The University of Scranton

Date: Dec 07 2012
Major: Accounting (This Major's Salary over time)
Sometimes I read these and ask myself, what school are they going to?? Ultra religious vibe??. FYI, this is a catholic institution and while the Jesuit school are not known to be zealots, it is a faith based university. I will say, that I have to thank my parents when it came time to picking colleges, they researched it to death. Made me do visits I felt I did not need to do and talked about doing "due diligence". Made me visit my final 2 about 4x each at different times of the year, mingling with students, overnight visits- the works. Guess what- you have to do your homework to look at the school that is right for you. For those that hate the school or freshman that are looking to transfer by November of FROSH year, I just laugh. How did they pick their school- grab bag?? Ok, to be fair, for some it is financial, like your parent works for the U or you got such a great scholarship, it was the best deal available at the best school. I get that but for the rest of you, do your homework. Ok, now for my review.

Facilities- There have been many facility improvements to the U since I started and all for the better new student center, dorms, gym, science center, grounds, paths, expanding of enclosed U campus. The place is normally very clean.

New residence hall is very nice and the new 14,000sqft gym has room to grow.

Food- There is no lack of food and it is top shelf as what college food is about. Have been to over 40 colleges in the past 5 years and the U is top 2 on the selections and quality.

Academics- It is not Ivy but above many similiar rated schools. The most classes seem to be offered in the sciences (just spent 83mil on new science buildiing) so yea, they showing they want to increase STEM students. Education is another big major, tons of classes for them. Business school. Ok, being a accounting major, I have to say that it has been a very good program, teachers great, will talk to you, make time for you and really try to help you where they can. However, not every class is offered both spring and fall, so you really got to be careful to set up planning out in advance by 1 year. Screwed myself twice, before I learned my lesson the hardway. By the time I get to registers, many classes or prof. I want are full. Or I get closed out of classes and told, "sorry, class is full !!. Ok, when you offer 4 sections for 1 class and the all fill up, then open a new class. That and the catalog lists all these classes that they have not had in more than a year, or will do if kids get together and demand it. But I felt a bit deceived with the smoke and mirror. If you have don't have a course at least once a year, take it off or explain- how it works.

That has been my biggest issues.

As for the accounting program/professors and classwork, I worked hard, did what I had to do. Most of it is not gift wrapped. Some kids did think they just had to show up and would get a B-. Mistake, you got to put in your work- period.

Sports- were a D3 school with no football. Actually don't really have the space for it and only ONE athletic field that is shared by about 6 teams. Rumor they are converting a complex the U owns but nothing yet, so softball and baseball both play off campus. Baseketball has a fair following in winter. Lacrosse had a very good season in 2012 but coach left for D1 school. If they could get a coach to stick around for 6 years, they could actually recruit good talent and get to NCAA more ofter. Intramurals and club sports pretty popular but lack of fiels is a problem. Hope they get that fixed soon.

Dorm- Fresh dorm was ok for frosh year, soph year, I was in Gavigan. which I think was smaller than my frosh dorm? Condron Hall is awesome. The rooms are much nicer, bigger and more ceiling space. JR/SR dorms- older ones are ok, the Madison, Pilarz and Montrone Halls are very nice and NEW!.

Off-campus housing- hit or miss. You got to look around. Most landlords are good to deal with but they know they are renting to 20-22yrs old college students. Other are renting out crap. The new dorms have put a dent in the rental market so you can find good deals but shop around.

Student/Social life- it is what you want it to be. You want to party, no problem there are things to do but need to be creative. I have done the house party routine and by later soph yr was getting old but I also hung out with different circles so kept it fresh. If your into the party scene, it's pretty good there. No lack of parties and I have had a good time.

Summary. I have been very happy with my choice because I knew what I was getting and it fit that. I have made friends for life and I feel that because the City of Scranton is what it is, you tend to stay with your friends and stick together. Doing that brought us all closer and were pretty tight.

Hope I spelled it out. Do you homework before deciding on you college and if you choose the University of Scranton for the right reasons, you be glad you did. If not find what is best for you.