Elmira College

Date: Oct 20 2010
Major: Psychology (This Major's Salary over time)
I am a parent who recently visited EC with my son, and after visiting many campuses and attending campus tours (some of which were dog & pony shows), I can honestly state that this is a very good school with a very bright future. Were my son to attend EC, I would be proud and happy with his choice.

Much of my review is based on speaking to approximately 10 students while there. To that extent, many of the negatives listed about EC on this site simply did not match with what I saw, investigated or heard.

Moreover, when I reviewed student comments about other schools, such as American, the University of Florida, Georgetown, etc., I found that students were as critical, if not more, of those schools. Which tells me one thing: some students simply like to complain, and think the grass is greener on the other side. Notwithstanding such, I am sure there are some legitimate gripes individual students may have with EC. But I feel comfortable knowing that those complaints are no different than students from any other school. As for EC in particular, I can say this:

1. True… purple and gold (mostly purple) is everywhere, but more subtle/tasteful than you could imagine.

2. The Freshman Writing course is ideal (trust me—as an English teacher—much of the writing of our youth today ranges from not bad to horrific), as are the Term III and Encore programs.

3. I found the professors to be impressive and no more dull than the net university or college. This is about being educated—not entertained.

4. There is a great, great sense of community, not of oppressive parenting by Administration. This comes directly from the mouths of the students I had the pleasure of speaking to while there.

Finally, the idea that EC's Administration is the only Administration concerned/over the top about funds and fundraising efforts is absurd. EVERY secondary school, college and university focuses a tremendous amount of time on funding. But it should come as no surprise thee days that this is the way the academic world works. Indeed, that's the way life works—for better or worse.

Some valid criticisms are:

1. No WiFi in many dorms. That needs to be changed—hopefully sooner than later.

2. True… the town of Elmira is a small town; but nearby Horseheads (also in the Finger Lakes region) and Binghamton are nice enough "college-town" upgrades, if needed, for things like bars, sport events, shopping, etc.

3. Some of the main roads leading to Elmira are under construction, and I can imagine the traffic is hellish at times.

4. The student body falls a bit short on diversity, but I truly believe they are working hard at changing that. I think their numbers are tending towards a more diverse student body of late.