<p>Syracuse University
Academics:
Syracuse University “is very strong academically” and boasts “some of the nation’s top programs” in a broad range of disciplines. Students are especially bullish on the “prestigious” S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, which “has some amazing professors who have worked out in the field and are eager to share all of their experiences with their students,” as well as the School of Architecture, “an energetic, sleepless journey of collaboration and individuality in an amazingly cool atmosphere.” SU’s programs in advertising, art, business, music, political science, engineering, and the life sciences also earn plaudits from undergraduates. Best of all, students say, SU delivers the benefits of “both large schools and small schools,” which means it can offer the ability “to concentrate in an area while also taking a variety of other classes that do not have to be within your major or college,” as well as plenty of research faculty who put “SU at the front of [the] material” and “professors who are always available to meet during office hours [or] by appointment.” One undergrad sums it up: “SU is big enough to have a wealth of resources but small enough so that you always fit in.” Another adds, "SU is about academics and preparing us as best as possible for our future careers, along with a little bit of men’s basketball.</p>
<p>Student Body:
While SU undergrads report that a typical peer would be “fashionable,” “wealthy,” and “trend-driven,” they also point out that “there are also tons of students who don’t fit that description.” Indeed there are upstate, out-of-state, and international students in addition to an abundance from Long Island and New Jersey. While the student body includes “a large frat/sorority presence,” there’s also a fair share of “neo-hippies.” Although SU’s student population appears homogenous to some, other students say "[This] seems to be proven wrong on many occasions. For example, the guy living next to me is from St. Thomas. I have friends from all over the world…All religions, sexual orientations, and ethnic groups are strongly represented.</p>
<p>Campus Life:
Students tell us that “the social life at Syracuse is the epitome of the great American college experience. Local bars, frats, and house parties are all popular. Partying takes place from Thursday through Sunday, and close friendships are easily cultivated during the recovery period in between.” However, it’s important to note that “the school is great about providing other activities” as well. “You don’t need to drink to find something fun to do at night or on weekends.” “People climb trees on the quad, go rock climbing on the weekends, [and] take ballet classes. We’re notorious for our frat parties, but, at the same time, the library is packed every Saturday night.” “The student union also provides free movies on weekends, and there are loads of speakers, concerts, and cultural events throughout the week.” Of course, SU sports “are huge”-“Syracuse Basketball is going to win the national championship!” Students are mixed on the city of Syracuse. Some tell us “It’s pretty much dead” and “The weather sucks,” while others aver that "upstate New York is a great location with lots of outdoor activities, unless you hate sub-Arctic climates.</p>