Marist College

Date: Mar 25 2015
Major: Art & Design Department (This Major's Salary over time)
Marist was my first choice and I applied early decision. Of course part of the appeal was the gorgeous campus, but what my main reason for going was the Art Department. I really liked how the programs were structured and that there was a balance of different types of classes (Digital Media program specifically). And the faculty of the department are all really fantastic, and if you need help or advice with anything they are there for you. I am also minoring in Business, and for the most part have had good experiences with the faculty and classes. For classes in general, the work varies from either being quite easy to more demanding, depending on the class and professor. Definitely make sure you balance out time to study and manage your time wisely.

Social life is alright; no matter what you can find friends with similar interests. What I will say, though, for anyone who likes to go out that people are generally going to the bars in Poughkeepsie, so if you're looking to party but cannot get in, you may have some difficulty there. There are frat parties here and there and are fine, but Greek life isn't huge like it is at other schools and even they mostly go to the bars with everyone else. Overall the people are alright; you're gonna have some unpleasant or stuck up people wherever you go, but my experiences with other students have been mostly positive and as long as you have a solid group of friends the rest doesn't matter.

Poughkeepsie is absolutely massive, so luckily there are ways to get around when you cannot have a car (really just freshman year). Fridays and Saturdays there is a shuttle to the Galleria and Stop&Shop, and a semester pass is very cheap. There are also a ton of cabs (all of which flock to Marist at night and are at cheaper rates depending on where you're going). Poughkeepsie has seen better days, and parts of it should definitely be avoided. However, there are some places in and around it that are quite fun. And the restaurants nearby are quite good - especially if you want a break from dining hall food, which is not terrible but nothing special - and fairly priced. Another great thing about Poughkeepsie is that it is a train ride away from the city, so if you ever want to get out for the day it's not a hassle.

The one aspect that definitely needs improvement, though, is housing. It is guaranteed freshman and I think sophomore year, but for juniors and seniors nothing is guaranteed. Marist uses a priority points system, which determines in what order you get to select housing. Obviously the better you and possibly your group's points, the more desirable housing you'll get. Having bad points could even mean that you could not stay on campus, although a lot of the people I know who were in that situation reapplied for housing immediately and were placed into rooms. On the topic of off-campus housing, there plenty of houses and apartments that are rented to students (a cheaper option than on-campus housing, for the most part). There are plenty within walking distance, but are usually more expensive and not as nice as the ones further away (and can do so because of their location).

All in all, for the price of tuition you are paying, the education you would receive at Marist is a pretty good deal. I absolutely love it here and have had generally good experiences, so I would recommend this school to prospective students. As with any other school, do your research and see what is the best fit for you.