My DS was admitted to SUNY New Paltz (yay!) and also just learned that he’s been invited to join their Honors Program. We’ve visited the school twice and love everything we’ve seen and heard. He’s also received great offers from a few private schools. But SNP at $18,000 (after his merit award) is less than half the cost of any of the privates. It seems like a no brainer!
I’ve prided myself on having the good sense to ignore the various college ranking lists but a friend recently sent me the link to Niche and noted for me (thanks a lot!) that they’ve cut the “Grade” to a B and now ranks it lower than in the past. I’m 99% able to dismiss that as arbitrary and likely meaningless … but before we make our final decision I wonder if there might be anything whatsoever to that? Have there been cuts in funding? Departures of any top professors? Anything else changing?
Any intel – or any insights at all into the college by students or parents – would be greatly appreciated. From the outside it looks like a lovely liberal arts college with a great vibe and energy. But if there’s more to add please do. Thanks in advance!
New Paltz has a relatively new science center. It’s a beautiful campus with great programs. I believe it’s getting increasingly difficult to gain admission there, so congrats to your son. What major is he interested in?
Thanks! Yes we are thrilled! When you say you personally love the school – are you a student or parent? Or just someone who has heard good things about it too?
Yes the science center is exciting! My son’s right and left brains are trying to sort things out. He’s most passionate about music and art but his college counselor is encouraging him to put his strengths in STEM areas to use. So he us undecided – but wants a school that will give him a variety of options to explore. It seems like SNP is a solid choice from that pov.
My DD was accepted as well! She quite excited - looking at majoring in business and doing lots of arts/music on the side. My question is that I keep hearing conflicting things about SNP being a suitcase school. I worry that if the area really empties out and is very quiet on the weekends, she will not enjoy it as much and look to transfer. I would love to hear more from current students and parents their thoughts on this. Thank you!
My friend’s D just graduated from New Paltz and she loved it. My friend could have afforded any school, full pay, but opted for New Paltz because it had what their D wanted. Two other girls, my D’s age (closer to 30) graduated several years ago and both are teaching, both loved it. My D was accepted, but chose SUNY Plattsburgh because it had a program she preferred. It’s less of a suitcase school than it used to be from what I hear.