 years.</p>

6

<p>Our two friends like Marist alot. Both are happy there. But they are definitely in the sports/ more mainstream crowd and not artsy at all. One was a high school valedictorian and her older brother also attended Marist. Both are athletes but I think one is not participating in sports anymore. The friend doing the 5 year Masters is very excited about the opportunity. Marist has good opportunities for business majors - not sure about psychology.</p>

<p>Please take a close look at the psych courses and internship opportunities. If you can get what you need academically and really feel more comfortable at New Paltz, then it may make sense to take that option. I agree with the previous poster that you need to be really comfortable at a school to spend 5 years there so try to get back to visit both (especially Marist) to see if it really would be OK for ‘you’ to spend 5 years there.</p>