<p>I would greatly appreciate any information on these colleges. I know these are not the sort of elite colleges typically discussed on this site, but these are my daughter’s top choices at the moment – and from my standpoint there are problems with each of them. My concerns have been magnified by reading some of the very negative comments on a web-site that gives “Student Reviews” of Colleges – does anyone know anything about that web site?</p>
<p>More specifically, my main concerns about the colleges are:</p>
<li><p>Roanoke – Could a politically liberal northeasterner who is not Christian, rich or preppy, find a niche and have a good experience there? Is there a decent academic life and social life apart from the fraternity/sorority scene?</p></li>
<li><p>Keene State College – Do the vast majority of students really spend most of their free time drinking? What’s the academic life like? Can a Yankees fan survive?</p></li>
<li><p>Alfred – Can a city kid survive the cold and isolation? What are the students like? How nurturing is it?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>How do these schools compare with SUNY Oneonta, Oswego or Fredonia? </p>
<p>I’m feeling really panicked at the thought that my daughter and I have selected schools that may not offer her a rewarding college experience.</p>
<p>I have heard good things about Roanoke and the kids are not all that conservative with all the kids from the northeast area. Weather and location are very nice. Spring has sprung and the dogwoods are out.</p>
<p>There is a Mom from Pennsylvania whose child is at Roanoke, Kathiep, maybe? Anyway, perhaps if you repost on Parents Forum she will find you.
I think her child is quite happy there.</p>
<p>I’ve spoken with a couple of highly satisfied Alfred grads. Downside was some extra time involved to travel to and from. Positives included highly involved and supportive faculty and the college’s tendency to import entertainment. Also, I believe I recall that the sidewalks are heated (I could have made that up). We looked into the art program which is top notch.</p>
<p>I only know about Alfred (and I’m assuming you’re talking about Alfred University - not Alfred State?).</p>
<p>My guess is the kids there are really nice. I’d also bet it IS a nurturing place. Many of their programs are very well known. You will find drinking (and non-drinking!) at all colleges. Alfred for a town is pretty much a dump. Nothing much you can do about that. Lots of college kids though! </p>
<p>Good luck. Don’t be depressed! She’ll be happy at one of those!</p>
<p>Here I am! Yes, my son is a freshman at Roanoke and we couldn’t be happier. He would definately consider himself a liberal as far as politics and we’re from PA. Forty percent of the school is from out of state and the majority are from the mid-atlantic states. One of my son’s closest friends is from upstate NY. I don’t think getting rides is that hard but I can’t say for sure as my son has a car down there. It’s not a bad drive, at least not through any big cities and beautiful once you hit 81.</p>
<p>Compared to the other colleges on your list, I think Roanoke has the best location. We lived in upstate NY for 4 years, not too far from Alfred, so I’m a little familiar with the NY schools. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have on this thread or via a pm.</p>
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