StudentsReview :: Hofstra University - Extra Detail about the Comment
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Hofstra University

How this student rated the school
Educational QualityD+ Faculty AccessibilityC
Useful SchoolworkC Excess CompetitionD
Academic SuccessC+ Creativity/ InnovationC
Individual ValueD University Resource UseC+
Campus Aesthetics/ BeautyA FriendlinessB
Campus MaintenanceB+ Social LifeD
Surrounding CityB Extra CurricularsD
SafetyB
Describes the student body as:
Arrogant, Broken Spirit, Snooty, Closeminded

Describes the faculty as:
Helpful

Male
SAT1750
Quite Bright
Lowest Rating
Excess Competition
D
Highest Rating
Campus Aesthetics/ Beauty
A
He cares more about Extra Curriculars than the average student.
Date: Feb 26 2011
Major: Video/Media (This Major's Salary over time)
If you are thinking about coming here, especially for video and/or film, do yourself a favor AND RID YOURSELF OF THOSE THOUGHTS RIGHT NOW.

Is Hofstra's program for film and video bad? No, it's just okay. But is $42,000 worth an average program? Even if NYU rejected you or gave you no money, I'd still say this school isn't worth it.

While I try not to find fault with my classmates, let me say that anything from before 1995 is basically ancient here. The only common classics are the traditional ones (Citizen Kane, The Godfather). Moreover, I'd say that the videos and films produced (Class projects notwithstanding) are amusing…if you know the people in them. The theme seems to be

Let's get our friends and record them in a funny costume.
This is quite typical of many students. Am I against people having fun? No, but these give the attitude that the more ambitious a movie is, the less appealing it is.

Then again, is ambition encouraged? As far as the two production classes I've taken, I was taught the equipment (…barely) and nothing else. It was basically "read this chapter" while my teachers went onto digressions about I don't even know what.

The thing is that there is no entrance for the department or anything. It's not like, say, SUNY Purchase where you need a letter and a portfolio. Therefore, a lot of our classmates will be with people aren't terribly knowledgeable about the field they're going into. Moreover, the professors don't exactly encourage us students to reach down into ourselves and create something truly outstanding. If it's feasible to shoot? Sure, do it! If it makes no sense, then how was the camerawork? Great? You get an A. It's easy to get a good grade, but how is this going to help us in the real world? How can we work in a field with the impression that competence is the key to success?

I have tried getting acquainted within various organizations to meet others but the ones I've taken interest in are awfully disorganized. I've signed up with my e-mail address AND phone number to no avail of getting any updates. I tried playing intramural sports… there were five games, and my team won three because the other ones forfeited. Ironically, this school calls its student body "Hofstra Pride." To make that nickname more accurate, there should be statues around campus of people passed out on bathroom floors, but that wouldn't attract parents on Accepted Students Day, now would it?

As far as the dorms go, I live in Bill of Rights, one of the High Rises. I have a single. It's great if you plan on not meeting anybody … ever. The doors are always closed (Though you'll still hear the janitor slamming the garbage lids at 8am and waking the whole floor up, as well as people blasting music deafeningly loud). I had the pleasure of skipping the Netherlands (You'll live there as a freshman), but if what I've heard is true, then Hell really does exist.

As far as the location goes, it's your average suburban campus, really. Only instead of being surrounded by absolutely nothing (Like, say, UConn), you're right off a highway exit. We are actually strongly discouraged to leave campus after night, as there is a Popeye's right down the street that has had several fatal shootings. There are also two beyond sleazy bars that students can drink at (One's called "Nacho Momma," and it's actually less classy than you would expect). Sure, you could head into NYC, but it's $13 (Or maybe even $18, depending on what hour you arrive and/or depart) round trip. There is a shopping shuttle that will take you to the supermarket, malls, Target, movie theater, etc. but on weekends only. Giving the minimal amount of work during the week, this leaves NOTHING TO DO AFTER CLASS. From that perspective, everybody drinking makes perfect sense. What else could they do, really?

I read this site and all the pages of the comments here and I take no joy in writing this negative review, because it means I ignored the other comments and am unhappy at a school I chose to go to. I don't know how the other departments are, but I cannot, in short, think of any reason to go to this school. Even if you don't want to live on campus and are a local student, even if you get a scholarship… there's just no reason to come here. You can get the same education at a public school for a MUCH lower price.

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