I came to this school knowing almost nothing about communications, but we dived right in and were using cameras within the first week of classes. The curriculum for classes inside and outside park is very hands on and I feel very confident, even in classes I didn't think I would do very well in. The professors are very open and willing to help and I have always felt that they see us as individual students with specific needs rather than just a class. Not to mention, you will have an advisor who knows you name and can actually help you. I have had many opportunities to take classes in a variety of different fields and am learning more than I ever though I would.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
Although it is a long drive from home, it's worth it. I hardly ever feel bored with the collegetown feel of Ithaca and theres always something going on during the weekend such as concerts, shows and movies on campus. Getting downtown is pretty easy with the TCat buses which will also bring you to malls and stores like Target and Wal-Mart. Because the school is a little smaller, I found it a lot easier to meet people in my classes and dorms. There are also so many extracurricular activities to be a part of ranging from working on a television show for ICTV to raising money for cancer research. In the warm weather, most people will just head down for a hike and go to the gorges. Ithaca is a beautiful town and there are so many diverse opportunities for the students from both Ithaca and Cornell.
Also, thanks to Ithaca College, I had the opportunity to study abroad in London for a semester. It was probably the best four months of my life and I met the most incredible people there and got to travel to places I never imagined I would get to go to. Ithaca has their own center in London and LA and I think that being in that small Ithaca community really helped when trying to ease into an entirely different environment. Not to mention, your financial aid and credits easily travel over!
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Being a private school, Ithaca is pretty expensive. Like most people, without financial aid, I wouldn't be able to attend this school. Luckily, Ithaca does give out a good amount of grants and loans to help students like me. But it is definitely worth it, with all the opportunities that Ithaca gives to students, not to mention the great reputation of its name that will follow you around, even after you leave the school. There is also a great work study program that gives students with need a job at one of the many locations of campus. I have worked in the dining hall which gives me a flexible schedule and the ability to pick up others people's shifts. There are also many jobs available in places like the library, game room, information desk, catering and event services. Ithaca wants to give all students the chance to experience the school and does a lot to help those who are more financially challenged. But with everything I have gotten to do inside Roy H Park School of Communications, the people and alumni I have been able to meet and the ability to travel to another country has definitely been worth it.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
I know this is generic advice, but get involved with as much as you can. There is so much to do and see around Ithaca and over 200 clubs and activities that allow you to experience that.
Ithaca has pretty unpredictable weather. Since I've been there, there has been snow is September and sun in January. You really want to make sure you're prepared for those days when its 30 degrees and raining and then suddenly its 50 degrees and sunny.
There is so much to get involved in, not only the school, but the town itself. If you don't get work study, get a job off campus. I volunteer at an animal shelter only 15 minutes away from the school. There are so many festivals and events downtown, so make sure you don't spend all your time on campus.
Don't be afraid to take a class you don't know anything about. I know nothing about computers but I am getting ready to take a 3D animation programming class next semester and I couldn't be more excited! Ithaca has so many different fields, it's impossible to not want to try them all.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Anyone who is willing to learn new things. Creative students who really want to get involved in their school and meet new people. Ithaca is one of the more diverse schools that I've seen and they are so open and caring about their students.
I came to this school knowing almost nothing about communications, but we dived right in and were using cameras within the first week of classes. The curriculum for classes inside and outside park is very hands on and I feel very confident, even in classes I didn't think I would do very well in. The professors are very open and willing to help and I have always felt that they see us as individual students with specific needs rather than just a class. Not to mention, you will have an advisor who knows you name and can actually help you. I have had many opportunities to take classes in a variety of different fields and am learning more than I ever though I would.
Although it is a long drive from home, it's worth it. I hardly ever feel bored with the collegetown feel of Ithaca and theres always something going on during the weekend such as concerts, shows and movies on campus. Getting downtown is pretty easy with the TCat buses which will also bring you to malls and stores like Target and Wal-Mart. Because the school is a little smaller, I found it a lot easier to meet people in my classes and dorms. There are also so many extracurricular activities to be a part of ranging from working on a television show for ICTV to raising money for cancer research. In the warm weather, most people will just head down for a hike and go to the gorges. Ithaca is a beautiful town and there are so many diverse opportunities for the students from both Ithaca and Cornell. Also, thanks to Ithaca College, I had the opportunity to study abroad in London for a semester. It was probably the best four months of my life and I met the most incredible people there and got to travel to places I never imagined I would get to go to. Ithaca has their own center in London and LA and I think that being in that small Ithaca community really helped when trying to ease into an entirely different environment. Not to mention, your financial aid and credits easily travel over!
Being a private school, Ithaca is pretty expensive. Like most people, without financial aid, I wouldn't be able to attend this school. Luckily, Ithaca does give out a good amount of grants and loans to help students like me. But it is definitely worth it, with all the opportunities that Ithaca gives to students, not to mention the great reputation of its name that will follow you around, even after you leave the school. There is also a great work study program that gives students with need a job at one of the many locations of campus. I have worked in the dining hall which gives me a flexible schedule and the ability to pick up others people's shifts. There are also many jobs available in places like the library, game room, information desk, catering and event services. Ithaca wants to give all students the chance to experience the school and does a lot to help those who are more financially challenged. But with everything I have gotten to do inside Roy H Park School of Communications, the people and alumni I have been able to meet and the ability to travel to another country has definitely been worth it.
I know this is generic advice, but get involved with as much as you can. There is so much to do and see around Ithaca and over 200 clubs and activities that allow you to experience that. Ithaca has pretty unpredictable weather. Since I've been there, there has been snow is September and sun in January. You really want to make sure you're prepared for those days when its 30 degrees and raining and then suddenly its 50 degrees and sunny. There is so much to get involved in, not only the school, but the town itself. If you don't get work study, get a job off campus. I volunteer at an animal shelter only 15 minutes away from the school. There are so many festivals and events downtown, so make sure you don't spend all your time on campus. Don't be afraid to take a class you don't know anything about. I know nothing about computers but I am getting ready to take a 3D animation programming class next semester and I couldn't be more excited! Ithaca has so many different fields, it's impossible to not want to try them all.
Anyone who is willing to learn new things. Creative students who really want to get involved in their school and meet new people. Ithaca is one of the more diverse schools that I've seen and they are so open and caring about their students.