<p>I got accepted to Rutgers in October and knew that's where I wanted to go. I also applied to Ramapo and got accepted with a $6,000 per year scholarship, but I didn't want to go there because they didn't have my major. Since then, I've decided to major in computer science, which both schools have. Now I'm thinking Ramapo might be better suited for me. I'm kind of shy/introverted, so I'm not sure if a big school or small school would be better for me. I feel like Rutgers, being such a big school, would help me feel more comfortable making friends because I'll always be around new people. On the other hand, I feel like Ramapo would be good for me because I know a lot of people going, and it's smaller so there will be smaller classes which I more easily participate, and I can form a group of friends more easily. I live 10 minutes away from Ramapo, which I'm not sure is good or bad. I like knowing I can go home whenever I want. Also, the dorms at Ramapo are a lot nicer. I'm also worried that Ramapo will be boring, while at Rutgers, there's more to do. Which college do you think would be better for a shy/extroverted student? Which has a better computer science program?</p>
<p>I lived in Bergen County and the surrounding areas for 20 odd years, so I know the colleges in NJ a little. Rutgers has the better computer program hands down. Whether you feel Ramapo fit you better or not it is very subjective. If I were you, I would not even have a second thought to attend Rutgers, it is a great school and I have so many successful friends and families from there.</p>
<p>artloversplus, I don’t think that’s necessarily true. The question of whether one school has a better program over another is extremely subjective and open to interpretation. The best way for a student to determine which program is a better fit is by looking at the curricula at each and see if one fits better to their interests. Visit the campus, speak with the faculty, find out what the tenants of the program are. As a Ramapo alum, I know we have many outstanding faculty and computer science is a very comprehensive program. We are a younger college, but have countless successful alumni.</p>
<p>xoluvsdance12, choose the school that you feel is a better fit for you! I went to Ramapo and had the opportunity of Rutgers as well as other schools such as TCNJ, NYU, UDel. I went to a large high school (750 in my graduating class) and still found Ramapo large enough to know I was on a college campus, but small enough to be able to create my own network of friends and classmates. Both schools you are considering have strong faculty; the difference in your academic life will be at Rutgers you will have TA’s (grad assistants) and large classes, while at Ramapo you’ll be taught by faculty in classes under 30 and they will know your name. One isn’t better than the other, just different. There are countless opportunities at Ramapo. I found it easier to make a name for myself and get involved because it wasn’t a mob scene all the time. It sounds like you are leaning towards Ramapo but are worried it won’t push you out of your shell. From experience, I can tell you Ramapo pushes students from orientation onward to be vocal, involved, and active on campus. You just have to put in the effort to be that way! </p>
<p>Let me know if there’s any other questions you have that you’d like an alumna perspective on. For what it’s worth, my younger sister is a senior at Ramapo now and she loves it, too. :)</p>
<p>xoluvsdance12- I’m in the computer science field(bioinformatics major) at Ramapo and I can tell you so far it’s been really good. The professors are great and helpful. There is some curving. One thing I really like is that the majority of the students who do take computer science classes are not actually computer science majors, but are science/pre health majors(like myself). This is why the professors cut us some slack. That being said, the computer science department is fairly small in comparison to other departments as there are not a lot of students with that major. I fear I may not graduate on time because the courses I have to take are 2 years or so-- kind of nerve wrecking!</p>
<p>However, I suspect there would be a lot of comptetition at Rutgers. Computer science is definately not an easy major at all!!! A lot of students who declare this major have some kind of extensive background in the field making it fairly impossible to do well and/or keep up at competitive schools. There was a thread here on College Confidential in which some of the most intelligent students at Ivy League schools had to drop out the intro course to Computer Science because they couldn’t handle the competition!! I tell you this because if you are a new programmer and/or do not have a descent background in Computer Science, be careful about choosing a competitive school like Rutgers. At Ramapo, you will have the option to learn and take any computer science course you want without feeling the pressure/competition and curving does occur because not everyone in the major or in the class has a great background in programming.</p>
<p>Also- don’t make the mistake of choosing your school based on your supposed personality-- all of that can change. I was very shy and socially awkward in high school, but I’m definately better at college! Sometimes, all you need is a different environment. Choose you school based on where you think you will succeed and most importantly grow as a person! Hope everything turns out well with your decision!</p>