Marist College

My guidance counselor recommended that I apply to Marist, and after visiting the school twice, I loved it. Marist has a solid academic reputation and an absolutely beautiful campus (right on the Hudson River). For a relatively small liberal arts college, Marist provides a wide variety of majors as well as plenty of extracurricular activities. Most of the faculty members seem to care about their students and you are always treated as an individual, not just a number. I'd say the majority of students are friendly and approachable, especially during the first couple weeks of freshman year when everyone is looking to make friends. As for the nightlife, this is where I have negative things to say about the school. Marist is located in Poughkeepsie, NY, which is one of the sketchiest towns I have ever seen. It's a known fact that if you wander the streets at night you will definitely get mugged. The only things to on weekends are go to a sketchy nightclub, sketchy bar, or house parties that always get broken up. There is absolutely nothing else. If you don't think that these things will keep you entertained for four years then don't come here. If you told the typical Marist student that they could never drink again they would probably die of shock since 95% of the student body isn't intelligent enough to find another form of entertainment. As far as spors go, the only thing the school has going for it is basketball. The women's team is always good (actually made it to the Sweet 16 last year) and the men's team is usually competitive in the MAAC. Overall, the school itself is good and you will meet some good people but if you don't drink or just drink occasionally you get bored very quickly.

1st Year Male -- Class 2011

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Surrounding City: D-

Marist isn't exactly a horrible school but it's not that great. It was not my first choice for schools but it's not necessarily a bad school. I was deciding between this school, Vassar, and Colgate, and half of me wishes I was at CU right now.

I'm a Communications major and I must say I am extremely underwhelmed by the courses and workload. The teachers are good. Haven't had any major problems. But the work isn't challenging at all and it's gotten to the point where I'm asking my professors for more work. Some courses are impossible to pass (because of the prof. or department, ex science courses). Most of the students are unmotivated yet the average course load is 5-6 classes each semester. I understand why now. The biggest programs here are Business, Communications, Fashion, and Computer Science.

Let me just say for school of 5,000 students, the campus feels very small. This may be a bad thing to most, but I don't mind it. However, it limits your opportunities. There are far more girls than guys. The girls are extremely cliquey, conformist, and overall snobby. It's hard to find people who don't conform or fit that typical preppy mold. This is what makes this place feel like a preppy middle school. The girls are stuck in Gossip Girl and like the majority of the student body, aren't very bright. Nobody is passionate, intellectual, or interested in anything but going to bars. Oh this is a bar school. Did anyone tell you that? That's right- barely any house parties. There are 3 bars in Poughkeepsie and it's the main activity here. The bars are gross and you'll need a fake to get in. It gets extremely repetitive.

In terms of campus, it's a nice campus. It's clean and everything is fairly new (except for Dyson). The dorms are pretty nice compared to other schools. The food, however, could be better. Also, you have to pay extra cash if you want the good stuff (in Cabaret or Donnelly).

The priority points system is the worst aspect besides the social scene. Basically the points determine the housing you get. You get points by joining clubs, which, btw, most people only go to get points (duh). this makes it even harder to make friends. people sign into clubs and then leave to go out and drink. Nice. Real nice.

Overall, if I had a choice, I would transfer from Marist. However, i'm already halfway in my education and there's really no point in leaving. I'm really hoping it'll get better and it'll be worth it. I would look into other schools though!

2nd Year Male -- Class 1921

Perceived Campus Safety: A+, Social Life: C

I could not have imagined a better college experience and I am saying this as a rising junior. Believe me when I mean that I recommend this school to anyone who is unsure of schools and is a motivated and well rounded student. Although many people will ask what is Marist, know that it is one of the best places to go to school. YOU'LL walk out proud to clear the name for yourself.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2014

Education Quality: A+, Useful Schoolwork: F