<p>I recently got my early action acceptance letters from both Seton Hall and HPU. They're both top choices for me, but I'm hoping to hear personal, critical feedback from each school to make my decision (along with other factors- location, financial, etc.)
They both offer the major I want to take, International Relations. Both campuses are beautiful (High Point is obviously stunning), the academics are great, good locations, both suburban but in opposite directions from home for me.</p>
<p>If anyone can possibly answer any questions I have or have firsthand experience, could you please respond? Thank you!</p>
<p>-They're both private, religious universities, does the religious role play a big factor in each school?
-Do they both have a strong sense of school spirit?
-I know HPU is more renown and has a pretty good reputation, does Seton Hall have an overall generally good reception?
-How do the IR programs at each school hold up?
*** -Is Seton Hall a backpack school (students generally leave campus on the weekends and it's basically empty) this is a pretty big factor for me because although they are close to NYC and it's understandable that students would be out during their free time, I'd like to be in a college with a strong sense of community.
-I understand that these are pretty different colleges, HPU promises an untraditional college experience, I'm not too sure how I feel about that. Their school sort of gives off a country club/resort vibe and that's great and luxurious and all, but I don't know how I'll feel about that after a while. But also for Seton Hall, I've come across many negative comments about Seton Hall on different online forums, it seems like a great school but is it really all that great? </p>
<p>It may seem like I have cold feet about both schools. Although it's ultimately my decision and I really do like them individually so much, I'm just trying to weigh out the positives and negatives, if you could help me out I'd be really thankful! Any other information about either one is very much appreciated!!!</p>
<p>I am not very familiar with HPU, but I would be happy to share my insight on Seton Hall.
There is a ton of school spirit on campus, especially this time of year (basketball season). Almost everyone on campus tried to go to all the basketball games. I also don’t really think it’s a suitcase school. I know a few years ago it might have had that reputation, but now most people I know stay on campus on the weekends.
I also really that its right outside the city. A lot of people I know have top notch internships, but it’s also a lot of fun hanging out there too. For example, one of my friends who is a sport management major is currently interning with the NY Jets.
I don’t know where you are from, but Seton Hall is very highly recognized in this area.
Ultimately though, my biggest advice is to visit the schools you are interested in; I know that really helped me when I was looking. A lot of schools even allow you to visit for the day and meet with a current student. Good Luck!</p>
<p>High Point and SHU are an apples and oranges comparison: SHU is ranked #128 as a national university by USN&WR, whereas HPU is ranked #1 in the south as a regional school. Now #1 is a great thing and HPU is a very good school, but keep in mind that ranking is among local smaller schools in that region and cannot be directly compared to national universities. SHU ranking may not seem strong, but it is being compared to the best academic schools in the nation: big state schools like Michigan, Georgia, Wisconsin, CalTech, the 4 big SUNY schools and private schools like the Ivies, Chicago, Northwestern, MIT, Stanford, Notre Dame, Georgetown etc. so that 128 is pretty decent as it is among the best in the entire country.</p>
<p>My 2 cents: SHU has an school of diplomacy that is growing in reputation and you are close to the UN. If your major is international relations, ask yourself this: which school will afford me more opportunities to pursue my major outside the classroom? While South Orange is a fairly short hop from NYC, it is close enough for internships and trips to the UN or different multinational corporations. What does HPU have to offer your major? what is near it for internship opportunities?</p>
<p>Both are good and you need to visit each to see which you prefer. Financial aid might be the deciding factor.</p>