<p>It's a good academic match, but all the schools you listed are in college towns / small towns / small gentrified cities - nothing of the urban blight that is often associated with Schenectedy.</p>
<p>I recently did a "drive-by" of Union - definitely a pretty college and campus (but I think pine bark beetles have invaded most of the pine trees), but most of Schenectady seemed hard around the edges. I'd look pretty closely at safety and town/gown relations.</p>
<p>I agree - but if you do end up looking at Union & Colgate (they have an Open House event on August 15th), I would look at Hamilton as well. Schenectady is not the greatest town, but I would compare it with Easton (where Lafayette is)</p>
<p>I lived in the capital district for many years, and Union is a good school, but I have made friends who regretted attending. It gives a decent college experience, good academics, and good name recognition if you decide to work in the northeast. But it is very expensive. And Schenectady is a dump.
I couldn't imagine picking Union over Colgate.
Check out Hartwick, great college town, beautiful campus.</p>
<p>Very, very nice campus with nearby areas not so pleasing. Not sure if you can walk anywhere which is always important to us. People we know attending/attended have varied experiences. Young lady with political science major had wonderful experience with wonderful opportunities. Another one left because of the very heavy frat/drinking scene. Was not at all happy with the administration's responses to her concerns. She left a nice scholarship behind but felt that strongly. Felt that the opinions of the current and alumni frats were being protected, if you will. Thought the change from less emphasis on frat houses and more on new living spaces (no clue what they are called) was a big joke.</p>
<p>dougbetsy--if you are considering places like easton, pa, there is no reason not to consider schnectady, ny. its not as bad as people portray. go see the union campus, you will be swept away.</p>
<p>My good friend has a son who graduated from Union last year. He had a choice between Union and F&M, so I would think they are about equal (match in your list). Experience - happy with academics and student life, but had nothing good to say about Schenectady. Students didn't leave campus other than in groups of 2-3, due to safety concerns. But overall he was happy and got into Georgetown grad school for next year.</p>
<p>Check out Hartwick.... better than Union by far. I love Oneonta for a good 'college' experience.
I am really biased about Schenectady. I lived in the area for a long time (SUNY A grad) and knew several people who hated it there.
Union is right around the corner from crack alley USA.</p>