<p>My son is strongly considering Binghamton. His guidance counselor suggested applying to private schools for which his stats were high so that he could get merit aid to match in-state tuition. I don't see a reason to do that but I am wondering what current Binghamton students think. Do you feel like you miss out on things that you might have at a private school? Is there any reason to go to a place like BU, for example ( Boston vs. Vestal aside)? Do you feel like your classes are challenging? In conversations with friends at other schools, do you think those who may have chosen to go to privates with merit aid are happy with the level of challenge they are experiencing in their classes?</p>
<p>I’m a sophomore and I’m happy here. I was given similar advice by my guidance counselor-- I had an A+ gpa, 34 ACT, overall high stats-- and I don’t regret my decision for a second! People here in general are very motivated; we have a lot of pre-med students who are working like crazy to get into good med schools. I think the fact that we’re a public school also gives us a sense of humility that you might not find in other places. It’s a running “joke,” or whatever that most of us are here because we couldn’t afford private school, or because we just missed getting into Cornell, and everyone is a good sport about this fact. </p>
<p>I’ve never felt like I wasn’t being challenged in my classes. Oh, also, depending on your son’s stats he might be chosen to be in the Scholars program which is a small honors program-- about 40 people per year. It’s nice because you live with/near fellow scholars and you take some scholars-only classes that provide extra stimulation, challenges, and innovations in addition to the regular classes.</p>
<p>Rebeccar, thank you. This is exactly what I needed to know. Love the Cornell line–and the humility–too!</p>
<p>I’m a senior and yes, I am happy here. </p>
<p>Binghamton was a match/safety for me in 2009 and was my top SUNY choice. I chose Binghamton because of the price (definitely not the location- my alternative was in Washington DC!). I was definitely prepared for my classes here (I’m from Long Island, so typical suburban high school) and have found and enjoyed several different new interests academically. </p>
<p>I got involved in clubs my first semester and that really made Binghamton an amazing place for me. I’m now on two executive boards, in a Greek organization, and hold two jobs on campus. There are countless opportunities here, you really just need to look for them. I got to meet people from upstate, out of state, and from other countries. </p>
<p>The one thing I will say, is that as a student you need to be somewhat self motivated. There isn’t much coddling here and you need to be prepared to go and work for opportunities. Unless there is some magic major or program at another school, there is nothing that would make Binghamton a lesser choice. A BU (Boston) might be nice, but for undergrad, it doesn’t matter so much what the name is, so long as it isn’t a terrible school. Binghamton is far from terrible and was a good choice for me. </p>
<p>I feel like I’m being less cohesive than usual right now, but hope this helps somewhat. I echo many of the sentiments that rebeccar expressed.</p>