Siena College

Date: Aug 30 2008
Major: Psychology (This Major's Salary over time)
To be honest, the closer it got to graduation, the happier I became. I wanted nothing more than to leave Siena immediately and never look back. But after reading the negative reviews, I felt it was necessary to offer some very honest, and overall positive feedback on the Siena college experience(I just graduated so I write alot, sorry). First of all, yes, the Admissions Dept. is great at exaggeration. Take their word with a grain of salt, and ask the students. That's what I did, and I got the truth. Siena is beautiful. THAT is where your overpriced tuition goes. The faculty are great. Most of them love their jobs, and are just waiting for students to act like they care. Participate in class, and go to office hours, and you will get a true and rich education, and faculty support. You will need it, because although there are easy courses, most are not hard, but very challenging. You will need somebody in your court.

As far as extracurriculars are concerned, believe it or not, their are several, but they are not advertised. Sports are well advertised, and athletes are highly favored. Don't be jealous, that's just the way it is. I was a very active student and the head of many clubs. You have to find them yourself, or create them, which Siena allows relatively easy. Nothing at Siena is handed to you. That includes a social life. As someone else put it, we didn't depend on club events for fun. We mostly held our own parties and shenanigans. You get really creative in isolation. Overall, I would say Siena students are very friendly. I was a minority at Siena, and it appeared to be about 85% white. There will always be close-minded people. but if your not one of them, you will find that most are just young adults growing up away from home, like you. I met all different kinds of people and I enjoyed myself. Party hard. It will become your reward for surviving the week.

The most problems you may encounter, although things had changed during my last year, will come from Administration. They are the reason I was ready to leave, and I don't even want to donate in the future (that may change with time). They are the most arrogant, power-hungry, arrogant people I have met. They throw around policy and regulation like baseballs. They ca be very condescending, unapologetic, and never feel the need to explain themselves. To survive at Siena, study the student policy book like you study your lessons. Your ignorance is their loophole.

Overall, I would say, Siena, if any other institution, prepares you for the real world: Work can be challenging, dedicate to it, and you will progress and succeed; people in general are jut like you, and there will always be the ignorant, arrogant ones, who cares? Most people don't mind helping you if you let them; and, the people in charge are usually the ones to screw you over, so make sure you know the law.

I don't think I would go back, but I wouldn't change my experience for anything. I grew up a lot.