Purchase College, State University of New York

In the Fall of 1980 I attended SUNY at Purchase and it was like being in another world. All my life I continually yearned to be at this college because going there was the right choice. The people at this college accepted me for who I am and not,"who I am supposed to be". Where I live now,the people have high expectations of me and constantly expect too much saying that my career just isn't good enough. At Purchase, I worked for CIR and I could take my learning step by step. A liberal minded college makes me feel free. I would also read much of Sigmund Freud and this opened my eyes to a world I had never known. No, I don't want to go to San Diego or Arizona or even Florida. I consider Purchase my second home. Someday I would like to go back to Purchase and work at CIR, Center for Industrial Resources, in my senior years.

If you're used to living upstate in mildly rural or suburban areas then it may suit your taste. We are city folk and didn't feel the vibe there. They offer a variety of majors but overall the grounds and facilties are minimal and unimpressive

Very beautiful campus, great presentation, and a great amount of value if you come here. Just not for me

Despite the phrase "Think Wide Open" it feels a bit close minded amongst the students, I'm a transfer and it's always been a struggle to find find a group of friends, the people I managed to befriend would agree with me on this. It's just as cliquey as any school in westchester it seems. The teachers are a mixed bag, some are exceptional while others I question their credentials. If your coming for performing arts this is a great school, but majors outside like psychology and writing need some improvements. I don't hate this school, but I am slightly disappointed and maybe consider transferring one last time if I can't make this better.

I have been here for a year now as far as the students go everyone is very nice. It was pretty easy find people that you can connect with which I thought would be challenging as an older student. As far as the administrative staff goes some departments are better than others. If you are doing work study good luck with getting your check they are not helpful. Advising can also be a nightmare if you get a professor consider yourself to be very lucky. If you get an advising counselor you are in for a frustrating time. My first semester class wise was horrible, my advisor put me in classes that doesn't match what I need. So as an incoming student be very adamant with what you want and don't take no for an answer. Also try to connect with your professors in your major so if you can't switch advisors you can always ask them for guidance when it comes to your degree. As far as this school goes it's really not that bad but with anything you have to work for it, you can't expect people to give you everything the school doesn't really hold your hand much so you have to be consistent with sending emails and communicating people on campus. Also if you are a commuter student keep in mind the clubs on campus ARE NOT COMMUTER FRIENDLY. Purchase sells the idea of clubs to students and doesn't point this out which I think is awful since it's misleading. Commuters tend to hang out in the commuter lounge this will be the social scene for commuters.

If you have an opinion that isn't uber liberal and if you are not into mind altering drugs look some place else .Their motto is think wide open which means there is no room for someone with conservative thought.The professors lead the way

I went there for performance audition. Their greeting was simple and lovely. The audition experience was quick, with no extra time to make you tired, just as it was scheduled. Very organized and enough time to warm up. I also liked the piano. It is a friendly environment. I didn't feel any stress in there

I am a senior at Purchase and I have loved every minute of my time here. I find myself integrated into the community and constantly challenged by my professors and coursework. It is really neat when the different majors collaborate to work on one big project. Earlier this semester I saw a show that was written by a Dramatic Writing major, performed by the Dance Conservatory students, and the music was played by the Music Conservatory students. The campus hosts awesome annual events like Fall Fest, Fall Ball, Culture Shock, and Zombie Prom. Even the food is good! I definitely recommend checking out Purchase if you are looking for a college that has a great community, challenging courses, and an active student body!