<p>I was accepted at both universities and I'm having a hard time deciding. I live close enough to Brockport to commute. New Paltz is nearly 5 hours away from me. I'm interested in studying Anthropology and Foreign Languages. Both schools have my desired program, but I believe New Paltz has a better department. I've already received a merit scholarship from Brockport, and I've applied for several more(both need and merit). I am also applying to Brockport's honors program. New Paltz isn't giving me anything in terms of scholarships. I have a low EFC so I know I'll qualify for most of the Federal and State programs. I haven't received a fin aid package for either university yet, but Brockport will probably be less expensive. Any thoughts or suggestions?</p>
<p>Have you visited NP? It's a lovely campus in a town that attracts a lot of people who are into rock climbing and hiking. My daughter was accepted and refuses to go - her big issue is she thinks there aren't enough guys and "most of the guys are gay" - but that's her perception only, I have no data. It's pretty competitive to get in now so congrats on the acceptance!</p>
<p>Thank you. I actually haven't been able to visit yet. I would like to go to the Accepted Students Day but I'm having a hard time arranging it. My mom doesn't really want me to go to NP so she doesn't see the point in going. I'm hoping I'll be able to see the campus before making a decision, but that may not happen. I've heard the area is charming and outdoorsy. I'm sorry about your daughter. The girls to boys ration is something like 70:30 so I understand her frustrations!</p>
<p>Why does your mom not want you to go?</p>
<p>Kayf - I believe it's a combination of cost and distance from home. She thinks NP is going to be significantly more expansive than the other SUNYs and she concerned about the 'huge' loans I'll need to take out. She'd rather I stay close to home as well.</p>
<p>I think it is exactly the same as Brockport, but you'd have transportation costs and of course if you wanted to live at home and not in the Brockport dorms you would save a lot.</p>
<p>There will be travel costs, but I would be surprised if NP would cost more than other SUNYs. There are proposals for some SUNYs to charge more than others for OOS (dont know if for instate), but in any event, while I think NP is very good, it would not be in a tuition level with Binghamton, SB, Buffalo.</p>
<p>Muffy & Kayf - </p>
<p>Thanks! I know the institutional costs are basically the same between Brockport and New Paltz. If I went to Brockport, I would probably live at home. It would cost less and I'd probably be more comfortable. I think my mom is more concerned with travel costs and the fact Brockport is offering me more scholarship money. Between the merit aid and through living at home, Brockport would definitely be less expensive in my case.</p>
<p>That's an interesting proposal, Kayf. I think my mom was considering lack of merit aid and travel costs. Regardless, I know New Paltz is more highly ranked than Brockport. I'm just not sure if NP is worth the additional debt we're expecting. Thank you!</p>
<p>muffy333 - this is from the New Paltz facebook wall where the school answers students questions and concerns:</p>
<p>"Last year's Freshman class was split 59% women 41% men. We're heading in the direction of a 50-50 split. It is a little early to tell what this years Freshmen class will be but it looks like it will be similar to last year."</p>
<p>Just fyi for your daughter.</p>
<p>lilymoon, yes, told her that but she's now visited twice and says she wants more straight guys around and it isn't in an area where there are other colleges. I'd go to NP over Albany, Oneonta or SB, which she also got into, but it isn't my choice.</p>
<p>Muffy, I understand , but there are some other colleges nearby...Vassar, Marist, Bard and The Culinary Institute.</p>
<p>I'm probably going to NP and I'm straight.</p>
<p>My buddy down there said that the whole gay thing is ridiculously overblown. He is a pol. science major and said that he doesn't really even see the gay guys there. He said that the majority of them are in the theater department.</p>
<p>He even told me that when he went to NP he was expecting so many homosexuals but after two years, he says that he was sadly mistaken about it.</p>
<p>Either way, you are right Muffy, the final decision is in the hands of your daughter.</p>
<p>The other colleges aren't near enough that you'd hang out with other students unless you had a car (freshmen can't have them and my daughter will not be able to afford one). NP does have a bus stop that takes you to Metro-North train in Poughkeepsie to Grand Central which I think is a big plus for New Paltz.</p>
<p>Don't let the ranking thing cloud your judgement. Pick the school that is a better fit for you. These rankings really don't mean as much as you might imagine. I personally believe all the SUNY schools are good. However, if you feel that NP is a better fit, has more/better course selection, and so on then by all means go. The commute doesn't save as much money as you might think. You'll need a car, insurance, tolls, gas, repairs, parking and may still need a meal plan of sorts. Do your budget...show your mom your best cost comparison....Good luck!</p>