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See what students say:

Academics

Is SUNY Albany (UAlbany to those in the know) the perfect-sized school? Many here think so. Students describe it as "a big school numbers-wise that feels small." Notes one student, "It has a very broad range of quality academic programs, which is very important for an undecided senior in high school." Another adds, "If you know what you want and are motivated, the sky is the limit." The school exploits its location in the state capital to bolster programs in political science, criminal justice, and business, and it "offers internship opportunities to college students that very few schools can." Other standout departments include psychology, Japanese studies, mathematics, and many of the hard sciences. Professors here vary widely in quality, but a surprising number "are receptive, active, and engaging"—in other words, "a lot more accessible than I would have thought for a school this big." Teachers are especially willing to "go out of their way to help students who are interested in learning, come to class regularly, and care about their academic work." The administration, as at most state-run schools, "is basically an over-bloated bureaucracy. Students are sent from department to department in each of their endeavors. It is advisable to avoid [the] administration if at all possible."

Student Body

Undergrads here believe that the student body is very diverse in terms of ethnicity and also in terms of personality type; one student observes, "You have your motivated students [who] get good grades, are involved, and get amazing jobs in NYC after college. Then you have your unmotivated kids [who] complain, don't go to class, and blame a bad grade on the professor (when really it is because they crammed the night before and didn't go to class)." Geographically, the school is less diverse. Nearly everyone is a New York State resident, with many coming from "downstate New York"—Long Island, New York City, and Westchester County. There's a fair amount of upstate kids as well, and "a lot of people have certain stereotypes in their heads when they first come to Albany. The Long Islander has his idea about the upstater and vice versa. After a few weeks, though, people see that these aren't always true. I think people from anywhere get along pretty well." The international students, who form a small but noticeable contingent, "tend to keep to themselves," perhaps "due to a culture or language barrier." About one-quarter of the campus population is Jewish.

Campus Life

There are three distinct social orbits on the Albany campus. Some students take the initiative "by joining one of the many clubs or groups or getting involved with the student government." Others "party for a good time," telling us that "any night of the week you can find people to go out to the bars and clubs with you" and that "the average night ends between 2:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m." Both of these groups are likely to tell you that "there is a lot to do in Albany and the surrounding area," including "a great arts district, tons of awesome restaurants, museums, [and] a state park." A third, sizable group primarily complains about the cold weather and asserts that "there's nothing to do in Albany." The school works to excite these students with "fun programs and entertainers who come to the campus. We have had a series of comedians, rappers/singers, guests from MTV and VH1, authors, political figures, musical performances, sporting events, spirit events, and many other things around campus." School spirit is on the rise among all groups, we're told. The reason? "A few years ago, the basketball team began winning, and everyone came out of the woodwork to support them—it was really a great thing to see."

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Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Address
Office of Admissions
1400 Washington Avene
Albany, NY 12222

Phone
518-442-5435

Email
campusvisit@albany.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Campus Center with bookstore, cafes, and lounges
SEFCU Arena
Science Library /Main Library
Performing Arts Center
University Art Museum
Students often find that a visit to the University at Albany helps them decide whether this is the university for them. Visitors can attend an information session and join a student-led tour during the academic year or the summer. The tour visits classrooms, academic and other facilities, a residence hall and a dining area. Information Sessions begin at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Your visit includes a Q and A session and campus tour. Please allow two hours for your visit.

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Cross Gates Mall/ Colonie Center Mall
Adirondacks, Berkshire, and Catskill Mountains
New York State Capitol and Plaza
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC)
New York State Museum
The Capital Region is a great college community. It's home to 20 colleges and some 65,000 students. The Times Union Arena in downtown Albany hosts American League hockey and concerts by artists such as The Dave Matthews Band. Downtown Albany is also the place to be for plays and musical performances or a visit to the New York State Museum. In less than two hours you can be downhill skiing on some of the best slopes in the Adirondacks, the Berkshires, the Green Mountains or the Catskills.

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday
9 AM - 5 PM
518-442-5435

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: 10 AM & 12 PM
Average Length: 1 hour

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
No

Information Sessions
Available

Times
10 AM & 12 PM

Faculty and Coach Visits

Arrangements
Contact Athletic Department

Contact Email Address for Visit
http://www.ualbanysports.com/

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Nearby airport is Albany Airport, Amtrack train available nearby. Bus service from New York City to campus taxis and local bus transportation. Albany Airport is 5 minutes from campus.

Driving Instructions to Campus
From the South: I-87 (Thruway) to Exit 24; I-90 East to Exit 2; cross Washington Avenue onto campus and turn left, you are now on University Drive. From the West: I-90 (Thruway) to Exit 24; I-90 East to Exit 2; cross Washington Avenue onto campus and turn left, you are now on University Drive. From the North: I-87 (Northway) to Exit 1; I-90 East to Exit 2; cross Washington Avenue onto campus and turn left, you are now on University Drive. From the East: I-90 West to Exit 2; left onto Fuller Road; left onto Washington Avenue; first right onto campus and turn left, you are now on University Drive. From Albany International Airport: Exit the airport onto Albany-Shaker RD; Follow signs to I-87; Turn right onto I-87 South; I-87 to Exit 1; I-90 East to Exit 2; cross Washington Avenue onto campus and turn left, you are now on University Drive.

Local Accommodations
Accommodations in Albany include: Best Western Sovereign Hotel (1228 Western Ave., 518-489-2981); Courtyard by Marriott (1455 Washington Ave., 518-435-1600); CrestHill Suites (1415 Washington Ave., 518-454-0007); Days Inn (1230 Western Ave., 518-489-4423); Extended StayAmerica (1395 Washington Ave., 518-446-0680); Fairfield Inn by Marriott (1383 Washington Ave., 518-435-1800); Hilton Garden Inn (1389 Washington Ave., 518-453-1300); Holiday Inn Express (1422 Western Ave., 518-438-0001); Red Carpet Inn (1385 Washington Ave., 518-462-5562); TownePlace Suites by Marriott (1379 Washington Ave., 518-435-1900).
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Admissions

Applicants: 27,679
Acceptance Rate: 52%
Average HS GPA: 3.30






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