Stony Brook University--SUNY | Student Reviews | Best College

Student Profile

Catherine

Class: Junior
Major: History
Gender: F

High School: St. Francis Prep
Transfer Student: N

Big Picture

The best thing about Stonybrook is the opportunities that are presented to the students. Being involved in biology research, I have had the chance to meet so many professors who have really made great impacts in their fields. This is one of the perks of going to a research university. Honestly, I probably spend a majority of my time in the Student Union. The club that I am involved in meets there and it is good place to study. Stony Brook is really not a "college town." I really wish we were within walking distance to the main shopping areas and even the center part of town. This is probably the one thing I would like to change about Stony Brook. Without a car, I often feel very isolated. I feel that Stony Brook's administration is effecient at certain things, however the safety on campus needs to be bumped up a little. The most recent controvery was the gunman in our Studnet Activities Center. It was not handled very well and I felt uninformed. I would say that Stony Brook does not have a great about of school pride. Although at this year's homecoming, I feel it was pumped up a little bit and I felt connected to the school. I think it all depends on whether you are involved on campus and feel tied to it or not. I can't say that there is one experience I will always remember, but overall I have really enjoyed my time here and am glad I chose Stony Brook. Stduents often complain about the food, but now that I live in the apartments I can only complain about my own cooking.

Academic Life

Professors from my smaller history classes know my name and only some of those science professors from large 500 person classes do. I have made it a point to become involved in certain courses such as being a TA for organic chemistry and that has been a great way to get to know the professors. The students in my science classes are tremendously competitive. I feel that the academic requirements are fair, but I can see how they would be a little demanding for students who have not come in with credits from high school. The most unique class I have taken was Human Reproductive and Sexual Behavior. The entire class was based on that fact that human's are unique because of their evolved ability to throw. I feel that the History department offers a great amount of specific classes in a much smaller environment than my other science classes. I can't say that I have spent time outside of class with my professors except those that I am a TZ for and my research professor. I feel that Stonybrook is geared towards getting a job and moving on to higher education.

Student Body

I am part of Catholic Campus Ministry and I feel that it does not make others feel ot of place. We hold multi- cultural events and plan events with other religious groups. I would say that Stony Brook is very diverse and many different types of students interact. I can't say that the four tables would have designated groups. Students of all different groups seem to interact. Most Stonybrook students are from Long Island and NYC. I am not sure, but it is widely said that a majority of STony Brook is asian. I don't know if the statistics correlate, but I would ahve to agree. I would say that a majority of people I have interacted with in my classes and outside are left, but I don't know the exact statistics. I haven't really heard anyone discuss their future pay.