<p>I was looking at some colleges in the NJ/NY area because i live in ny. I was looking at Monmouth University and I liked the feel of the campus but I get the feeling it isn't up to my standards academically. I got a 2120 on the sat so I would be getting a good mount of money from that school but I'm worried that I would be below my standards because the honors program only requires an 1800 or so. I was also looking at Rutgers. How do the two compare and would I be dumbed down at Monmouth?</p>
<p>Rutgers New Brunswick would challenge you more than Monmouth would, in my opinion.</p>
<p>You would be well above the norm statistically for that school, but it still could be a good match particularly if you want merit aid. I suggest that you spend a day on the campus at Monmouth – see if you can shadow a student so you can attend some classes, eat lunch in the cafeteria, visit the library etc. and decide for yourself if the school is a good fit for you. Also research out how extensive the honors program is there (would all or just a few classes be honors classes?) </p>
<p>If since you live in NY, you should also consider some of the strong SUNY schools such as SUNY Binghamton, SUNY Genesco which are pretty reasonably priced (there are other good choices in the SUNY system as well). And you might get merit aid at a place like Fordham. Also, if you look at Rutgers (which I imagine would challenge you more than Monmouth academically), you may want to consider TCNJ as well.</p>