I just recently visited Syracuse University. I went there on an athletic visit, but while I was there, I was able to speak to the Assistant Dean of the Management school as well as the head of the Information Systems school, or better known as IST. I was taken on a tour that most probably wouldn't have gone on, but it gave me a little more insight to the University.

Syracuse is a highly recognized University. It provides a wide variety of majors as well as some options not found at most schools. For instance, I applied for a dual major in Information Systems and Emerging Enterprises and Entreprenuership. Most schools don't have an Information Systems school, but Syracuse is one of the founders of this type of school. When I spoke to some of the top people of these schools, I found them to be extremely kind and very interested in me as a person. Today in fact, I received an e-mail from the head of the Information Systems school wishing me the best of luck in my senior year as well as the best of luck in swimming.

Outside of academics, Syracuse offered a wide variety of student services from transportation to recreation to health services. I was very impressed with all of the options for students. One of the concerns for many students are the dorms. I saw three dorm rooms while at Syracuse, one of which I spent two nights in. These dorm rooms are the biggest I have seen. I have been to multiple universities and seen dorm rooms. Some of the dorm rooms I have seen are but half the size of the ones I saw at Syracuse. Next, the dorms provide a lot of options for dining. There are dining halls as well as large food courts with big chain restaurants in them. I think even the pickiest eater would be well suited at Syracuse.

The next concern would have to be student life. I was told that concerts and sporting events were free at Syracuse to students. When I was there, Busta Rhymes was soon going to be there and I was also told that MTV makes an appearance every year. Syracuse also has the Carrier Dome which can seat 50,000 for football and 35,000 for basketball. They are always among the best for attendance in basketball and finished very well in the NCAA tourney last year. So, for sports fans, Syracuse is a good university to attend. Also, I was told Syracuse is going to be building a new swimming facility which will contain two 50 meter pools, which are Olympic size for those of you who do not know. This facility will be as good if not better than the IUPUI natatorium in Indianapolis, which has held several Olympic Trials, including this past one.

Now for some down falls. The estimated total cost for a single year which includes, tuition, room and board, books, personal, medical, etc. is around 32,000-35,000 dollars. This cost is so high because Syracuse is a private school. But, Syracuse is a good size private school being around 15,000 total students. Syracuse does have a financial aid systems based upon annual income. There are many academic scholarships and for athletes, there are scholarships too.

Truly, Syracuse is an excellent school, but with that, there is a price. This is Syracuse's downfall, other than that it is cold in Syracuse. There is a lot to be offered and if one can afford the school, I suggest he or she should take a look at the school.



Recommended: Yes