Marist College
Poughkeepsie, NY, USA

Reviews

Marist College

Emily from Alamo, CA

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes tend to be small, I've never been in a class with more than 25 students. This is so beneficial because each student gets as much individual attention as they need. Most teachers are quite dedicated and have real passion for their subjects. Also, many of the teachers have had quite impressive experience in the subject they teach, allowing them to have a good understanding of their subjects, which they pass on to students. I am a Fashion Design Major, and I learned that one of my teachers was even a guest on Oprah, to discuss fashion trends.
Am enjoying being here
I found that I can connect with just about everyone, as people are open and approachable. Though most students are from the tri-state area, everyone I met was friendly and I did not feel like an outsider, being from the west coast. There is plenty to do around Marist, it is a true college town with bars packed with college students almost every night of the week. You can take a taxi-van anywhere in the town for just a couple of dollars, the more people you bring with you the less the cab drivers will charge each of you. The college itself does a lot to entertain students. Should you choose to stay in, there are activities to attend on campus almost every night.
Bang for the buck
Marist is expensive, especially for me as I went pretty far out of state. However, you get what you pay for; Marist is known for giving its students every resource available. the internship program is especially helpful, you can be sure that they will help you find the perfect internship (as many as you have time for!) , and that they will assist you in getting a job in the field of your interest.
Tips for prospective students
If you are considering Marist be sure to attend a tour of campus, they are held regularly. Pack warmly for the winter season, the wind off of the Hudson is freezing in January, but the view is breathtaking. Marist is not a place to slack off, as most of the students are very smart and you will fall behind quickly if you don't try your best, but you will find that you have all the support you need if you ask for it.
Great for these types of students
If you are looking for a small school with a great sense of community and if you are serious about your education, Marist could be perfect for you.

Nicholas from New Haven, CT

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
After being at Marist for one semester, I have learned more in fifteen weeks then I have in my entire high school career. It is very academically challenging depending on your major, but the college provides more than enough opportunities to excel.
Am enjoying being here
This is one of the most fun colleges I've ever been to. I have visited many and not many colleges know how to have a good time like Marist. We work very hard but we party hard too. My motto has always been, Work hard, play hard. Marist provides one of the best college experiences I've seen.
Bang for the buck
Marist is pricey. But the type of education your receiving is second to none. After one semester, I am confident that Marist will prepare me for the real world. For the money your spending, your getting the best professors, the best resources, having the most fun and meeting friends of a lifetime.
Tips for prospective students
Work hard in high school. If you know that Marist is 100% right for you, definitely do early decision. Your committed to Marist once you apply, but it's so much easier to get in. Marist is getting increasingly hard to get in to. I've been told in a few years Marist will be comparable to NYU.
Great for these types of students
Anyone who knows how to work hard and have fun at the same time. If your looking for THE college experience, come to Marist.

SG

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Marist certainly gives students the opportunity to learn as much as they want to, not just in academics but also in life. The core requirements can be replaced with cultural or foreign language courses. So you learn what you want to learn.
The school offers a lot of different certifications that can be added on to your major/minor.
Professors have the simple intent of transferring their knowledge to their students and take time to learn from the students. Classes are small, lectures are generally seminars. I've had classes with less than ten people.
But being involved within the campus is where one can develop life and leadership skills. Marist's academic offerings are well-versed, but the school organizations are just as diverse and interesting.
If college is what a person makes of it, Marist makes it possible for a person to make the most of college.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is well-sized with a scenic landscape view of the Hudson river. Especially with the new construction comes a brand new building which many students compare to Hogwarts (though the building is stunning, it's not magical).
The people of Marist are generally very amiable, outgoing, and like to have a good time. You never really walk anywhere without saying hi or having a conversation with at least one person.

If you're a people person, Marist has nice people. If you're not, Marist has a nice scenic views, a grand library and well-equipped gym for you to tune out the people with.
Bang for the buck
Though burdened by the reduction of my financial aid, I do believe that Marist gives a good bang for the buck. As a private school, it is a good 10k less than other private schools, while offering quality education. Adjunct professors are abundant in Marist; if Marist doesn't house a professor good enough to teach they course, they go out to find a professor who is. Internships are required for graduation and the school helps hook students up, which often lead to jobs right out of getting a diploma.
The housing of Marist isn't shabby either, especially as you progress in years. Townhouses with singles are soon to come for upperclassmen, allowing you to choose your own meal plans. Laundry is also free, which is a magical thing.
Tips for prospective students
Marist is not very diverse. There is the occasional person from Kenya or Madrid. Amazingly the tennis team practically composed of all international students from Germany to Brazil. But in general mostly everyone is from the tri-state area and undeniably Caucasian. Think about if you'll be cool with that.

