I transferred to ESC from another school. I actually love this school. The school is not your…read moretraditional University, where you have the 16-23 year olds, fraternities, and Cliques. Nope!, This School is mostly for non-traditional, adult students, professionals, and those who needed a second chance in an education.
Pros.
There are a broad choice of degree choices. Basically you can get a degree in any major, since you are taking the necessary requirements (Through ESC, Cross registration, CLEP, etc.). You can design your degree to however you may want it. There are twelve degree fields. Sciences/Math, Human Services, Social Sciences, Nursing, Labor Studies, and I do not remember the rest. I decided to major in Bio-medical Science, and Social Theory (Dual BS/BA)
There is support for those who need it. There are writing labs, and tutors available. There is also online Math and English tutoring available. I use the English tutoring frequently, since a lot of my courses are writing intensive; and we use APA format. There is no physical Library, but since you are part of the SUNY/CUNY System, you are allowed to Waltz into the CUNY/SUNY library of your choice and study, under the condition that you show ID. I have studied at CCNY, and Medgar Evars with my ESC ID- so no problem there.
You are assigned a Mentor (Mine is Dr. Woo- The best for anyone in the Sciences/Math field), from the moment you are accepted to ESC. The mentors are like College Counselors, without the petty bullshit, and lies. They actively plan with you, to ensure you are meeting the Requirements for your degree. Drs. Fullard, Castillo, and Hamburg are awesome people. You will come across, and meet other mentors. They will be of good help too. Lets say you want to do an Independent study on a subject your Mentor is not aware of. Your mentor, will introduce you to a Mentor that is familiar with that field, and all three of you will build that momentum that will help you engage that independent study. The only problem is that these mentors have many students, and some are working on huge projects in their respective careers. So, always call in advanced, and try to reach out. If you need help, don't ask- Scream for it.
Small classes are a plus. Some classes will have six students, and some will have twelve. The most would be fifteen. The cool thing about most of the classes, is that since its a non-traditional school, there are people that WANT to be there; so there is seldom monkey-business.
Computers. There is always a computer available. The Metro Center in Manhattan is chocked full of computers. There is always a printer in each lab. Internet is very fast.
CONS
If you do not speak to your professor, then he/she will not bother with you. You get what you put in- End of Story.
Wi-fi Sucks. I mean, its an understatement. Its extremely difficult to be mobile at the school.
You will cross-register at other schools. ESC does not have tons of classes.
Mentors are not available all the time, but thats a given.
Overall, the School is great! I like it.
P.S. Please disregard Burgundy B. and Bruce's rating. They knew exactly what they signed up for (Same with me) and apparently they feel entitled to the red carpet treatment. You will NOT get this at ESC. NO ONE will baby you here. NO ONE will hold your hand, because you are NOT a child. You take what you put in. If you bust your ass and do what you have to do; then you earned your degree. But College ain't easy. ESC is no different.