<p>My son has not yet visited but we have read really mixed reviews including boring, no social life, unfriendly, hard to get required classes, really a commuter school but one did say they have the best dorms in CA!!</p>
<p>He has a chance to play on one of the sports teams and it appears that athletes get registration priority...is that true?</p>
<p>He has also been accepted to U of A and ASU but in-state tuition is looking much better..</p>
<p>Opinions please</p>
<p>I know that this doesn’t really respond to your post but i noticed that you posted in the other thread that your son got into Sonora with a low GPA/sat score ratio. I was just wondering what his scores were because I applied to Sonoma and I really want to get in. I was hoping that maybe if you reveal his scores it would shed some light on my chances to get into SSU. :)</p>
<p>I advise about your question to ask HisGraceFillsMe about her experience at Sonoma because she is a current student there who has been a lot of help to me when was asking a million questions about what SSU is really like. Also check out this thread : <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/779806-sonoma-state-univ-rohnert-pk-ca-any-info.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/779806-sonoma-state-univ-rohnert-pk-ca-any-info.html</a></p>
<p>Also what time did your son apply? I was just wondering where they are chronologically in the application reviewing process</p>
<p>My daughter applied and was accepted. She is still deciding and there are some nice things about Sonoma. SSU is the Liberal arts college of the csu system. At 7,700 undergraduates it is that hard to find medium sized school. The campus is beautiful-trees, ponds, great dorms, nice science building, new performing arts center etc. The library is one of 8 in the country to have a robot that pulls books for you. It means there is lots of square footage in the library for group study rooms, computers etc. You can request a title from your dorm room via internet, and it is waiting for you 15 minutes later. At least that is what we were told on our tour. </p>
<p>If you are used to a big city, then this campus will seem slow and quiet. It is definitely not a college town like Chico. I do think it is more residential than most csu campuses. They were building new apartment dorms when we were there last year. </p>
<p>On the negative side, it is a public school and you will have to be motivated to get out in 4 years. If you are exempt from ELP and ELM placement tests or pass them, have a few AP credits and know what you want to major in, it should be doable if you are not picky about avoiding morning classes. This is in theory though-best to find an actual student and confirm.</p>
<p>Our guide was positive and enjoyed her experience there. I think SSU is gaining in popularity. We know several students that really like it. I have also heard of those that found it boring. I guess it is a matter of personal preference.</p>
<p>Elena…sent private message</p>
<p>Kellie…thanks for your impression</p>
<p>SockherMom and Elena, My S got the same e-mail message as you Elena…that they could not get the decision made by 3/1 but would by 3/31. He really liked SSU (has visited twice) but recent news from “the street” (friends and people we know) is making him less interested and his EA acceptance from another college is becoming more and more attractive to him.</p>
<p>Things we heard include 1) difficulty getting courses and scheduling problems 2) unlikely to graduate in four years 3) some students are having to dual enroll at Santa Rosa Community College to take the courses they can’t get at SSU. </p>
<p>On the upside, S was very impressed with SSU. He loved the rec center, wants a small school in NorCal (fits the bill) and likes the country feel. He would not consider schools in SF for example.</p>
<p>I highly recommend a visit and first-hand impressions. HerGrace, a current student at SSU,frequents this forum and will be able to weigh in on whether the things we’ve heard are true, how common or problematic they are, etc.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>My D was a transfer student from So. Cal. to Sonoma St. in 2004 and graduated in English in 2006. She loved her time there and loved the campus. At that time she had no problem getting classes, but that could have changed with the budget cuts. On the big plus side for her, her classes were often 15-20 students and so she felt she got very personal attention. All of her instructors knew her and it really helped with internships, jobs, etc. She loved the town and the general location and kept very busy. The library is amazing and the dorms are beautiful. My D lived off campus but her apartment was very close and she rarely used her car for school.</p>
<p>That being said, my other children would probably die there. 1st D is more quiet, does not party a lot, likes smaller groups and loves to hike, bike, etc. She specifically chose this campus for its small size and for the small-town atmosphere, and it was perfect for her. San Francisco was close enough if she wanted to do something on the weekends. She really came out of her shell there and flourished. </p>
