Ecologically-minded, but lacking in funds and motivation in times. Come here if you are an intelligent, hard-working student who desires to be an agent of change. We need students who are willing to help make this beautiful college of the Adirondacks all that it could be!
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Don't be afraid of the cold. No matter what anyone tells you, I PROMISE it's not that bad!
Have or be ready to adopt a winter habit. Even though the winter is not too bad, it is pretty long. You might get bored if you don't ski, hike, or at least make a snowman every once and while.
Get to know your professors. As a small community, this is the perfect setting to get really close to some smart individuals! Take advantage of the wealth of knowledge that your professors have to offer, and start making solid connections that will help you in your future.
Men -- don't cross PSC off your list just because some guy told you there are no pretty women here, that they're all masculine and ugly. That is sooo not true, and whoever told you that probably came here in 1970 or didn't treat women nice enough to get one. There are plenty of beautiful -- and smart! -- women here (just as a side note).
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
It's what you put into it. Some of the classes may seem really easy, but you can get a lot out of them if you're willing to go beyond the expectations and set higher standards for yourself (which you should do regardless of where you go, since you're paying to learn! Make the most out of it!).
Describe the dorm life at your college.
The dorms are great and there are a lot of activities set up on campus, so you'll never get bored if you put yourself out there. Some of the dorms are a little dated as far as the interior goes, but they're safe and completely clean (and some are getting completely renovated this summer and in the coming year).
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Our dining services aren't spectacular honestly, but the local food and dining in Saranac Lake (15-20 mins away) is amazing! There are several restaurants that offer affordable, local, organic food that is absolutely delicious. The natural food store in town (Nori's has the hook up). Some students don't mind the dining hall food at all (I have been called a food snob), so you should check it out at least -- you might think it's just fine. But if you don't like it, don't worry -- good food is not far away!
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
GOSH well we are the only four-year institution inside the Adirondack Park and we're within an hour of 46 high peaks, all that are above 5,000 feet.
There is great hunting and ice-fishing, etc., if you're into that sort of thing. We get a ton of snow, so it's perfect for all your winter hobbies (we're 40 mins from Whiteface mountain, and there's also Mt. Pisgah and a few other ski places). We have ice-climbing (too scary for me personally) and we are 40 minutes away from an Olympic training center in Lake Placid with a crazy ski jump. You can even go bobsledding!
We have a lot of free classes here, like yoga (which you have to pay for at most schools!) and dance classes, and you can even be set up with a personal trainer.
We have some unique clubs, too, like the Adirondack Mycology Club and the Drafthorse club. There really are a ton of things to do for people of all different interests. Come check it out and you'll see for yourself.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
It's a little pricey, so don't come here if you're coming to hunt, drink, and screw off. Seriously. Because even though you'll have fun, I guarantee you won't come back (I knew one kid who partied all first semester and ended with a 0.39 -- yes that's a zero in front -- and couldn't afford to go to any more college, ever!). Make sure you know what you're getting into, financially speaking. Work your hardest, save money, and apply for scholarships and grant aid whenever you can!
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Outdoorsy, environmentally-minded students. We also have an amazing culinary program.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Too many to list, honestly, but you should check out the college website paulsmiths.edu and look up the list of all the clubs. There's definitely something there for everyone.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
No fraternities or sororities! We used to have fraternities, but they got so wild that they have actually been banned.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
You will never feel unsafe on this campus, I guarantee it. It is so small and everyone knows everyone. Everyone treats each other with respect, and the campus safety officers are always keeping an eye out. I have one friend that always likes to joke that if anyone ever tried to shoot people on our campus, he would be dead before he could pull the trigger because of all the hunters on campus that own guns. But seriously, this is such a safe campus. I'm a rather good-looking young woman and I have no fear walking by myself in the dark.
Ecologically-minded, but lacking in funds and motivation in times. Come here if you are an intelligent, hard-working student who desires to be an agent of change. We need students who are willing to help make this beautiful college of the Adirondacks all that it could be!
Don't be afraid of the cold. No matter what anyone tells you, I PROMISE it's not that bad! Have or be ready to adopt a winter habit. Even though the winter is not too bad, it is pretty long. You might get bored if you don't ski, hike, or at least make a snowman every once and while. Get to know your professors. As a small community, this is the perfect setting to get really close to some smart individuals! Take advantage of the wealth of knowledge that your professors have to offer, and start making solid connections that will help you in your future. Men -- don't cross PSC off your list just because some guy told you there are no pretty women here, that they're all masculine and ugly. That is sooo not true, and whoever told you that probably came here in 1970 or didn't treat women nice enough to get one. There are plenty of beautiful -- and smart! -- women here (just as a side note).
It's what you put into it. Some of the classes may seem really easy, but you can get a lot out of them if you're willing to go beyond the expectations and set higher standards for yourself (which you should do regardless of where you go, since you're paying to learn! Make the most out of it!).
The dorms are great and there are a lot of activities set up on campus, so you'll never get bored if you put yourself out there. Some of the dorms are a little dated as far as the interior goes, but they're safe and completely clean (and some are getting completely renovated this summer and in the coming year).
Our dining services aren't spectacular honestly, but the local food and dining in Saranac Lake (15-20 mins away) is amazing! There are several restaurants that offer affordable, local, organic food that is absolutely delicious. The natural food store in town (Nori's has the hook up). Some students don't mind the dining hall food at all (I have been called a food snob), so you should check it out at least -- you might think it's just fine. But if you don't like it, don't worry -- good food is not far away!
GOSH well we are the only four-year institution inside the Adirondack Park and we're within an hour of 46 high peaks, all that are above 5,000 feet. There is great hunting and ice-fishing, etc., if you're into that sort of thing. We get a ton of snow, so it's perfect for all your winter hobbies (we're 40 mins from Whiteface mountain, and there's also Mt. Pisgah and a few other ski places). We have ice-climbing (too scary for me personally) and we are 40 minutes away from an Olympic training center in Lake Placid with a crazy ski jump. You can even go bobsledding! We have a lot of free classes here, like yoga (which you have to pay for at most schools!) and dance classes, and you can even be set up with a personal trainer. We have some unique clubs, too, like the Adirondack Mycology Club and the Drafthorse club. There really are a ton of things to do for people of all different interests. Come check it out and you'll see for yourself.
It's a little pricey, so don't come here if you're coming to hunt, drink, and screw off. Seriously. Because even though you'll have fun, I guarantee you won't come back (I knew one kid who partied all first semester and ended with a 0.39 -- yes that's a zero in front -- and couldn't afford to go to any more college, ever!). Make sure you know what you're getting into, financially speaking. Work your hardest, save money, and apply for scholarships and grant aid whenever you can!
Outdoorsy, environmentally-minded students. We also have an amazing culinary program.
Too many to list, honestly, but you should check out the college website paulsmiths.edu and look up the list of all the clubs. There's definitely something there for everyone.
No fraternities or sororities! We used to have fraternities, but they got so wild that they have actually been banned.
You will never feel unsafe on this campus, I guarantee it. It is so small and everyone knows everyone. Everyone treats each other with respect, and the campus safety officers are always keeping an eye out. I have one friend that always likes to joke that if anyone ever tried to shoot people on our campus, he would be dead before he could pull the trigger because of all the hunters on campus that own guns. But seriously, this is such a safe campus. I'm a rather good-looking young woman and I have no fear walking by myself in the dark.