BU vs SUNY Binghamton?

<p>I got accepted into the CAS programs for both schools, but I’m having a really difficult time deciding between the two. BU has a greater academic reputation but it’s like 50 grand and in the middle of the city, while Bing is like 20 grand and has more of a campus feel. I’m probably doing bio, and both seem decent in that aspect. Factors like housing (in which BU is overcrowded), student faculty ratio, (BU is 14:1 and Bing 21:1), the students, (both party, but who’s smarter?), and overall student experience are important. Any suggestions or views on which school is better/more suitable?</p>

<p>The area outside Binghamton looks like the industrial zone of 18th Century Russia.</p>

<p>thats true, binghamton is like a ghost town. but i get the feeling that boston u's only sense of community derives from being in boston, and has none of its own besides hockey. bing being so secluded is more tight-knit. do bu students hang out with mit, bc, or harvard students? or are they shunned?</p>

<p>Shunned? BU as the new Amish of Boston? The scarlet BU? Problem is most schools around here have some bright red as their color so that doesn't work. And unless Uggs are Amish, I don't see many BU girls going really, really, really old school (like old world). </p>

<p>The cost difference is large and only you know your resources.</p>

<p>how bad's the grade deflation at bu? i hope we don't work work really hard just to see it get deflated. is the average CAS work load manageable?</p>

<p>Not being in high school, where does this grade deflation crap come from? Is it passed around or are there actual lying sources - like other schools, really bad college books? </p>

<p>And I ask again and again, why can't high school students who grew up with computers learn to use the search functions?</p>

<p>aznmatrix: It takes so little to make me crack up these days, but your post takes the cake.....I just sent it to 10 friends......(bing alumni)</p>

<p>To the OP: If you are pre-med, save your money and go to Binghamton....Great stats into med school....If you HAVE to be in a city, go to BU and spend the $$$$$.....FYI, the smartest people I have ever met, (and I am "old") attended Binghamton while I was there...(and I attended Ivy for grad school.....)</p>

<p>Depends on the tuition I guess. If you can afford BU, then I would 100% recommend it. If not, then I say Binghamton.</p>

<p>lergnom- from what i've researched on bu i heard the NY Times wrote an article about grade deflation because BU wants to compete with the Ivies or something, thus making students work harder to earn a better grade. I don't mind working hard, just concerned if it hurts my graduate school chances.</p>

<p>rodney and aznmatrix, thanks for the advice. I'm not completely set on premed, but probably Bio and environmental will be my track. money aside, the academics is the most important factor, which is why im leaning towards bu. if the professors and students there are more stimulating than bing, then maybe bu might be better. what do u think?</p>

<p>Totally wrong and I gather you've been listening to stupid high school gossip. Naughty, naughty. It always blows my mind that kids - high school seniors - have spent years and years listening to people they know get stuff wrong, wrong, wrong, from small social details to academics to really obvious stuff, but then they believe what they want anyway.</p>

<p>The NYT did an article which focused on grade inflation being rampant in some schools. If you used the search function . . . The gpa at some Ivies is probably 3.7, so if BU wanted to "compete" they'd be raising grades. The Ivies grade easier, meaning showing up gets an A. </p>

<p>Understand that I don't have a stake in where you go. Go where you want and where you can afford. Your life is yours to live and the school you attend is not the be all and end all of your chances. It is, in fact, a very small step in life.</p>

<p>If you're not too worried about the money, Binghamton academics does not compare with BU. BU's Pre-med program I've heard is amazing so this should be an easy choice for you.</p>