<p>Her twin brother loved the party atmosphere of San Diego and would not have been happy at all in Santa Rosa. My 2nd D loves metropolitan areas and the hustle and bustle of big cities and would not do well there either. It is a great campus and area but it is not for everyone!</p>
<p>wow, I almost feel famous :)</p>
<p>I talk a lot about how much I love SSU. I’m originally from SoCal, and one of the things I love most is that it’s far enough away that I really got the full experience of going away to school (living in a dorm, especially), but I can fly home in an hour and a half if I need to get home quickly.</p>
<p>I also love the small class sizes. My largest classes so far have been Astronomy and Political Science, both held in large lecture classes of about 120 people. That’s the largest class I’ve heard of at SSU.</p>
<p>The faculty is WONDERFUL. We get a lot of profs who formerly taught at schools like Berkeley and UC Davis, but got tired of the researching aspect. And the staff is extremely helpful. More on that later.</p>
<p>I think Rohnert Park is a great town…it’s central to Santa Rosa (15-20 minutes away), Petaluma (15 minutes away), Bodega Bay (~30-45 minutes away), and of course San Francisco (about an hour).</p>
<p>The Residential Life system tries VERY hard to give the students fun stuff to do…one of my favorites are the “Scene It” movie nights, where they screen movies that are out of the theatres but aren’t yet out on DVD. Oh, did I mention they’re FREE? :)</p>
<p>While I’m on the subject, I couldn’t be happier with the dorms. I am living in Tuscany Village this year, which is the new dorm village that kelliebeff mentioned. I lived in Cabernet Village last year, which was much older but still nice. All of the villages except for two (Zinfandel and Verdot) have kitchens, and all dorms have at least one bathroom per suite. They also have enough housing to accommodate students who want to live on campus all four years (which I might).</p>
<p>They’re also finishing up work on the Green Music Center, a beautiful new performance hall with some great classrooms.</p>
<p>It’s not a secret that SSU isn’t a “party school” by any stretch. I do wish we had a football team, as it might create a little more school spirit. But I do think a lot of the kids in attendance really appreciate the school.</p>
<p>I’ve talked a lot about the positives…I will try and address the negatives.</p>
<p>1) difficulty getting courses and scheduling problems </p>
<p>This depends on who you talk to. Yes, not as many classes are being offered, and some of the classes are having the number of sections available reduced. However, for all you students: get an advisor and talk to your department.</p>
<p>Like I said earlier, the faculty at SSU is EXTREMELY helpful. I e-mailed my Dean and Department Chair with frustration that I couldn’t get GEs that I NEEDED (not wanted, mind you, genuinely needed). I received an e-mail back the following day (Monday), asking what classes I needed. Once I responded, I was told that since it was outside my Dept. Chair’s…well…department, she couldn’t help me, but would forward the email to someone who could. I got an email back from said department a day or two later, and they let me in to a closed class so I could get full-time status. The Department Chair then went out of her way and offered me a research internship to further help me.</p>
<p>2) unlikely to graduate in four years </p>
<p>Again, use the available resources. I think a lot of the kids who complain (this was myself included before some prodding from my parents) aren’t asking anyone for help, they’re just taking whatever they’re given. My department chair didn’t even realize that kids were having trouble getting classes until she sat on the phone with me saying “well what about this class?” “Nope, all full.” For just about every class in my major (Psych, which is one of the biggest departments at SSU). USE YOUR RESOURCES…the staff really bends over backwards to get you out of SSU successfully in four years.</p>
<p>3) some students are having to dual enroll at Santa Rosa Community College to take the courses they can’t get at SSU. </p>
<p>I’m sure that’s probably true, but again, it’s all about which options work best for you.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Boring–again, you get out of SSU what you put into it. Find a club to join and find your group of friends. I highly recommend the FIG program…this is where I made my main group of friends.</p>
<p>No social life–same answer as above.</p>
<p>Unfriendly–I’ve found it to be the opposite! All of the students here are VERY friendly and welcoming!</p>
<p>I’ve already addressed hard to get required classes, so I’ll skip that one. :)</p>
<p>Commuter school–there are a lot of kids who grew up in the area, but I’d actually say that a majority live on-campus or in apartments nearby.</p>
