<p>SUNY Purchase offers much of what D is looking for - - modestly selective admissions, not too big, easy access to NYC, diversity, etc. D, however, is not an artist/dancer/musician/techie, so I wonder whether those not into the arts can find a critical mass of likeminded non-artsy students on campus? And how are the academic outside of the arts - - are non-arts majors well-prepared for grad or prof school?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>I do not think she would be happy. My niece, an actress, has some experience with summer programs there. Students at Purchase are there for their chosen field. They have to audition or present a portfolio to be admitted. The liberal arts are really secondary. There must be other schools that would be a better fit.</p>
<p>I live in Westchester and I know a fair number of kids who go there becuase they are short on $$$ and need to live at home. fyi, even though they dont offer education courses, there is an arrangment with a nearby college to take education courses at a SUNY rate. So they get all lib arts people. As to how well prepared, like many of the SUNYs, it is up to the student, you can take hard courses and work or coast. But I think the opportunities are there.</p>
<p>I am currently a student at SUNY Purchase, albeit a non traditional one (mom back in school). I am getting a degree in English Literature, which is part of LAS (Liberal Arts and Sciences) division, as opposed to the School of the Arts. Because I transferred in college credits earned previously, I don't have any experience with freshman and sophomore classes. </p>
<p>I have been impressed with my 300 level classes. The professors I have had so far are accomplished scholars, with publications and books to their credit. My classes have ranged in size from 7 to 33 with most around 22 or so. </p>
<p>A unique aspect to Purchase is the required senior project, which every student must complete for graduation. Basically, it is an 8credit class that spans two semesters (4 cr per semester). The student meets weekly with his/her sponsor, a professor that the student chooses, while working on an independent project. The project may be a classic research project or thesis, but some students write plays, create films, etc. depending on their major. The completed project is archived in the Library. </p>
<p>Other small LACs offer this type of experience- a capstone experience- but as far as I know, it's not common among the SUNYs. </p>
<p>The 8 credit senior project experience, at least in Literature, is supported by a 2 credit senior seminar. In this class, our professor helped us "get the ball rolling", by leading class discussions of other senior projects, having directed writing assignments, and providing personal and peer feedback. I thought the seminar was very helpful because it gives students some structure as well as additional interaction with other students who are tackling the same assignment. However, I am not sure if all the departments offer this. </p>
<p>The senior project experience is useful for those who wish to attend grad school. 1) You can forge a close relationship with your sponsoring professor who can write a recommendation for grad school 2) All projects have a second reader so that professor becomes familiar with your work as well 3) The project itself can serve as an example of one's scholarship.</p>
<p>I think Purchase offers tremendous value for the tuition dollar. There are plenty of kids who are part of the LAS side of the college, majoring in History, Sociology etc. (However, I don't know how strong the science department is.) You don't have to be artsy but to be sure there are some great artsy activities that even the non-artist can enjoy, such as performances at PAC. </p>
<p>What major is your daughter interested in?</p>
<p>D is interested in elem ed, psych or sociology.</p>
<p>Purchase does not offer an undergraduate degree in education, although they have a relationship with LIU for graduate-level education classes. Students receive a discount on tuition, but the cost is still higher than a public. If your daughter strongly feels a degree in Elementary Education should be an option, then I'd recommend looking at some other SUNYs. I don't know much about the Psych or Soc departments but I think they are probably decent. I would look at the faculty listings.</p>
<p>SUNY New Paltz has essentially all of those qualities (though it's more hippie than hip, to be honest), and it's not at all weird to hear people choosing between the two as their top choice, so I would definitely recommend she give NP a fair shot.</p>
<p>SUNY New Paltz has an excellent reputation for Elementary Ed and is arguably the best in the SUNY system for that degree. Also very nice campus and surroundings. It also has more of a liberal arts feel than Purchase since there is less concentration on the arts.</p>
<p>I agree that New Paltz would be a better fit.</p>
<p>I'm sure NP would be a better fit, but I am interested in Purchase as a possible safety - - in case D doesn't get admitted to NP or any of the better-fit (and more expensive) private schools to which she will be applying.</p>
<p>I just got in:):)</p>
<p>The academic programs are strong at Purchase if one is willing to pursue things individually--a lot of students at Purchase are somewhat lazy. The professors, therefore, are extremely responsive to and supportive of one-on-one discussion and learning. They're looking for receptive pupils.</p>
<p>Yes, the conservatory doors are generally closed to the outside world. It's unfortunate but it's true. Their schedules and path of study simply don't mesh with non-majors. Amongst the humanities and science students, I've met both top dogs and lazy bums. Can you coast at Purchase? Sure. But, you can coast anywhere. to the OP: If your daughter feels that Purchase's academics might be below her, then she has a very good opportunity to stand out and let her intellect flag fly. </p>
<p>Also, this needs to be addressed: does she want only to be around "non-artsy" people? Then Purchase is not for her. Art is in your face here, it runs the campus. She'll find herself hating the place if the art scene just isn't her bag. Alternatively, does she like music thats generally under the radar, is she open-minded? Maybe she's not about to paint a mural, but does she like looking at murals? The Purchase culture might very well seduce her. </p>
<p>Ultimately, coming to Purchase as a non-arts related major is a strong instance where it's not where you get the degree, it's how you use it. Remember, artists still need accountants.</p>
<p>"I wonder whether those not into the arts can find a critical mass of likeminded non-artsy students on campus."</p>
<p>^^ I don't think the op wants to be with only non-artsy students. The quote suggests that op understands that artsy students are in the majority, but wants to know whether she will feel isolated b/c she is not particularly interested in the arts.</p>