<p>I was mostly thrilled when I first heard about Marist: relatively low fees, great location, great housing, good class sizes, and a strong communications program.</p>
<p>Though I would consider myself academically inclined (or at least, someone who loves learning), I'm not too worried about going to an "unknown" school (which Marist pretty much is). I am however, worried that the students going to Marist aren't there to learn. </p>
<p>I've read several reviews, and for the most part, it seems that the college is homogeneously white/rich kids who love to party. I don't mind a few parties, but I wouldn't prioritize them. Though Marist seems to have very few negative reviews, the ones that have something bad to say, usually point out that "brighter" students find it hard to socialize.</p>
<p>So what are other people's experience with Marist?</p>
<p>Hi… it ultimately depends on whom you make friends with. I lived in Marian last year and found myself at times to be bored on a Friday evening as many girls & guys went out for the clubbing scene, which held no appeal for me. However, this year as a sophomore I’m living in Gartland; my housemates are not partiers so this no longer is a problem for me. I also have just expanded my social circle and always find someone free to attend coffeehouses, movies, comedians, on the weekends and throughout the weeks in the evenings. Sure some weeks things are a bit ‘slow’ but other weeks you have an event nearly every night that you want to attend!</p>
<p>So… as far as socializing beyond partying/clubbing – it’s not always easy but it’s very possible if you seek likeminded people and get active in clubs!</p>
<p>Hey newrose! Thanks for your reply!</p>
<p>I know what it’s like going to a “party school”— my high school was pretty much equally divided into affluent Western or European partygoers and the more down-to-earth (to the downright nerdy)*. I had friends from all different circles I would say, but in the end gravitated towards the more non-partying kids who cared about their grades/learning. </p>
<p>I guess I’m mostly worried that at Marist you’re heavily outnumbered, which it sounds like. Could I ask for a guesstimate of the ratio between party-goers and non-party-goers?</p>
<p>*I went to an international school, so the cultural/ethnic divide there was pretty apparent.</p>
<p>Thanks again for your reply :)!</p>
<p>Hey skvetten,
In reading your post I couldn’t help but want to respond. I’m currently a senior here at Marist and have absolutely loved my past 3 years here. I think the stigma of “only rich, white kids” may have been accurate about 15 years ago- but it definitely isn’t now. Just like you, I hold academics to a very high level on my priority list- I’m double majoring in the sciences and have a 3.9. And, like you, I was concerned about the party scene at all of the colleges I visited coming out of high school. What I can honestly say is that every student here finds their niche. If you are an extreme partier, that’s awesome, but you probably wont be around for your sophomore year. If you don’t like to do anything other than study, you wont have enjoy your college experience no matter where you go. It is important to find the right balance, and that is EXACTLY what the Marist student body offers. Right now I live with 7 other guys, all of which have a tough course load. There are plenty of Friday nights where we like to wind down and just enjoy hanging out with other Marist students, but then again there are just as many nights where we’re bogged down with work and end up in the library writing a paper or studying for an exam instead of going out. Bottom line, students here respect the wishes of the students around them- there is no pressure at ALL to do things you do not want to do.</p>
<p>On a more academic path, though, have you read any information about the Marist Honors Program? I’ve been involved with it since my freshman year and it has really been one of the highlights of my time at the school. Essentially what the Honor’s Program is is a selection of the top 1-2% of each incoming class. The classes max out at 15 students and are taught by the best professors on campus. The classes are also extremely well-rounded (aka instead of taking intro to history, intro to philosophy, intro to religion, etc you take one class that combines all three.) The classes are all discussion based (essentially the prof will throw out a hot-button issue and the kids just debate about it) and are run by motivated students, just like yourself. This program will also help you develop a close circle of Honors friends beginning your freshman year. Definitely look into it!</p>
<p>I hope this helped to ease your concerns. Marist is an absolutely incredible place and I don’t know of anyone that would rather be anywhere else. I know I wouldn’t! Good luck with the application process!</p>
<p>Hi skvetten,</p>
<p>All your concerns are totally understandable. I transferred to Marist a year ago because I was tired of the raging party scene at my last college.</p>
<p>Marist really does nurture academics. I should know I’m one of those “over-achiever, teachers pet” kinda students 
Now that doesn’t mean I sit around on the weekends doing nothing. Marist definitely offers a LOT of activities for students who aren’t into partying. There are a variety of clubs, sports teams, and events like Broadway shows or concerts on the green. My advice is college is what you make of it… no matter where you go. There are certainly going to be kids that party and some that don’t, but that doesn’t mean academics arent important. I’m about to graduate and because of my grades and Marist’s alumni network I was able to secure a job with the company who owns the sailboat featured in Wedding Crashers!</p>
<p>From what I see Marist likes to maintain a balance between both academics and fun. </p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>Far from a white rich kid :)</p>
<p>My son is a freshman this year and a devout “non-partier.” He also had a load of friends and is very busy, so it seems Marist has a diverse range of interests - no worries!</p>