<p>Best dorms in CA–no argument here!! My roommates and I often joke that we will go to find our first apartments as adults and be shocked at what we find because our dorm is SO nice! (I’m happy to share pictures of my dorms if anyone would like…just PM me with your email address and I’ll send some along :))</p>
<p>I really couldn’t be happier with SSU. It has its negative aspects, but so does any school. If you want a school that will cater to you and is a huge party school, SSU isn’t for you. But I think SSU is definitely a private school for a public price.</p>
<p>I know this is novel-length, and I’m sorry! But I really do love SSU. Feel free to PM me if any of you are visiting and would like someone to show you around!</p>
<p>HisGraceFillsMe –</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your response, your are correct, a student will get out oa a school what they put into it. I think my son will take a trip up there over spring break (we live in LA), I would like to say I will go with him but he probably will not want his mommy going with him…but you never know.</p>
<p>My brother lives in Novoto and may try to turn it into a family trip…if he will let me go…lol!!</p>
<p>Tour this Thursday! Along with last '10 acceptances, April Fools AND SAT results!</p>
<p>Any updates, especially with regard to varsity or club soccer would be welcome!</p>
<p>How is the party scene there? i know it isnt a “big” party school, but is there still parties and stuff like that?</p>
<p>Just trying to bring back thread and get more information on the Fig and FYE program. Daughter has just decided not to go to Chico and is looking at Sonoma Tech Theater.</p>
<p>Thanks for any info</p>
<p>My son is graduating next month, and in 4 years. He has had a very good experience at SSU and was glad he attended. We are from So Cal.</p>
<p>True, SSU is not a “party” school, but there are parties all the time both on and off campus. If you really are concerned about parties, join a fraternity or sorority- my S says they party all the time :)</p>
<p>My son did take some summer school classes and online classes at out local JC (mostly for elective credits). He was always able to get a full load, but he has taken a fair amount of evening classes to get what he wanted…</p>
<p>Great campus and great housing were HUGE positives for him.</p>
<p>He was happy with his decision to attend.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Okay, hi everyone! My daughter is registered for fall. Now we have to figure out which dorm. Naturally she wants to be in Savingon in her own room with a kitchen. However if you are in there you are required to be FYE or COOP. Does that take so much of your time that you may not have time to join a sorority? Where do sorority girls tend to live?</p>
<p>Co-Op doesn’t take up much time because there is no classroom component. I am a CSA (RA) in Sauv and quite a few of my residents are involved with Greek Life. :)</p>
<p>My son had a single in Sauv freshman year. Co-op hours pretty minimal (10 hours a semester I remember??). He picked up trash, etc…</p>
<p>He lived in Bouj sophmore year and Tuscany junior and senior years. He had his own bedroom and bath all 4 years- so lucky! His younger sister would kill to have his freshman room this Fall :)…</p>
<p>My son commented that ALL the kids that stayed on campus all 4 years are graduating this year, but not many of the off-campus kids… The housing is too nice to live off!</p>
<p>Hi, I am currently a senior who got admitted to Sonoma State and it’s my top choice. I’m visiting next week for the open house day. How is the living situations there? It looks really nice from the pictures, but I would like to know about peoples experiences. Thanks!</p>
<p>Hi there! I’m a current student and I’m in my second year. My first year I lived in freshman housing in Zin. It was really nice and I loved having a suite style dorm where I didn’t have to share a shower with dozens of other girls. Although some mornings (maybe once a week) the water was cold in the morning if you took a shower during the peak time.
This year I live is Tuscany and I LOVE it! I’m living on campus next year and I getting the exact same dorm room next year. I have a kitchen which I share with five other girls and a bathroom I share with one other person. The activities in my community are so much fun. The pictures don’t lie.
If you want, you are more than welcome to come check out my dorm room on the open house (Seawolf Decision) day. I know they give tours of lowerclassmen housing but they don’t have a tour of upperclassmen and I think that is important to see as you would be living there longer. Just shoot me a PM.</p>
<p>A few weekend visit to campus have me wondering, do most students hang around on campus, head to the coast or Santa Rosa, or head home?</p>
<p>I’m just wondering if any of those who visited this past weekend got info on the FIG program and what their impressions were.</p>
<p>Here’s a link to more info:</p>
<p>[Residential</a> Freshman Learning Cohorts - FIG: Sonoma State University](<a href=“http://www.sonoma.edu/aa/flc/residential/fig.html]Residential”>http://www.sonoma.edu/aa/flc/residential/fig.html)</p>