The State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Really a great school. The negative reviews on here are just singular experiences. First off this is a state school, so if your in state it is incredibly affordable. I am in the landscape architecture program, one of only 2 schools in NY that grant a bachelors degree. The professors in my department are incredibly knowledgeable with years of professional and educational experience. The graduates of the landscape architecture program go on to find great jobs all throughout the country because employers in the profession not only know of this school, they know the rigor of it.

As for the school it self, it is small. you see the same people everyday and its a close community between students, facility and staff. But then you walk no more than 25 feet and your at syracuse university, where ESF students have access to ALL of their resources. I regularly go to Syracuse university's library until 2 in the morning studying with a bunch of other students. The party scene is syracuse universities party scene, so it is really good. I am enjoying my time here and although its hard, i know im learning a lot.

1st Year Male -- Class 2017

Individual Value: A+, Surrounding City: C

1st Year Male -- Class 2014

Friendliness: A+, University Resource Use/ spending: F

I graduated from ESF with a BS in Wildlife Science. ESF is a very specialized school and if you want to go into environmental biology, forestry, or related fields this school is the right one for you. The diversity of classes I was offered was amazing and they were taught by high quality, innovative professors. Most professors would go above and beyond to help students (with the exception of several... but every school has that). Another huge plus academically is the amount of lab and field work. ESF has such a large campus with so many research stations around NY that it is almost impossible to not get involved in research. Because of this I was extreamly prepared when I graduated for either grad school or a job.

The campus life was also great. The school provides activities for students ranging from organizations such as the wildlife society to the outdoor club (which always has some climbing or backpacking trip planned almost every weekend) to TGIF socials (where a student lounge is converted into a bar and students over 21 get free beer). Even without the activities the college provides there is always something to do. There is not to large of a greek life, but people are always coming up with new trips and parties so it's never dull. When you first come to the college the staff will tell you that a ESF student works hard but plays harder :) The academics are definitly challanging but you will come out prepared. And despite the amount of work you do as a student, almost all students also figure out to have just as much play. Within a year of graduating I recieved my dream job (being a zookeeper).

3rd Year Female -- Class 2006

Education Quality: A+, Individual Value: F