Neither school is my first choice, but if it comes down to choosing between them then I’d like to know which is the better option. I was admitted to both schools, with acceptance into the Binghamton Scholars program and I expect to be admitted to Stony Brook’s WISE program (hope this doesn’t come across as cocky). I’m a computer science major which kind of screams Stony Brook I guess, but Bing engineering is very reputable as well so I’m not sure which to choose. Also I feel like my parents would push me towards Binghamton more because my brother also applied there and really wants to attend, and they would like us to be in the same place for convenience purposes. Stony Brook is closer to home, but I don’t like the commuter vibe. Binghamton is kind of in the middle of nowhere. I visited both schools and I did like Binghamton a little better, although both schools felt really big to me coming from a tiny high school. I got kind of a gray, cold vibe from Stony Brook but it was a really dreary day when I went so I’ll probably visit again. I don’t know if I should just let finances dictate the choice, or if there actually is a better option. If you have an opinion, please share!
I think both schools are similar with regards to prestige and ranking. USNews has them tied. Both have high return on Investment (ROI). Regarding Binghamton, Pre-med at Harpur and computer science at Watson are both strong programs as well. I would not necessarily give the nod to Stony Brook even for those programs/ majors. Your choice should come down to fit. Where do you feel more comfortable? It is true that Stony Brook has more students commuting, but that is just one factor among many to consider. If you do well at both schools you will have equal opportunities for jobs and grad school. So just pick the school that feels the best fit,because you will do better academically wherever you feel happiest.
I am debating both schools as well. I don’t like the commuter vibe either, but both my brothers commute there. You might’ve visited on a dreary day, but maybe this will make you a bit happier…on really beautiful spring days, Stony Brook has the space where my brother can bring his dog to campus and meet up with other friends to walk their dogs…it makes people happy to see puppies during classes, haha!
Regardless though, I am in your exact position except doing a double major with comp sci and BME, hopefully. All that attracts me more to Stony is potentially WISE and scholarships (which Bing won’t give out, really), if I do qualify for those. However, I would be a commuter, and you wouldn’t I’m assuming?
Cost wise, Stony will give out more scholarships than Bing. Bing says something on their website that scholarships are primarily need based. Stony gives out more and you’ll know in March. I’ve seen your threads before and you’re definitely competitive for their merit, so don’t take Stony off the table just yet!
I live about 40 minutes from stony so I wouldn’t commute, but I’d still be close enough to get home easily. I feel like Binghamton is a better fit for me, but if Stony Brook WISE is a smaller program I will give SBU more consideration.