The Ramapo College of New Jersey

Date: Mar 18 2004
Major: Psychology (This Major's Salary over time)
Yes, everyone is entitled to their own opinion… but just as they are, I am entitled to my opinion about my school as well as my opinion about other peoples’ thoughts & actions.

First of all, there are only a handful of comments on here. I honestly hope that no prospective student comes onto this website to make their decision. For one thing, there is japanese anime on the site.. ABOUT ACADEMIC UNIVERSITES! To me, this makes NO SENSE. Another point -sure, take personal stories into account, but realize, there are 13 comments on this website from a population of over 5 thousand students. Including me (yes, I broke out a calculator & did the math), that is 0.26% of the student body. That is less than 1%. I really hope that prospective students have more common sense than to rely on a statistic such as that.

The reason I say this is because other students' comments have really made me annoyed. I am in my fourth & final year here. I changed my major, obtained a minor, & I am graduating ON TIME in May 2004. I also have had my fair share of times where I was aggravated: whether it be by a school policy, an annoying roommate, food.. whatever. However, overall my experience here has been one that I could never replace.

Now where to begin on my experience…

Major. I am a psychology major with a minor in gerontology. Some of my professors have not been what I would call the greatest, but if you ask around to fellow students within your major, you will know who is good & who is not good to take. I decided to take the more challenging professors, & by doing so have had some outstanding opportunities. I have volunteered in classes (ie had an EEG done of my brain wave frequency), have done studies of my own research interests (& one was just recently accepted to the Eastern Psychological Association Conference in April), & have actually had these full professors offer to write me recommendations.. without having to ask! Work load can get tough, but remember, this is no high school or two year college.. this is a four year school where you earn a bachelors.. its not supposed to be easy.. that’s why people get rejected for admission! Gen eds get to be a little annoying, but since this is a public, state, liberal arts institution there is no avoiding general education requirements. There have been many, however, that I really enjoyed taking - that also allowed me the opportunity to meet other students outside my major. Classes are sometimes lacking in options & availabilities, I won't lie.. but that is because education budget cuts compliments of Jim McGreevey that took place ALL OVER THE STATE OF NJ! You want the right to complain?? Then GO VOTE HIM OUT IF YOU WANT MORE CLASSES!!!! However, my class size never exceeds 40, & my professors know me by my name… even Gen Ed professors. Coming from a smaller high school I did not want a large college & I am glad that I am known.

Next…

Dorms are AMAZING. Nothing anyone hasn’t already said. Now, if you want a party school.. Ramapo is not the place for you. Parties are often small & consist of your friends. Parties DO happen. Some get broken up, some don’t.. depends on your neighbors.. be nice to them & you’ll never get caught. Policies became more strict recently, but if you have a good head on your shoulders & some common sense, you’ll know how to have fun without being in trouble all the time. As far as Mahwah police getting involved, they really don’t unless there is a MAJOR violation taking place on campus. Other than that there is a three strike policy here. There are wet & dry areas on campus.. the wet areas are for students who are 21+.. why?? BECAUSE ITS THE LAW. Yes, a large majority of college students drink, but many of them do it illegally.. I did!

Cliques.. I’ll admit there are a number of cliques on campus. It is a small school where people are given the opportunity to get to know each other really well in their first year. If youre a transfer, sometimes it is a good idea to join organizations of your interest, including greek organizations. The orgs that I have been involved in have not been exclusive, but if you join, YOU must make the effort to be involved. This is COLLEGE. NO ONE is going to baby you & make sure you do your homework & participate in club activities. This is an excellent way to meet people, & I know a number of transfers who have done this & have been perfectly happy in their new surroundings. & on the topic of girls with boyfriends.. did you know the on campus ratio of females to males is 5 to 1?? That’s a lot of girls to make that kind of comment about!

Weekend life… Ive gone home once in a while, but also remember, EVERYONE here is ALLOWED to have a car.. frosh, soph, junior, senior.. EVERYONE. This also creates an illusion because I have a TON of friends who have weekend jobs. And anyone who says that there is nothing to do in the Mahwah region does not get out much. Exploring is so much fun! We have 3 malls right near by (two of which are the largest in the state & east coast), some awesome pubs, tons of small towns (definitely check out Ridgewood.. great shops, bars, & eateries), & NYC a car or train ride 30 miles away. Yes, we are not directly in a city.. but even when my car was broken down I had friends go with me places to get off campus when I wanted to do something different. Bar on campus you ask?? That was here back in the day WHEN THE DRINKING AGE WAS 18! Life is different now, let alone the campus being different. Weekend activities here are ALWAYS sponsoring something.. but once again no one is making you go! It is your responsibility to look at activities on the college website and boards on campus, as well as its your responsibility to make plans with your own friends! & for those who state

they are building too many dorms,

WE NEED THEM!!!! 4 years ago maybe there wouldn’t be a problem, but there is an extremely high demand for places to live on campus, especially since we live in a rich community where the average college student cannot rent an apartment around the block. Yes, we need academic buildings as well.. but here it comes again.. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. Get involved with our on campus SGA & you will always know the most up to date information regarding what plans are in the works for on campus construction. I have been, & now

Food.. Ill be honest again.. it is college. The food is no where near home cooked. But you have options at least. Check out the most recent renovations to our student center Cafeteria (Marketplace @ the Birch Tree Inn) & you’ll see its really not that bad. Besides, I am noticing the ages/nature of the student remarks.. they are new to the school.. I have been here now on my fourth year.. I’ve seen the changes that have taken place here & they are amazing.

Overall, excellent experience… but then again, that’s just my PERSONAL opinion. Have a question about it?? EMAIL ME. I’ll have no problem telling you how it really is at Ramapo College.