Yes, Greek life is big at SU but can feel huge, especially 2nd semester freshman year when rush happens and it seems like everybody you know is rushing. After that, it calms down and I’m told that non-Greeks do just fine socially. My D went in not planning to rush but was talked into it, found her home at a sorority, and as a parent, I think it has been one of the best things ever for her. But it’s not for everybody.
Other things we looked at in Elementary Ed programs (SU “won” on some things, didn’t in others)
“prominence” of the major at the school (often determines resources given to the program and access to opportunities) - my D’s #2 school was founded as a teachers college, and something like 30% or more of the students were Ed majors)
size of the program in terms of number of students
ability to get required classes in the semester needed
study abroad opportunities
student teaching options
types of schools and range of schools for placement (Urban, suburban, rural, or mix? Number of schools the college works with)
reputation and “reach” of the program for future job hunting
@Amkngk These are all things we’ve been looking at too. Can I ask where you feel Syracuse really “won” and where it didn’t hit it out of the park?
This last week my daughter has been less gung-ho about Syracuse because “too many people she doesn’t like” from her high school are going (I think 10 so far from her HS are going). It does seem like a preponderance of partyers (and there’s nothing wrong with that, but she’s not one). But it’s a big school and I think after “Own the Dome” she will know if it’s still on the list. The other thing is she’s taking a dual enrollment college teaching class in HS and she’s in the student teaching phase. She got placed in a middle school and is now thinking perhaps she likes working with the older kids better. Syracuse’s SpEd program is an elementary program, right?
@TheVeep You should have a conversation with the School of Ed when you’re there for Spring reception about the grade level thing. I’m not sure of all the ways in which Elementary Ed differs from the other programs.
As for where SU won or didn’t, those questions were asked in relation to the other programs she was looking at, and in relation to what your D wants. I think you’d be better weighing those things for yourself when you visit the schools. What is a “winner” for us may not be for you.
Two other things to consider. 1) What grades does the degree cover. For elementry ed NY is grades 1-6, not sure what Mass is, but PA is K-4. The other thing to consider is where she wants to teach after. Would she want to live up in Masssachusets after? Not that you can’t get certification in another state, but you can;t take advantage of all the connections from your student teaching
I will say that my D has never had a problem getting the classes she wants. Registration order is done by number of credits, so going in with 12+ AP credits means that they will register with the sophomores in 2nd semester, rather than with the freshmen. Also, the School of Ed classes are in “blocks” and the cohort moves together through them. They will always have space in the required classes in their blocks.
@Novacat9191 All good questions. The schools she’s gotten into all have different degrees and restrictions – probably because the requirements are different in all the states. UMass offers a K-12 special ed bachelor’s degree for students with moderate disabilities. Looks like SU is just K-6. Michigan State (another choice where she got $$) is a 5-year program with some credits toward a master’s degree, but there are a lot more choices within the special ed field. UConn (no $$) is a 5-year program with a master’s degree (no bachelor’s). Such a difficult decision when she has no clue where she wants to end up after college.