Choosing a College

Saya511
Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:41:13 +0000

I am prospective college student looking for an undergrad school to complete prerequisites for physical therapy school. As of now I am in the process of choosing the college I will attend. Money is an issue, so I know for a fact that I will be in-state. I’m a NY resident so it will be a SUNY. I have applied and been accepted to:

-SUNY Albany
-SUNY New Paltz
-SUNY Oneonta
-SUNY Cortland

I am not looking for information on academic prestige, but if you have any, it is welcome. All of these schools have a suitable degree for me to obtain and that is good enough for me. I would like to know more of the social life and atmosphere. I’m looking for the right “feel”. I’ve personally narrowed down my choices to Albany and New Paltz. I hated Cortland and I have yet to visit Oneonta (I plan to). I realize that my narrowed down choices are complete opposites, which is why I’ve asked for your help, because I liked both when I visited. I am very conflicted because:

-I am used to small schools, so in terms of class size, I lean towards New Paltz.
-I have never experienced much culture in my life and would very much like to. I am sick of dominant races and ignorance. Albany seems better in terms of cultural diversity.
-I am shy and unaccustomed to freedom. I feel as if going to Albany would give me a chance to learn more about independence because of it’s large size.
-Art is a huge pastime of mine. New Paltz is very artsy. I hear Albany got rid of some kind of important art program, but I forget what.
-In regards to my academic and career goals: Albany has a PT program I can sign up for that will guarantee me acceptance into a PT grad school in Albany. This does not completely catch my attention though, because I don’t know if I’d want to go to grad school in Albany (my hometown is 3 hours away). I was planning on getting good grades and applying to a good grad school in Manhattan, closer to where I live.
-I’m not much of a partier, but I do know that is inevitable

Also, I know nothing about Oneonta but would like to know more