Hofstra vs St John's

I'm undecided between Hofstra and St John's. What are the major differences between them when it comes to academics, extracurriculars, and student life? Any insight or experiences with either would be appreciated!

The decision between Hofstra and St John's can be challenging, since both are reputable universities located in the New York area. Here are some key differences in academics, extracurriculars, and student life to help you make an informed decision:

1. Academics:

Hofstra University tends to have a stronger reputation for communications, journalism, and engineering programs. On the other hand, St. John's University is known for its pharmacy and law programs, as well as strong business and criminal justice majors.

2. Extracurriculars:

Both campuses have abundant extracurricular activities, but the focus of these activities may differ. Hofstra is known for its active political scene, having even hosted past presidential debates, and also has plenty of opportunities to engage in student government. St. John's, on the other hand, puts emphasis on community service and service-learning programs. Greek life is present at both schools, but it is more subdued compared to larger universities, so that probably won’t be a major factor either way.

3. Student Life:

Hofstra is located in Hempstead, Long Island, and gives you a suburban campus atmosphere. The campus is well-maintained and attractive, with lots of greenery. It is relatively close to New York City, so students still have convenient access to the internships, job opportunities, and cultural events the city provides. St. John's, on the other hand, is based in Queens, so it offers a more urban campus setting. While actually closer to Manhattan, St. John’s provides a slightly different city experience than Hofstra, as it is a Catholic university, so there is a stronger religious presence on campus in terms of events, programs, and services.

4. Campus Size:

Hofstra has a smaller undergraduate enrollment compared to St. John's, which can mean a more close-knit community and smaller class sizes. However, this also means fewer course offerings and potentially limited majors. St. John's is a larger university with more diverse options, including satellite campuses in Rome and Paris, which could be especially attractive offerings if you envision yourself having an international college experience.

5. Sports:

Hofstra offers a robust lineup of sports teams competing in NCAA Division I, as does St. John’s. Between the two schools, St. John’s men’s basketball team is probably the most m popular among students, especially during the Big East Tournament and March Madness.

While either of these universities would give you a great education, as you can see, they do have some notable differences in terms of academics, extracurriculars, and student life. Consider visiting both campuses and talking to current students to get a better feel for each school's culture and ultimately determine which is the best fit for you. Good luck!