<p>I am having so much trouble deciding between these schools. I will enter college as an undecided major, but I think I'm interested in the social sciences, maybe psychology or sociology. I feek like no matter what, I will be happy at whichever school I choose, I'm just stuck on the nitty gritty differences. My parents want me to decide by Friday.</p>
<p>Pros Geneseo
Small size
No TAs-since I really haven't experienced being taught by one, I don't know if I'd mind it, but everyone sees TAs as a bad thing
Supposed to be beautiful</p>
<p>Cons Geneseo
5 hours away-not sure if this really matters that much
little diversity
higher female ratio at 57% -it seems like a homogeneous population of white girls-I am one myself, but want some more diversity, and more guys!
Name recognition after college
"in the middle of nowhere"-not sure on it being so rural
Not as much courses as Bing</p>
<p>Pros Binghamton
Closer
A lot more opportunities
Diverse</p>
<p>Cons Binghamton
This may just be gossip, but online people say that students are "miserable" and are Ivy rejects-in person, I've heard that everyone loves it
Another piece of gossip: undergrads constantly compete with graduate students since it's a large research university, compared with closer attention at a small liberal arts college like Geneseo
Environment-surroundings aren't supposed to be that great</p>
<p>The price is awesome for both and they each have great academics. An education at either will be so valuable. Mostly, it's the "fit" factor. Throughout the whole college process and even now, I'm not sure about a small vs. large school, Liberal Arts College vs. Research University. And this is what it comes down to between Geneseo and Binghamton. Can anyone clarify anthing for me, especially about the student happiness at Binghamton? I find it hard to believe that people are miserable. Also, about the environment in both? Geneseo is a very small town and Binghamton is in the suburbs of Vestal I believe. I won't have a car either. Any current students or others that know more want to give me some insight? Very much appreciated.</p>
<p>I know kids at both schools, friends of my kids and kids of my friends.</p>
<p>The kids I know at Bing all love it, but so do the kids I know at Geneseo.</p>
<p>You should check and see what courses they offer in the areas you are interested in and perhaps ask to speak to some students in those majors. I know you’re undecided but if you talk to psych or poli sci majors at both or whatever you’re interested in.</p>
<p>My D is at a different SUNY and she is a student admission counselor. Prospective students who share her interests are put in touch with her and she answers their questions. I would bet that both Geneseo and Bing have similar programs. I suggest looking in to it.</p>
<p>If it helps, I went through the same thing and picked Binghamton. Since you said “Supposed to be beautiful” I’m assuming you haven’t visited Geneseo yet. It is really pretty, but it is REALLY in the middle of nowhere. That was the big factor for me. When they say ‘rural’, they don’t mean a cute, bustling little town. The whole place is basically *one *street with some pizza places and kitschy shops, and then a little further down there’s a Wal-Mart and a couple more shops. And that’s it. For some people it’s quaint, but for me, I think I’d feel so trapped there. If you haven’t visited I’d go to Google Maps -> Streetview and take a little tour around the area for yourself.</p>
<p>Everybody that I know at Binghamton loves it. The only negative I really hear is that the campus isn’t that pretty (as in, not towering gothics or pillars everywhere) but I thought it was fine.</p>
<p>Binghamton says 92% retention which says students aren’t miserable. If they were they would leave like freshmen do at many colleges. You stay only if you are satisfied.</p>
<p>Geneseo is a college–they offer BS degrees and a few MS. Binghamton is a university BS, MS, PhD. Lots more research opportunities in all majors.</p>
<p>Size might sound nice but Geneseo has a 400 seat lecture hall because they have some 400 student-sized classes. </p>
<p>Worried about TAs go to a private school making grad students TAs is the only way they can afford to go to grad school there.</p>
<p>By now you should know which campus made you feel like the right place for you. At this point it should be a no brainer. Choose the school that feels right. Period.</p>
<p>Binghamton is pretty much the stronger school, especially in psychology and sociology. But it should definitely come down to where you would rather be. My AP Biology teacher (who might I add, is absolutely brilliant) attended Geneseo for both undergrad and graduate school. She loved it that much I suppose. And although your rumor is somewhat true (I know a lot of Ivy-rejects in my area that attend Bing), it doesn’t really represent any decent amount of the student population.</p>