Four years later...

Introduction
As a senior anxiously awaiting graduation and looking forward to other academic endeavors, I find myself being pensive and reflective on my tenure at Suffolk University and why I chose to attend this academic institution. Suffolk University has a affble community feeling. Coming for tours my senior year of highschool, I was reassured by professors, deans, and student that I would be openly accepted and encouraged/ pushed to succeed academically and personally. If you grow up in a small town with a tight knit community, or have any apprehension about attending a large univeristy, Suffolk is the place for you. If you enojy an urban campus, with many wonderful oppurtunities for academci internships and social endevours, Suffolk is a god fit for you. If you are a motivated student and can apply youself socially and get involved, Suffolk is analogous to your type of school. I chose Suffolk University because of all the six schools I applied to and was accepted(UMASS Amherst, Stonehill, Northeastern, Westfeild State, Boston University, Suffolk University ), Suffolk seemed the most personal and caring institution. They also provided me with a full academic scholarship. Suffolk cared about me, my goals and my success. Hind sight being 20/20, I made the right decision.

However, if you are looking for a large school, with big sports teams, school spirit, a traditional campus, conservative politics, cut throat academic competition, and a majority based residency school, Suffolk University is not for you. Good luck searching!

Campus Life and Social Life
Suffolk University is def. a party school. There are many sleepless night at this school, especially during the weekend. Most parties occurr off campus on Beacon Hill or the North End. Students who live on campus to begin with tend to be and stay involved throughout their four years. However, many student do not participate in extraciriccular activities. Sports are almost non existant, with the exception of a good intermural basketball program.

Many students work diligently on academics during the week, while sometimes attending the C.Walsh Theater. Students thoroughly enjoy the performing arts productions. However, on the weekend, many students let loose. Academics are huge on Sundays. You will basically find everyone in their dorm rooms on Sunday making up any put off work from the weekend. Advertisement
Academics
Suffolk's academic reputation is growing rapidly. This year the institution celebrated 100 years of existance. Since different academic departments have brought in amazing speakers and guest lecturers. In particiluar the government and communications department are very good. Suffolk University's campus is directly behind the MA State House and abutting Boston's Government Center, where City Hall is located. Every major state government agency surounds the campus, including some federal agencies. Needless to say, internship oppurtunities are abundant and extraordinary. The government department has had two former governors, current legislators, and Boston City Conucilmen teach government and political courses. While tenured professors are good, there is nothing better than those holding elected office while they teach. Many of these individuals are Suffolk University graduates as well.

The communications and business schools are very well endowed with oppurtunity. Two local news stations broadcast from the Suffolk University campus. Fox News and Channel 7 local news have studios where student regularly do internships. In fact, many newscasters are Suffolk University graduates. The business school has simliar opportunites with the financial district just down the street from campus.

The math department, economics department, and humanities department are horrible here. Math prof. and economics prof. can not speak english. It is a major problem. Many students struggle because of this.

Overall, the academic course load is challenging but managable. Prof. usually are accessible and inviting. TA's are rarely found. Class size ranges on average from 10 students to 20 students. If you want to have a good GPA, you need to earn it. There is little grade inflation from what I have experienced. If you are willing to do the reading, the problem sets, the short assignments- whatever it may be- there is no reason why you should not pull B's. However, if you think you are smart enough to get by without doing anythign, you are wrong. Expect 3 to 4 hours of out of classroom hw a night (that did enough to earn me Magna Cum Laude). The library is an amazing new facility, just built in 2006. Many student utilize this until closing.

In general, Prof. are accessable and want to know who you are and what you stand for. I have developed geat relationships with some of my prof. and good ones with the rest. In my tenure, three have invited me out for dinner. When I asked for recommendation letters for graduate schools, not one hesitated to say yes. When I ran for a local ofice in my hometown, many contributed financially or in moral support. If class was cancelled, most made an effort to make the class up on a weekend. Good feelings overall with prof.s

Rarely spoken of but true, more students percentage wise in the Boston area, go to Law School, Grad School, and Med School from Sufolk than any other Boston based institution. Suffolk also has the highest % pass rate on the CPA test by accountants and 2nd highest % pass rate on the BAR in Mass, next to Harvard.

Student Body
The student Body is fairly ambitous and involved. Few do not party, few do not have long term goals, and few are our right stupid. Many utilize the Boston Common for sports and recreational use.

Living on campus all fours years, two as a RA, I find many students to be late night owls. There is alot of social interaction and a lot of studying.

Also, one observation: the student body is incredibly diverse. I actually had an African prince in one of my classes. Otherwise, many students come from around the world. Some of the debates had with these students ae truly incredible.

In Closing...
Suffolk University has been an amazing experience, both socially and academically. The contacts I have made in four years will serve me throughout my life. The parties, late night study groups, tests, presentations, failures and successes will never be forgotten. I look forward to graduate school, but will deeply miss Suffolk!