For Stony Brook, I was so fortunate to interview Julia, who was so generous to provide some amazing responses to aid students interested in applying to SBU! Thank you so much Julia!
How would you describe the workload at Stony Brook? Do students study at home during the weekends or go out and relax with their friends?
"Stony Brook is no joke. You have to be extremely self reliant and have the ability to teach yourself. There will be many essays, assignments, and exams. This consumes a good deal of your time, not leaving much room for much else. A good way to combat this is study with friends."
What is your major and why did you choose this major?
"I am a biology major on the pre dental track. At Stony Brook, you primary find science majors; there aren’t many liberal arts majors at Stony. Being in the dental field was always a dream of mine, and I was aware Stony was known for it."
How would you describe the weather at Stony Brook? Does it frequently snow? Do most people dorm or commute?
"The weather at Stony is pretty moderate. Being in Long Island, it’s very hot in the summer months (which is good because there is close beach proximity) and could get quite cold in the winter months. It doesn’t snow a ton or anything like that. There is a LARGE percentage of commuters, but being that Stony Brook is a large school, campus doesn’t feel very dead on weekends. It is what you make if it :)"
What do you think makes Stony Brook unique?
"What makes Stony Brook different is there large class sizes. I’ve been in lectures of 500 people. If that’s a learning method you feel comfortable with, all power to you. But it’s ultimately what led me to transfer out of Stony Brook."
What is one advice you would give to current juniors who are thinking of applying to Stony Brook? What should they do research on upon arrival?
"This goes with all schools.. TAKE YOUR TIME! No need to rush just because you see other people committing. Make sure you’re certain and ask all the questions you want to ask. Get in contact with students that go there. Make sure you visit all schools before making a final decision."