<p>since apparently barely any one goes to the seperate forums dedicated to these schools i decided to post a thread here.</p>
<p>unfortunately, I think im stuck with deciding between these two schools, since I am a NY state resident (whyy oh why couldnt i have been a cali resident?!) </p>
<p>all i ever hear is negative info about the two schools but could anyone dish out some more info? SUNY Binghamton is ranked higher than SUNY Stony Brook but stony brook is better known for the sciences, which applies to me more. but which one is better academically, socially, and all that other jazz?</p>
<p>You need to visit and then make up your mind. Bing is more selective with strong sciences. SB promotes itself as a research oriented university, but I am not sure the opportunities are significantly better for undergrads.</p>
<p>As to the social aspects and all that jazz, both leave a lot to be desired. Bing has all the charm of 1960's institutional architecture. It also has a nasty climate and an isolated feeling. Sure there is a small city nearby but there is little to attract a college student and certainly not much within walking distance. There is not a great deal of diversity, mostly Long Island types. Some are very focused and do nothing but study. Many are smart but not very academically oriented. SB is much larger with a better climate. It is in the middle of Long Island suburbia with a surprisingly diverse student population - lots of Asians, and Asian-Americans. SB has the feel of a commuter campus and many of the students who live on campus also have cars. Without a car, you can always take the train for a weekend trip to NYC. With a car you can also go to the malls and all the attractions of suburbia.</p>
<p>Yup, there is just no way to make either sound like fun places. Regardless of which you choose, you need to think about clubs and activities which interest you. Don't wait for the fun to come to you. Decide what you like to do and go out and look for it. There are very positive aspects to both. You will get a good education and the price is right.</p>
<p>SB has a very nice campus and would be perfect if you love diversity. In fact, at SB, being white makes you a minority (36% white.) At BU, your going to have very cold, perhaps even brutal winters.</p>