Review of SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
from Fabius, NY
Do you feel you’re learning a lot?
The classes at SUNY-ESF are challenging, yes. However, they are also fun and invigorating, often helping you to find new world views and to share your ideas, as well. Most of the teachers are helpful and friendly and are more than willing to work with you if you are outgoing and take initiative. If you are determined and enthusiastic, you can conquer the concepts in classes and make the most of what you're given. Studying for exams is a must, and never leave lab reports until the last minute. I've learned so much through my classes at ESF that I use in teaching, self-led research, and simply everyday life. You learn about life as a dynamic and moving force, not as a bundle of black and white facts.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
ESF can often be a very homogeneous area, with people being very similar in their lifestyles, beliefs, and interests, and this can be difficult for people that do not share these similarities. However, the more you get to know people, the more you will enjoy college life at ESF. The students here are interesting, friendly, and energetic. There is always a support system for you to fall back on with Student Life, the tutoring center, other offices, and student organizations. You will never be bored here if you talk to people and actively participate in in on and off campus life. The campus is also right next to SU, and you can take advantage of their gyms, the Carrier Dome for college games, Thornden Park, Oakwood Cemetery, and the ever-popular attractions on Westcott St.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
ESF is very inexpensive, even for a SUNY school. For in-state students, tuition plus fees comes to about $3000 a semester. It is incredibly affordable, helpful with financial aid and loans, and you get a priceless education. There is no reason to go to an expensive school if your college career plans match up with what ESF has to offer.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Don't live far away from campus! It's hard to get involved with other students and the community. Try hard to be outgoing, you'll learn so much more and make great connections. Also, take everything in stride. There are some aspects of ESF that can be frustrating (registration, bad professors, quarrelsome classmates, etc), but just remember it's all a learning process- use it for the betterment of yourself.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Students that have a commitment to social, political, and environmental improvement would be perfect candidates for this school. If you have a passion for science and the environment in the form of Chemistry, Bioengineering, Biology (Wildlife Science, Interpretation, Aquatics, etc.), Law, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Paper Engineering, Landscape Architecture, etc., then consider ESF. If you want to go into medicine, veterinary science, education, field or lab research, there are degrees offered here that will prepare you. Do not come to this school if your undying passion includes writing, literature, any of the performing or fine arts, and do not come to this school if you are not eager to actively improve yourself and the world you live in.
The classes at SUNY-ESF are challenging, yes. However, they are also fun and invigorating, often helping you to find new world views and to share your ideas, as well. Most of the teachers are helpful and friendly and are more than willing to work with you if you are outgoing and take initiative. If you are determined and enthusiastic, you can conquer the concepts in classes and make the most of what you're given. Studying for exams is a must, and never leave lab reports until the last minute. I've learned so much through my classes at ESF that I use in teaching, self-led research, and simply everyday life. You learn about life as a dynamic and moving force, not as a bundle of black and white facts.
ESF can often be a very homogeneous area, with people being very similar in their lifestyles, beliefs, and interests, and this can be difficult for people that do not share these similarities. However, the more you get to know people, the more you will enjoy college life at ESF. The students here are interesting, friendly, and energetic. There is always a support system for you to fall back on with Student Life, the tutoring center, other offices, and student organizations. You will never be bored here if you talk to people and actively participate in in on and off campus life. The campus is also right next to SU, and you can take advantage of their gyms, the Carrier Dome for college games, Thornden Park, Oakwood Cemetery, and the ever-popular attractions on Westcott St.
ESF is very inexpensive, even for a SUNY school. For in-state students, tuition plus fees comes to about $3000 a semester. It is incredibly affordable, helpful with financial aid and loans, and you get a priceless education. There is no reason to go to an expensive school if your college career plans match up with what ESF has to offer.
Don't live far away from campus! It's hard to get involved with other students and the community. Try hard to be outgoing, you'll learn so much more and make great connections. Also, take everything in stride. There are some aspects of ESF that can be frustrating (registration, bad professors, quarrelsome classmates, etc), but just remember it's all a learning process- use it for the betterment of yourself.
Students that have a commitment to social, political, and environmental improvement would be perfect candidates for this school. If you have a passion for science and the environment in the form of Chemistry, Bioengineering, Biology (Wildlife Science, Interpretation, Aquatics, etc.), Law, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Paper Engineering, Landscape Architecture, etc., then consider ESF. If you want to go into medicine, veterinary science, education, field or lab research, there are degrees offered here that will prepare you. Do not come to this school if your undying passion includes writing, literature, any of the performing or fine arts, and do not come to this school if you are not eager to actively improve yourself and the world you live in.