Join clubs, intramural sports, greek life, sport teams as you like and can handle. Extracurriculars make college life enjoyable, and helps you get better housing. Also because you probably won't get to do such fun things after you graduate.

Women's Basketball is big at Marist, so much that other teams are often ignored though other teams win championships as well.
Great for these types of students
Artsy
Liberal Arts track
Teaching track
Person with a lot of different interests
Basketball athletes
Swimmers

Tara from Westbrook, CT

accepted here and planning to attend soon
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
the class sizes are great and the profesors really get to know you so you can get a personal one-on-one learning experience.
Will enjoy being here
there are so many different things to do and people to meet. i'm expecting never to be bored.
Bang for the buck
i was offered a fair amount of financial aid, which definitely encouraged my decision to go here.

Anonymous

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Truly a great experience so far. I have no regrets in deciding to come to a small school rather than go to a large university.
Tips for prospective students
In order to truly love Marist and be sure it is the place you want to be, visit campus. That is a must. Marist has a relatively small campus, and small schools are not for everyone. If you are set on coming, be sure to visit and learn the layout of the campus itself and try to attain some background on clubs or Greek life if you're interested. Almost everyone on campus is involved in different activities, and it is almost surely the best way to meet people with similar interests.
Academic Rigor
I'm going to say 4 out of 5 because the classes for some majors are leaps and bounds more difficult than others. The core isn't all that difficult to complete, but some classes within your major, if you're one of the hard majors, will be outright grueling.
Dorm Life
Freshman dorms are just like any other college dorms. It should be expected. However, after freshman year, you have a wide variety of choices in the different living styles you could live in. There are houses on campus, or you could go back to suite style dorms (only during sophomore year).
Food and Dining
The dining hall is normally pretty solid if you go during the right hours. Sometimes it is completely packed, which makes for long lines and a bit of a wait. The food choices are normally good, as there are grills, salad stations, pasta stations, and various other options.
What to do for fun
Marist is definitely a school where people like to go out and have a good time. Most of the student population does that. However, for those that enjoy staying in and just hanging out with friends, there are normally activities happening in the Student Center during the weekend. As mentioned previously, if you're involved in a club, there may be an event during that time as well.
Bang for the buck
College is what you make of it, and therefore what you make it worth. If you take advantage of everything Marist has to offer, it is certainly worth the cost.
Great for these types of students
Basically everyone. Most people can thrive here.
Clubs and Activities
There's a ton to do on campus in terms of clubs and activities. There is a club for everyone, from business oriented clubs to cultural clubs to video game clubs. Everyone can find their niche
Campus Safety
There isn't a time where I have felt unsafe on campus. It is smaller, and there are always people around. Security generally monitors the areas that they deem would be the most unsafe as well, and they respond quickly if anyone were to ever call them.

Samantha from Pequannock, NJ

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Marist is one of the best colleges in the United States. The community environment, faculty, staff and administration is remarkable. I love it here!
Tips for prospective students
Find a college that fits you. Don't listen to the other places people get into or are going to. You need to find a place where you can thrive and prosper as an individual.
Dorm Life
Housing staff (RAs) genuinely care about their residents
What to do for fun
The historic Hudson Valley has many opportunities for students to learn and have fun!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The president's office use to be a carriage house.
Great for these types of students
Marist is great for the future leaders of tomorrow that want to make a difference in the world.
Campus Safety
I feel safe on campus wherever I go.

Bianca from Darby, PA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A community experience that provides a family oriented environment. It is a great place to call a home away from home. A good place to go if you are apprehensive about living away from home.
Tips for prospective students
Be sincere with your essay; tell the truth about yourself and do not worry too much about your scores. A lot of your admission criteria will be affected by your ability to handle coursework. Contact the school regularly with any questions or concerns; they are very helpful. Visit the school. The tours are actually informative. There isn't a set script for the tour guides so pick one that you believe will give you the information you want to hear. Apply on time. In my experience, with qualified candidates, acceptance is on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Academic Rigor
The classes that are geared toward your major are very interactive, relevant, and interesting. The core curriculum takes up most of your study time. You want to find a course you find interesting that counts as a core, or you might be pulling your hair out.
Dorm Life
It's very important to have roommates that you connect with. I was lucky to get that when I transferred last semester. If you find you don't, housing is very understanding and will do what they can to accommodate you. The facilities are very nice as far as colleges go. I have only lived in upperclassmen housing, but what I've seen of the freshman dorms look fine.
Food and Dining
Food is actually very good. They usually have a theme and you can check the menu for the day online. There are little cafes if you do not want the food in the dining hall. And if you just want something completely different there are some food places across the street off campus.
What to do for fun
There is not much around the campus, but there are plenty of activities that the campus hosts. Concerts, trips, and performances are pretty much a weekly thing. You can find things to do around campus if you just look.
Clubs and Activities
Get involved! it's honestly the best way to meet people. There's a variety of things you can do or try. Just find something interesting and sign up.
Campus Safety
I feel safe on campus. Security is very concerned with the well-being of the students. And if you need anything or feel unsafe or uncertain about a situation, talk to campus security about it. They are completely invested and will do what they can to ensure that you feel comfortable in your environment.

