Syracuse University

Date: Aug 08 2014
Major: History/Histories (art history/etc.) (This Major's Salary over time)
Syracuse University, although it has decent-to-good academic programs, is a place for people who:

Love Syracuse sports (Go Orange!)

Hold a lot of value to (joining) the Greek system

Believe college is all about partying and drinking, like in Hollywood films about college

Want to be around their wealthy New England friends from childhood/high school

While I enjoyed the classes I took, I have my doubts as to whether or not it was actually worth the enormous amount of tuition money (especially if you have doubts of whether or not you'll be able to gain employment after graduation). If you are a die-hard fan that bleeds orange, then you should have no worry about your tuition money. If you think the best university for you should place more emphasis on academics over sports, it would be wise to look away from Syracuse University.

The city of Syracuse itself, based on observation, pre-orientation programs, and the words of friends from the Syracuse area (suburban and urban), is, simply, depressing to an enormous degree. The bus system, including the paths connected to the university, can be unreliable to a frustrating degree. If you don't have a car and don't click with people ASAP in your freshman year, your range of activities becomes very limited. And while robberies and other crimes do happen every now and again, the city itself isn't that bad compared to a good number of U.S. cities (but caution is still recommended).

The students are mostly wealthy New Englanders who are very into the Greek system and you can feel isolated at Syracuse University if you don't take part in frats/sororities. With this and the large amount of student debt in mind, I would recommend for people in middle class, lower-middle class, or working class backgrounds to look for another university (unless you are willing to make networking connections and land a high-paying job after graduation with people that see the world differently. Or work on getting really rewarding scholarships to help alleviate student debt woes). Also if you aren't into partying or getting smashed drunk every weekend, you may find it hard to adapt at Syracuse.

On a more positive note, the dining hall food and the selection available is surprisingly good. Also, if you have the opportunity, the study abroad program has a lot of options and they tend to be very rewarding experiences!

Overall, while I don't dislike Syracuse University, it would be unwise & unfair to state that this university is for everyone. There are more cost-effective university options if you are looking for an enriching academic experience. If you want to feel confident about your sober, reserved, and or modest way of life and keep yourself that way, the students at Syracuse will definitely put your way of life to the test. If you think you may have Seasonal Depression or if you cannot handle cold weather, file a restraining order on the possibility of Syracuse. If you think you can handle the debt, love the Syracuse sports teams, want a taste of New England high culture amongst young adults, have an affinity for Greek lifestyle, and or want the glory of being the biggest connoisseur of alcohol in all of New England, you just struck gold in paradise.