<p>My daughter is interested in majoring in chemistry (not pre med). She intends to apply to Stony Brook, UB, Binghamton and Geneseo and has visited each school and sat in on classes at each one. She has found things to like at each school. Any idea which school is the best for chemistry, (profs, reputation, job offers). The posts on the site seem to indicate that Binghamton has lousy profs in Chemistry. Anyone have an opinion? relevant experiences? thanks</p>
<p>Stony Brook is by far the best choice for her!
Chemistry at Stony Brook is top notch! If she's not going for pre med I would assume she is interested in research; this is something she will be able to pursue more readily at Stony Brook than any of the other schools you listed. Stony Brook also has an Honors College and Honors program in Chemistry! When it comes to science Stony Brook is the best choice out of all the SUNY's. If she doesn't choose Stony Brook I would say Buffalo would be the next best.</p>
<p>Again, I'm biased, but I'd definitely say Stony Brook. One of the great misconceptions about Stony Brook is the "size" of our chemistry program. Yes, the Chem I-II/Orgo I-II sequence is large and difficult -- but once you get past those courses, which lots of majors require, you get into some phenomenal coursework with outstanding faculty, in small classes. You'd think that we have hundreds and hundreds of chem majors -- it's actually only slightly more than 200. So you're getting some outstanding opportunities at a top-notch research university.</p>
<p>Chris</p>
<p>Thanks for the feedback. Does this mean that Stony Brook has 100 grads each year with degrees in Chemistry (assuming that juniors and seniors are those students who have declared their major)? Also, if you know, how many of the Chem majors are part of the WISE program? Lastly, if the choice ends up being between Johns Hopkins and Stony Brook, would your opinions change? Thanks</p>
<p>I may be in the same boat as your daughter, since I am applying to both these schools as well. There are several factors you need to look at:</p>
<p>Most importantly costs... If you're a New York State Resident Stony Brook will be much cheaper than Johns Hopkins (unless she gets a lot of aid). </p>
<p>Another thing to think about is the intimacy of research opportunities. At Stony Brook she could potentially have a research mentor for all 4 years (especially if she is part of WISE and/or Honors college), something I do not think Johns Hopkins will afford her. </p>
<p>Another thing to think about is location. Johns Hopkins is in Baltimore, considered by some an unsafe city. Stony Brook is located in a long island suburb (and an hour and a half away from NYC).</p>
<p>So if the "Name" of Johns Hopkins is more important and/or she likes the school much better than she should probably choose Johns Hopkins. But if Stony Brook is more financially feasible it maybe more "bang for your buck," so to speak. Don't forget Stony Brook is very highly regarded and its sciences programs are competitive with Ivy Leagues. </p>
<p>This is just my $0.02. I have had many positive experiences at Stony Brook (having done HS research, science competitions, and a summer fellowship there) so I tend to be a little biased. However these are all things I will be thinking about when I have to make my final decisions. As of now if the choice came down to Johns Hopkins and Stony Brook I would probably choose the latter. If I got a free ride to Johns Hopkins (which won't happen), the choice maybe somewhat more difficult. It's really up to your daughter and yourself, everyone is different!</p>
<p>Good Luck</p>
<p>Thanks for your thoughts zooxanthellae. Indeed, we are NYers who live on Long Island. The difference in the money is hard to ignore. In addition, we've toured Johns Hopkins felt that the neighborhood south of the campus was dicey (on the north side it was beautiful). Besides the money difference, my concern regarding Johns Hopkins is that it doesn't promise housing for the four years. Johns Hopkins, however, stressed that the profs would actually reach out to students to join in on research, sending emails and the like, and didn't need to be approached first by the students. Stony Brook, on the other hand, has a good science reputation, and it would be hard to pass up going to a SUNY financially.</p>
<p>Well, she could always go to Stony Brook for a year or two and if she decides that it is not for her she could try transferring. You should definitely think about applying to both WISE and Honors College at Stony Brook; they provide great opportunities (and in some cases offer more money)! I'm also a LI resident so Stony Brook's proximity to my house is somewhat discouraging, but I decided I could always live on campus if I wanted. There maybe some advantages to living near home. My final decisions will really depend on where I get accepted and the financial situation at each school!<br>
Either way it sounds like she can't go wrong! Good Luck with your decisions!</p>
<p>Looks like the only opinions you've gotten so far are about Stony Brook, so let me offer mine. I'm a Geneseo alum, and although I actually graduated with a Biochemistry degree, I did spend the majority of my time in the chem department and have some first hand knowledge about the programs.</p>
<p>Geneseo's program is very small, with a small, close-knit faculty and only a handful of graduates in chemistry each year, but the science programs are excellent. Of course, the first two years, the classes are larger (but definitely NOT as large as SB--I took orgo there over the summer and even then my class was HUGE and taught by an adjunct), but once you start taking upper-level courses, they're much smaller (I'm talking 25-50 students, if not less, depending on the course). I developed great relationships with my professors, most of whom are very approachable and ALWAYS willing to take on undergrads in their research labs. This is a big plus, especially if your daughter is planning on an advanced degree, since she'll get to know the professors personally and they'll be able to write her recommendations. And, since Geneseo is a college and not a university, you don't have to compete with grads and post-docs for spots in the labs and the profs treat you like peers. A lot of interdisciplinary research is done across different departments, which offers the opportunity to become a little more well-rounded.</p>
<p>One good thing Geneseo Chem has to offer is its "First Year Experience" course for freshman chem majors. You get to know people in your program, as well as professors, and get oriented in the program. Also, due to the rigorous curriculum, tutors are available for most lower-level and some upper-level classes.</p>
<p>In 2006, the Integrated Science Center, a state of the art facility housing most of the science departments opened, and last I knew, renovations were underway (if they're not done already) to revamp all of the Chemistry labs in Greene Hall.</p>
<p>My one regret is not getting involved more in the beginning. But I can't rave more about how much Geneseo prepared me. I'm in a graduate program now at a large private research university and I must say, some of the classes I took at Geneseo were MUCH harder than the ones I'm taking now. Your daughter will be VERY well prepared for whatever she plans on doing after graduation. And unless she has her heart set on something specific, I really urge her to do a little research on the biochemistry program as well. It's intense, but offers the perfect balance between departments.</p>
<p>Any other questions, even about Geneseo in general, please let me know!</p>
<p>Thanks cz425. We visited Geneseo in September and my D liked the vibe. Her grandparents live in Buffalo, and we travel there by car in December each year so she is familiar with the general vicinity and weather.</p>
<p>As a Geneseo alumnus, actually, I can speak to it a bit also. It's really a top-notch place, and although not "known as a science school" the way we are (for whatever that means), their facility is very impressive.</p>
<p>Chris</p>
<p>For any science related field, Stony Brook will be #1 in the state, besides Cornell, which is an Ivy League. Stony Brook has Brook Haven Labs, which is one of the best labs in the world for research and development. We also have top notch professors who are researchers, so they know their stuff. For the price, location, and rep, Stony Brook is an excellent choice for your daughter. I am a Comp Sci student, so I know how the science program works here, and so far I am liking it. If you have any more questions, or concern you can send me a pm and I will try to answer as best as I can.</p>