Leah from Seaford, NY

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
marist is a small campus with small classes in which professors learn your name and know your specific learning style. there is a lot of school spirit. there are many opportunities for off-campus trips into new york city and other exciting options.
Academic Rigor
marist is more rigorous than high school, but by budgeting your time wisely, you can have plenty of free time and still do superbly in classes.
Dorm Life
there are four options for freshman students in traditional dorms and then fabulous suite style dorms and townhouses for sophomores, juniors and seniors, allowing more freedom and independence.
Food and Dining
food in the dining hall can get repetitive, but if you switch up your meals you'll be fine.
Bang for the buck
marist is expensive, but with it comes amazing, townhouse housing for sophomores, juniors and seniors and a fantastic educational experience.
Clubs and Activities
there are many clubs to satisfy people of all interests and majors.
Greek Life
not many people participate in greek life.
Campus Safety
security trucks are all over campus, along with blue-light systems, making the campus very secure.

Kaitlyn from Allentown, NJ

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Marist College is my home away from home. This higher education institution has and continues to effectively prepare me for my future. I am confident that the years that I have spent at Marist College will positively impact me for the rest of my life.
Tips for prospective students
My advice to a prospective student is to visit as many schools as you can. This will enable you have a more comprehensive understanding of what you want in a school. When you visit schools, don't be afraid to ask questions; asking questions will help you get a sense of the culture and climate of the school you are visiting. For me, this was very important in my search!
Academic Rigor
Marist College challenges its students. In my time at Marist College, I have felt challenged but not too overwhelmed. The professors at this higher education institution are committed to teaching their students to the best of their ability which involves challenging them and encouraging them to escape their comfort zone.
Dorm Life
The dorm life at Marist College is great. As a freshman, I lived in Leo Hall. I met my best friends from my freshman dorm. The rooms are an excellent size and the communal bathrooms are spacious and clean!
Food and Dining
The food and dining at Marist College is amazing. There are so many options. Just this semester, a new dining option was added. This new dining option offers sandwiches from a local vendor, flatbreads, smoothies, salads, pasta, etc. and it is a hit among Marist College students. The main dining hall's taco/cupcake Tuesday is also a fan favorite.
What to do for fun
There is so much to do for fun at Marist College. Marist College's Student Activities Office and Student Programming Council provide students will tons of fun activities. These include weekly movie showings, bingo nights, and $25 broadway tickets.
Bang for the buck
Marist College is expensive, but every dollar that I have spent on my education here has been worth it. Also, Marist College offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
On the first nice day after a long, cold Hudson Valley winter, EVERYONE hangs out on the Marist Beach (the green by the rotunda). It is by far my favorite day of the year!
Great for these types of students
Marist College is great for students from ALL backgrounds that are looking to become part of a tight knit family/community.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many opportunities to join clubs and participate in activities. I have met some great people through my time as a member of Autism Speaks U Marist College and Marist College's Psychology Club.
Greek Life
There is Greek life on campus. If Greek life is something you are interested, it is present on campus, but if it is not something you are interested in, you will not feel left out.
Campus Safety
Marist College is extremely safe. I have never felt unsafe on campus and that is something that is very important to me!

Nicole from Seaford, NY

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
An amazing experience and a place I can forever call home. Marist offers so many amazing opportunities through clubs, internships and sports. There is truly something for everyone.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. You'll learn to fall in love with something new.
Academic Rigor
All of my professors have been accommodating to everything and always willing to help. They want to get to know you as a person, not just as a student in their class. The class sizes are small.
Dorm Life
They have just added new dorms. The resident assistants do a good job at making residents feel at home. The suite styles for upperclassmen are a very nice perk, but freshman dorms give such a good college experience as well.
Food and Dining
Sodexo food has so many choices for students to choose from. The dining hall meal plan is very good as well as having the chance to use thrifty cash to get other types of food from other dining services on campus such as sandwiches and salads.
What to do for fun
Marist has so much to offer on campus, but also gives us the opportunities to go off campus as well for trips to the city for broadway plays. I am involved in several clubs so I spend a lot of time participating in them.
Clubs and Activities
So many opportunities to be involved! There is something for everyone.
Campus Safety
Feel very safe on campus. Security is always driving/walking around. We have a SNAP program where if you don't feel safe walking alone at night, other people will walk you back to your dorm.