Visit Report by mtnest2b (Member since March 15 2008 with 27 posts) Visit Date - September 2007
Visit to Union College - New York in September 2007 by mtnest2b (Parent of Student, HS Class of 2008)
Visit Activities:
Admissions Interview:
Yes - Student was a senior, articulate, friendly, put my son at ease. After interview, he graciously led us to the building where my son had scheduled a meeting with the chair of his major dept. Information Session:
No - Note for future visitors: no tours or info sessions are held the first few days of classes in fall, as the student guides are unavailable. Campus Tour:
No - Ditto: no guided tour available so we took a self-guided tour and lunched at the student center to get a feel for the students.
Union College - New York Campus:
Friendliness/Courtesy of Students: 5 - Excellent Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff: 5 - Excellent -
Admissions staff were very helpful & accommodating, esp considering we were during 'no tours or info sessions' period.
Appearance of Campus: 5 - Excellent -
Gorgeous early fall day only accentuated the beauty of this historic campus. Lovely architecture and landscaping, attractive residence hall & "house" zone, parking lots wisely kept on pe
Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness: 5 - Excellent -
Second day of classes so everything was particularly pristine!
Dormitories: -
Didn't get inside dorms.
Security/Safety: 4 - Very Good -
Senior interviewer felt campus was very safe.
Overall Campus Impression: 4 - Very Good -
Loved the traditional LAC feel. Note: it was fraternity/sorority rush period, so there were lots of banners & info tables set up, and lots of students in groups, wearing their Greek rush t-shirts.
Off-Campus:
Area Immediately Around Campus: 4 - Very Good -
Private houses, frats & sororities, working class stores & small apt houses. I'm from NYC, went to college in Hartford, so it appealed to me. Others may be concerned about safety, race/cl
City/Town/Community: 4 - Very Good -
Schenectedy gets bad rap? Historic district near campus has wonderful 18 c houses, a restorer's dream. Looks like great city for student interested in civic/urban engagement -- like Trinity, Hart
Campus Visit Notes for Union College - New York:
Visit Description:
Because there were no tours/info sessions, my son took initiative & emailed chair of his proposed major dept for possible quick hello. Instead he was treated to one hour one-on-one tour of science facilities. Prof couldn't have been nicer. This is the essence of a liberal arts education, in my opinion. Union may not be for everyone -- Greek life, partying, drinking still seem to be a big deal, and while people like the Minerva Houses for living and activities, they have not diminished frat life. But if you are looking for an academic community with small classes & close contact between students and faculty, you couldn't pick a better place. Profs come to Union because first and foremost they see themselves as teachers.
Hotel/Lodging Recommendations or Comments:
Holiday Inn in Saratoga. Prices vary by $100+ so try Priceline, negotiating over phone, etc. Off season, midweek we got under $100 room; otherwise pricey.
Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:
Didn't stay/dine in Schenectedy. Be prepared for expensive dining along main street in Saratoga -- a big tourist destination & lovely town!
Other Comments (Transportation, local attractions, parking, etc.):
Spent previous day & night at Hamilton, a day at Union, and then we moved on to Saratoga for the night & Skidmore the next day. Easy drives among the three schools made this a perfect, balance
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Didn't get inside dorms.
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Senior interviewer felt campus was very safe.