To give you an idea of just how productive, ambitious and generally awesome Saints are year-round, take a look at this map and the list below. This is just a handful of places where Siena students can be found this summer. As you can see, they're always up to something noteworthy. 

For those just starting out on the college search, you'll find that one of the most exciting things about visiting campuses is meeting students who are just like you—and were in your shoes not too long ago. That's why we we love introducing our student ambassadors, who always want to share their Saint pride with prospective students. Up next...

Over 1,000 programs in liberal arts, science and business? Check. More than 60 student organizations and 18 Division I sports? Check. Restaurant-style, fresh, healthy food options? YUP. As a current or prospective student at Siena College, you'll want to digest this good news.

Time for a new series on the blog! Look for a post like this one every month that begins with "Five reasons to choose Siena by a..." to get exclusive insights on our school from all kinds of students, with diverse backgrounds, varied interests and different reasons for why they love it here. First up...

Did you know 20 percent of high school students show up to their college interviews wearing pajamas? Kidding, kidding. If that were true, that would definitely be a high-up-there pet peeve among Admissions counselors! But thankfully, we've yet to see someone's PJs...

Last month, we helped you prepare for college visits with a list of questions to ask professors if you get the chance to meet faculty. Now, we want to help you beef up your college-decision folders with the items you should be taking home with you post-visit. (If you don't have folders set aside for each of the schools on your list, get to it! It's the best way to keep your notes, applications and other materials organized.)

There are two things you should know about roadtripping: 1) Always check your gas tank before you hit the highway. 2) From our Loudonville campus, the destinations are endless. So if you ever find yourself at Siena—either during the summer or academic year—and are looking for a quick day trip out of town, consider these cool places our Saints love to visit when they get the itch to explore.

They don't allow calculators! They make you wear kilts! Their professors are from Mars! Okay, so those are a bit extreme. But when you haven't visited a college campus or spoken directly with an Admissions counselor, it's easy to have a few preconceived notions about different colleges, based on pretty much nothing at all. Have some ideas about Siena that you would want cleared up? Check out these common misconceptions we're asked about, and the reality behind each.

For Siena College, high-achieving students who will have a positive impact on their college and are determined to succeed in life after graduation are who we look for during the admissions process—not someone with a certain SAT or ACT score. We understand that a number can't define you, so, like hundreds of other colleges, we're adopting a test-optional policy starting fall 2016. Know what that means?

Maybe you aren't ready to give up your favorite sport from high school, or maybe you're ready to try something totally different. Either way, you should know that you don't have to compete at the varsity level to continue—or to start—something you love. At Siena, there's a wide range of men's, women's and co-ed recreational activities to keep you active in whatever sport you choose. Game on!