Just finished up some visits/tours in Central NY region last week with local high schools on winter break.
I have twins who are juniors (Class of 2025) looking into STEM Schools with majors Environmental Engineering and Computer Science. We are in rural part of central NY so they are both looking for schools closer to or in more urban areas to gain new experiences and exposure.
My older daughter is a Freshman at Villanova so my junior twins have been on other campus visits with her and have familiarity with process giving them greater sense of what they are looking for.
Info below which hope it can help other families during the process.
Union College: Same…More Liberal Arts feel, very nice smaller residential campus with new Engineering programs and facility. Admission presentation was done by student vs. Admissions officer which fell a little flat. Kids liked idea of the Minerva House program (think Harry Potter Sorting Hat) where all students are placed in smaller social type groups from start which helps with making friends and networking. D1 Hockey Team and Program! Schenectady NY has improved a lot in recent years which is a plus. Overall, not “over the moon” as less quiet, less urban and diverse, but said they thought could be good option if things do not work out elsewhere.
RPI: Way Up.Information session started in new EMPAC center which was impressive. Also, one of the best tours we have been on as we got to go into all the buildings, labs, maker spaces as well as dorms and dining halls. Larger campus than I realized with great views of Hudson River and valley, I think I hit at least 10K steps on tour. Kids liked the ARCH program where you spend summer at RPI and pushing you into time away for CO-OP or Study Abroad. Another D1 Hockey School, sports complex set away from main campus but was impressive. Local area around college was a little run down in spots but tour guide (female) said she always felt safe in/around campus. My wife attended Russell Sage in downtown Troy NY which has been “questionable” over the years but you can see a lot of recent changes and improvements to downtown with new condos and restaurants popping up. Admission session stressed applying Early Action if you were looking into any Engineering or CS majors, most filled by RG round.
University at Albany State University of New York: Down. We took quick trolley tour mainly to check out new new ETEC Engineering and Science Building which was very impressive and located right next to many State Buildings and Agencies…so tons of opportunity for internships. Overall, campus was just OK, little more modern than most SUNY campuses but still a lot of concrete. Campus is somewhat of island itself, away from city. Also packed commuter lots which is big part of student body. Inner campus area was dead at 3pm on a Thursday even with some sun and mid 30s. Kids will likely still apply during SUNY free application week in October and see how things play out.
Syracuse University: Same. Attended open house during Presidents day. “Same” rating was more due to weather as it was a cold windy February day to be walking around a hilly campus. Probably higher score if we visited in April/May. We did tour engineering building and spaces which my daughter liked (Civil/Environmental). CS labs were just OK. Overall, much more diversity on this campus which kids are looking for a larger student body. Lots of school spirit being an ACC school, we got pic with Otto the Orange. Many new modern buildings built since I was last on campus. Attended School of Engineering/CS breakout session, looks like 50% accept rate and they recommended submitting SAT scores of 1300 or higher. Lot of focus on new $100 B MICRON computer chip plant in development in local SYR area which sounds like they will introduce partnership with SU for internships and jobs in future.
Heading towards Boston Area in April for another round of visits and will report back!