<p>I got into UAlbany with a $3,500 scholarship, and have gotten into their honors program.</p>
<p>I'm intending on majoring in biology, and go pre-med to become a pediatric ER doctor. Or something like that.</p>
<p>Which school do you think would be better and why?</p>
<p>BUMP.
18 views and no takers?</p>
<p>^I looked at the thread to see what you were saying. I'm going as pre-dental, so I'm also confused and will be monitoring this thread..</p>
<p>Fzr - I know that when I toured Geneseo (not sure if you applied there or not), that my tour guide was going pre-dental. I don't know what that really says though. All I know is that his dad was a dentist, and his brother will be, and so will he...</p>
<p>I did, but I withdrew my application because I don't really like the small college atmosphere. I know Buffalo has some kind of program that secures a spot for students going for dental.. I'm still so confused!</p>
<p>Fzr - I'm just curious, did they refund your application fee after you withdrew?</p>
<p>I'm surprised you didn't like the small college atmosphere, I never thought of that as a negative thing really. As long as it's not too small of course.</p>
<p>It all depends on what you mean by "better". As far as SUNY schools go, Binghamton and UAlbany are the two highest ranking universities, respectively. But, with that being said, it is more beneficial to compare the two by your intended major/courses (biology / pre-med) rather than basing your decision solely on rank. I haven't heard much about the biology department at either university (mainly because I'm perusing pre-law / poly sci). SUNY Albany will also give you an edge if you plan on working in the capital district. </p>
<p>UAlbany offers a lot more as far as nightlife and the party scene.</p>
<p>Did you rule out Stony Brook? Because I know it is particularly strong in pre-med as well as bio.</p>
<p>wdrmhbs - I already got into Stony Brook, but being from the Island, I'd rather get off.</p>
<p>And cmoney - I'm not too big into the party scene. So for that reason, Binghamton appeals more to the nerdy intellectual in me. I mean, parties are good, but I'm paying for an education.</p>
<p>Visit each school. Without more info., SUNY Albany seems to be slightly better in your situation as being in the Honors Program can help in several ways when applying to medical schools (e.g. profs can write better recs for you as they will know you better if you are in the honors program, honors students often get the "benefit of any doubt" regarding grades, honors students typically get into desired classes easier, etc.).</p>
<p>Coming from someone who used to live in the area, I've gotta say, Bing. is one of the most depressing places I can think of. I've yet to meet anyone whose opinion deviates much from mine either. Just throwing that out there...</p>
<p>Albany has a brand new Life Sciences Bldg. Facilities are amazing. Faculty I've met are excited about their program, and are especially interested in interdisciplinary research. If you haven't yet visited, check it out.</p>
<p>No they didn't :(</p>
<p>I'm sorry Fzr, that stinks.</p>
<p>But to chessiestyle - Anyone I know who goes to Bing. right now loves it there despite the depressing weather.</p>
<p>And while I haven't visited Albany, I have heard it's really fugly. But I hopefully will visit it, just to make sure I'm not turning down some place I perhaps should give more thought to.</p>
<p>Well it's obviously a matter of opnion, so we're not going to come to any definitive conclusion, but I stand by my comments. I wasn't just talking about the weather, either. Bing. is extremely economically depressed as well, which contributes negatively to the overall "vibe" of the city. The bars suck too. Really suck. And the campus is located basically next to a bunch of strip malls. For those from L.I., think Jericho tnpk. Not that this information is neccesarily relavent to your decision, but again, I'm just throwing it out there.</p>
<p>And I realize the weather/economy of Albany or anywhere in upstate NY is pretty bad all around, it's just that Bing seems like the worst of the bunch. Also, I should note my rant is more specific to the city of Binghamton rather than just BU, as that's where my experience lies. Nonetheless, anyone applying to BU should at least hear and investigate my claims.</p>
<p>I understand your claims. I know that while Binghamton is not a huge urban city by any means. But I don't think that's what I want in a school anyways. And, I am from L.I., and I find a certain level of comfortability in an area that is similarly suburban to my home. And once again, those I know that DO go to BU, enjoy it there. So the outside city cannot be to too bad. And considering, I applied to an even more rural school, Geneseo, Binghamton is a step up as far as civilized suburban schools go.</p>
<p>Firstly I think it is unfair to say the economic state of Albany and Binghamton is staggering. While I'm not too familiar with Binghamton I know first hand that Albany has real potential to be an economic power house in the near future. Troy, Schenectady, Albany, and Saratoga are pretty strategically placed and offer big money jobs. A lot of local companies look highly upon of Albany graduates.</p>
<p>Bump. Bump Bump.</p>