SUNY Farmingdale freshy looking to transfer to another SUNY school for Graphic Design

Transfer Students
1

<p>I am currently attending SUNY Farmingdale as a graphic design major. Right now I'm a freshmen but have already realized I absolutely hate the school. It's mostly because I'm commuting and would MUCH rather be dorming, the student body here is largely composed of people I can't relate to, my classes are far too easy despite me taking 18 credits and classes that were stated as being "hard", and I just generally do not like the "feel" to it. The only thing I do like is my program and the price. </p>

<p>Some academic background: Many of my high school classes were AP and IB courses, I did well enough on the classes that I should get some credit for them. I did well in high school, roughly 3.85 GPA (over a 4.0 weighted) with 2010 SATs and 34 on the ACT. I have absolutely no doubt that I will continue to have these grades through out college.</p>

<p>Over the summer I did volunteer work, I have been working for the past two years, and during high school I was very involved in after school activities. I will continue to work through college, volunteer when I can, and plan on becoming involved in clubs again.</p>

<p>I would very much like to transfer to another SUNY school that has a strong Graphic Design program. Right now SUNY New Paltz seems to be ideal as I love the rural setting and have heard wonderful things about it.</p>

<p>However I have two concerns:</p>

<p>1) Transferring credits. I know that art majors can be funky and many schools will require a foundation year, each varying slightly. I have been trying to compare courses and some of my current art classes seem to transfer over but not all. I'm very concerned that they will make me take four years to complete the program if I do transfer (as in four years at the new school, five total). I should be able to afford a ~15k year school (Tuition, books and stuff, and room and board expenses) however only for three years, not four. My currently school forces you to complete the program in 4 years because each class is required to go on to the next. Are other schools like that or would I be able to go in as a sophomore, complete my foundation year, and graduate "on time"? (in four years, three at what would be my "new" school)</p>

<p>2) Dorming at New Paltz. I'm aware that transfer students for the most part do not get on-campus housing. One of the major reasons why I want to go to a new school is for the the housing. I'm finding my current situation to be unbearable as there is no easy way to meet people. I feel very isolated. How is off-campus dorming at New Paltz? Are there loop holes that would make it easier for transfer students to get dorms?</p>

<p>I would appreciate any other suggestions for SUNY schools with good graphic design programs!</p>

<p>Thanks in advance!</p>

2

<p>My son transferred to New Paltz for graphic design. He wasn’t able to get on-campus housing but found a wonderful house with all transfer students. The off-campus housing is mostly located all around the campus, most in walking distance. It is not hard to find as the school has an off-campus housing board that is a great help. It’s a small close-knit community and it wasn’t hard to meet people. There are lots of activities on and off campus and many ways to get involved.
As for transferring credits, your best bet would be to contact NP and see what credits you have taken that would transfer over. Many of my son’s credits transferred over but since he wasn’t a graphic design major at his old school he did have to take all the foundation art classes when he got to NP as well as some of the basic gen ed classes he didn’t have to meet the requirements at NP. However, he didn’t transfer from a SUNY, so you may be in better shape in that regard.
He loves New Paltz. So many of the art students are so creative, the classes are small and you get to know the professors really well. He’s had some amazing professors and they are very accessable, willing to meet and help you.
If you have any other questions about NP, feel free to ask.</p>