The Ramapo College of New Jersey

Date: Mar 29 2004
Major: Communications (This Major's Salary over time)
Four years ago I went through the whole college application process. Writing essays, applying to schools, waiting to hear whether or not I would be accepted into a college or university. While waiting to hear from other schools, I heard of this thing called Immediate Decision Day at Ramapo College. Because I am from NY, I knew very little about this institution, but right off the bat, I knew that it was different than any institution that I applied to.

Subtle differences like that one set Ramapo apart from the mainstream of college and universities. Before I further review my college, I want to just let readers know that this is my opinion and anyone has different experiences which create different thoughts and beliefs. Perception is reality. I turned down scholarships to the University of Maryland, Newhouse (Syracuse's Communications School which is basically #1 in the world), Ithaca College, Quinnipiac, University of Miami(FL) and Penn State University at University Park. Those are some pretty good schools to turn down for this small school located in Mahwah, NJ.

I like to use the term

big fish in a small pond

when talking about my decision making process to choose this place of higher learning. At Ramapo, you have the opportunity to become a leader in any field that you choose. Whether it is in a club or organization, in a Greek organization or even in the classroom, you have the ability to shine. Professors and administration gives you that opportunity, something that you cannot get at a place where you are just a number. If you don't want to shine, then you can do your own thing and no one will bother you. If you want to study and watch tv throughout your four years of college, although I do not reccommend it, it is still an option for you to do. You can do whatever you want, when you want to do it.

Everyone talks about how nice the dorms are so I'm not even going to touch upon that. The only point I want to make with the housing issue is that my freshman year dorm was about twice as big as all of my friends.

The food is good considering it's college food. The food is made when you order and there is always a large selection of what you can eat. The places to eat are changing as we speak. One of the places tripled in size since my Freshman year and another place is growing this summer.

In regards to clubs and organizations, if there is not one that you like, you can make your own up. All you need is a couple of friends to share an interest and then, when approved, you can get a budget and begin your club.

There are other things that I can say, but honestly, these reviews are all based on individual experiences. To get the full view, come up and visit, call the admissions office and ask them to direct you to a student for their perspective. The only way to figure things out is to find out for yourself. In my opinion, there is no other place that I would rather be right now.