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.
Misconception #1: Small town, small opportunities.
Truth is: this couldn't be further from the truth! Sure, we reside in a safe, beautiful, suburban town, but the opportunities afforded to Siena students extend far beyond Loudonville's town limits. Saints intern for major names across the country, like Google and NASA, and secure jobs at places like ESPN, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft and Walt Disney World. They study abroad, learn from industry leaders and connect with an alumni network that spans the world. And as for student life, our peaceful town gives us easy access to Saratoga Springs, Boston, New York City and a whole lot of local attractions and things to do in the area.
Misconception #2: Everyone is from Upstate New York.
Nope! While it's true that towns across New York State are well represented, any given class could include students from across the country. Your friends could hail from anywhere like Texas, California, Florida or even from across the pond. Our diverse student body is one the best things about Siena; so many personalities, but so much in common, too.
Misconception #3: You have to be super religious to go here.
Not at all. As a Franciscan community and a Catholic college, Siena does promote certain values—like service to the poor and marginalized, and a commitment to building a more just world. And while there are many opportunities for worship and service here, our students can choose to what extent they practice their religion. Oh and our friars? They can be found eating in the dining halls, talking about hit TV shows and participating in fun events, just like our students.
Misconception #4: Because it's a D1 school, there are no intramurals.
Quite the contrary! In addition to our 18 NCAA Division I athletic programs, Siena offers nine club sports and a host of intramural opportunities. From Karate Club to Squash Club to Ultimate Frisbee and beyond, there are lots of ways to get your blood pumping on campus. Read what it's like to play intramurals at D1 school here.
Misconception #5: Play sports or bust.
Good news, non-athletes: even though Saints are pretty amazing at sports and cheering each other on, there are plenty of things you can get involved in that don't involve sweating it out and do involve meeting new friends and making awesome memories. A few of our 70+ clubs and organizations include: A Capella Club, Biology Club, Colleges Against Cancer, English Society, Italian Club, Model United Nations, Red Cross Club, Spanish Club, The Promethean, Trailblazers, Women in Computer Science and Yearbook. See the full list and read more about them on our website, or get in touch with us. We love talking about student life and all the activities there are on and off campus.
Misconception #6: It snows all year.
We hear this a lot from families who aren't familiar with Upstate New York weather. It's true that the wintertime can bring heaps of snow, but our alumni often tell us that snow days led to some of their best memories here. That being said, fall is gorgeous in the Capital Region, as is the spring and summer. Snow-free and outdoor-friendly.
Misconception #7: Liberal arts is all we offer.
Actually, you'll find three schools within Siena: the School of Liberal Arts, the School of Science and the School of Business. While we believe a liberal arts education is beyond valuable for any kind of career, one look at where our graduates have gone can show you that we're more than just a liberal arts college. We're a learning community that is equipped with the cutting-edge technology and resources necessary to prepare our students for a successful career in whatever they are passionate about.
Want to know more? Give us a call! That's what we're here for.
