Student Profile
Natalie
- Class: Sophomore
- Major: Biology
- Gender: F
- High School: Middletown High
- Transfer Student: N
Big Picture
The best thing about Rider is the size of the college and the dedication of the staff, I have had some really great experiences with great faculty especially in the science department. As a fairly successful high school student, many of my friends and acquaintances were surprised by my college choice, it is not widely known school. I spend a big part of my time on my academics I take them really seriously, but there is always time for a good time. The school usually has events happening on the weekends and throughout the week, so there is usually something to keep me busy. Rider isn't surrounded by a town at all, to get to almost anywhere you need a car, which most students do have. The administration is usually pretty helpful and dedicated to what they do and making Rider the best place possible. Recently, there has been controversy over the alcohol policy at the school, after the death of a student in Spring 2007. It was a huge shock to the Rider community, and after legal action the university is trying to better format the alcohol policy to best protect the students, and still allow students of age to drink. Many students complain about how they don't feel they are getting the most "bang for the buck", it is an expensive school to go to, and if you aren't very involved on campus, it seems overpriced.
Academic Life
Professors vary as much as the subjects they teach, I have had some that know my name on the second day and others who didn't know it by the end of the semester. My favorit example of this is when I was talking with one of the biology professors, and the department chair of biology walked in and addressed me by name, I had only met her once or twice before hand. That story encapsulates something that I felt as soon as I walked onto campus. Participation always varies depending on the class, from my experiences the professors are pretty accepting of all viewpoints. Rider's requirements can be a little lax, and for some majors particularly. I have an internship in a professor's lab as a freshman, most students if they are dedicated enough can get involved somewhere.
Student Body
There is good balance of students here, the majority are appear rather affluent and white. But there is a decent representation from minorities as well. While there are cliques as in almost every school, they are frequently crossed and people are really friendly. Many students go home for the weekend because they live only a few miles away but more and more students are remaining on campus for weekends! There are a few very politically active students but I would presume most are not as involved as the general population.
The Best Things
Students
The Worst Things
History Requirement for graduation
