Update: I was accepted into the Marist Honors Program, and I am wondering if this might offset the lack of academic rigor at Marist. I understand that Geneseo has stronger academics overall, but Marist is becoming more appealing since it is much closer to home and has a nicer campus. Would it be worth considering committing to Marist with admission into the Honors Program if I appeal my merit aid and receive a more affordable financial package? I am not sure if this would make a significant difference or if I would still be better off committing to Geneseo; any advice is appreciated.
You are better off to commit to the school where you feel the better fit.
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How much money are you looking for? Merit awards are typically only increased (if at all) when a student has a bigger merit award from a college of a similar or better caliber. Geneseo is stronger than Marist, but there is not much chance Marist can compete with Geneseo on price because Geneseo is public.
I think Geneseo’s campus is a thousand times nicer than Marist’s. My two cents. And I think the person above who spoke about her son transferring out of Marist is very relevant to you. It’s clear this is an important factor in your decision. Marist is not more prestigious than Geneseo, if you’re thinking that way.
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I have never been on Geneseo’s campus but am hard pressed to believe any campus is a thousand times nicer than Marist’s. The school is located along the Hudson river, spread out nicely with integrated architecture and new modern dorms.
This is the view out a freshman’s dorm room.
Sophomore housing
New dorm
Student Center
Classrooms
Library
We toured and or have visited dozens of schools and Marist stood out for how well maintained and pretty it was.
Poughkeepsie as a city has very little to offer but Marist’s campus is largely insulated. You are very close to metro North for NYC and similarly close to the Culinary Institute of America where you can get some world class meals at a students price point.
Good luck with your decision.
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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I prefer Geneseo. I don’t like the ultramodern, grey and monolithic buildings at Marist. Marist has a view and that’s the best thing about it, in my opinion.
I like the more classic college look of Geneseo.
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U.S. News wrote this about SUNY–Geneseo:
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Geneseo has a very nice little town. It is right by the school and within walking distance.
I don’t really understand the attraction to Marist. I am not putting the school down at all- it’s a perfectly good school and the kids I know from our HS who went there did well and are now working. Marist is not a school that attracts academically stronger kids from NY- those kids go to SUNY if finances are a concern.
Geneseo is the stronger of the two schools and is one of the top SUNYs.
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Typically wouldn’t care what USNWR says but since you mention it they rank Marist as 10th in Regional Universities and Geneseo at 16th.
I would not base your decision on USNWR.
Here are the results of student surveys…
Hope this helps and good luck.
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Update: I committed to SUNY Geneseo!! Thank you to everyone who responded with advice, it has been super helpful throughout this process.
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That’s so nice to hear! Congratulations!
Thank you! 