Marist College

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

Marist College was not on my radar when I was applying to college. Upon arrival everything seemed bright for the future here. The freshman orientation program was very good and informative. Kids at the school were very friendly until school started. The typical student is from long island and has plenty of Daddy's money. Coming from a wealthy family of my own i understand the perks of being wealthy but there is no need to make kids feel inferior because they don't have as much as you do. The classes are really good for the most part. If you're a communications major it'll be the best 4 years of your life because the classes are a joke, its mainly busy work and papers. Other majors like math and computer science majors have it really tough. I'm a Computer Science student and an athlete here at Marist. Marist is D1 so the professors are suppose to help coordinate meeting times with you if you are unable to meet during their scheduled office hours because of practice time conflicts. I have never had so much trouble with this. Some professors are extremely helpful with making time in their day to meet with you, but others just don't show up or cancel. Its already hard enough being an athlete and maintaining a routine to keep your sanity, and now you cant even meet with your prof for help. The advising faculty in the computer science department is an absolute blessing. they are so helpful and so insightful and applaud students who recognize they aren't doing well in school and are looking for ways to improve. They are judge free and treat you like a human not just a student.Help with intern applications, and resume's

The food is okay but sometimes I wish they had healthier options. The food you buy with Thrifty cash is so expensive compared to the cafeteria prices but it is higher quality.

The campus is beautiful in the fall and spring time with the river shimmering from the passing cargo ships and boats. Plenty of outdoor activities like trails and what not.

The housing gets better after each year you're there. Junior and senior housing is so nice, but its also super expensive.

2nd Year Male -- Class 2017

Education Quality: A+, Surrounding City: D+

Marist was my first choice and I applied early decision. Of course part of the appeal was the gorgeous campus, but what my main reason for going was the Art Department. I really liked how the programs were structured and that there was a balance of different types of classes (Digital Media program specifically). And the faculty of the department are all really fantastic, and if you need help or advice with anything they are there for you. I am also minoring in Business, and for the most part have had good experiences with the faculty and classes. For classes in general, the work varies from either being quite easy to more demanding, depending on the class and professor. Definitely make sure you balance out time to study and manage your time wisely.

Social life is alright; no matter what you can find friends with similar interests. What I will say, though, for anyone who likes to go out that people are generally going to the bars in Poughkeepsie, so if you're looking to party but cannot get in, you may have some difficulty there. There are frat parties here and there and are fine, but Greek life isn't huge like it is at other schools and even they mostly go to the bars with everyone else. Overall the people are alright; you're gonna have some unpleasant or stuck up people wherever you go, but my experiences with other students have been mostly positive and as long as you have a solid group of friends the rest doesn't matter.

Poughkeepsie is absolutely massive, so luckily there are ways to get around when you cannot have a car (really just freshman year). Fridays and Saturdays there is a shuttle to the Galleria and Stop&Shop, and a semester pass is very cheap. There are also a ton of cabs (all of which flock to Marist at night and are at cheaper rates depending on where you're going). Poughkeepsie has seen better days, and parts of it should definitely be avoided. However, there are some places in and around it that are quite fun. And the restaurants nearby are quite good - especially if you want a break from dining hall food, which is not terrible but nothing special - and fairly priced. Another great thing about Poughkeepsie is that it is a train ride away from the city, so if you ever want to get out for the day it's not a hassle.

The one aspect that definitely needs improvement, though, is housing. It is guaranteed freshman and I think sophomore year, but for juniors and seniors nothing is guaranteed. Marist uses a priority points system, which determines in what order you get to select housing. Obviously the better you and possibly your group's points, the more desirable housing you'll get. Having bad points could even mean that you could not stay on campus, although a lot of the people I know who were in that situation reapplied for housing immediately and were placed into rooms. On the topic of off-campus housing, there plenty of houses and apartments that are rented to students (a cheaper option than on-campus housing, for the most part). There are plenty within walking distance, but are usually more expensive and not as nice as the ones further away (and can do so because of their location).All in all, for the price of tuition you are paying, the education you would receive at Marist is a pretty good deal. I absolutely love it here and have had generally good experiences, so I would recommend this school to prospective students. As with any other school, do your research and see what is the best fit for you.

3rd Year Female -- Class 2016

Education Quality: A+, Surrounding City: C+