Choosing a College

lsd87
Tue, 01 Feb 2011 07:29:32 +0000

From SUNY Academic Quick Facts: http://www.suny.edu/student/downloads/Pdf/2011_Admissions_qf_stateop.pdf

Middle 50%

Albany SAT: 1110-1260
New Paltz SAT: 1100-1300

Albany ACT: 24-28
New Paltz ACT: 24-29

Albany GPA: 88-94
New Paltz GPA: 88-94

According to Princeton Review the average class sizes are the same: 20-29. Don’t think there are not plenty of lecture sized classes at New Paltz…it’s just not true.

So because the admission rate at New Paltz is less than Albany’s doesn’t mean the students are smarter…and it certainly has nothing to do with the quality of the school.

I’d have to say there is more to do in Albany than New Paltz both on campus and the surrounding area…simply because of the fact that the Capital district is much larger, has more museums, restaurants, colleges, shopping, theatres, parks, intership opportunities, ease of travel…and so on. So to day there is nothing to do but drink is not accurate. Albany is larger than New Paltz in both student body and campus size, but New Paltz is not what I would consider to be small like a LAC, and Albany is certainly not big like a University of Florida. As far as beauty…both are upstate New York…if your looking for a nice view go to another state.

I’m not suggesting that you go to Albany or that Albany is the best fit for you, but don’t let someone elses misconceptions sway your decesion.

Do your own research to see if the things that your interested in are there for you. What clubs do you like. Take a look at the course catalog and see if the offered classes are interesting to you. Talk to the department heads and advisors. Are there intership opportunities? Are there research opportunities?

I know students who went to both and are very happy and have been well served. I live close to both…they are only about 60 miles apart, and can tell you that parties are just part of the culture of both schools. I go to both schools to see plays, sporting events, art shows, and so forth. Both are great schools. Which one is best for you is a question you’ll have to do your homework on.