<p>I have trouble choosing between UD and Binghamton for mechanical Engineering. Any suggestions and advices will be appreciated...</p>
<p>Hi, my daughter is a freshman at Delaware majoring in engineering. She was also accepted at Binghamton and Geneseo. </p>
<p>She applied as engineering undeclared to Delaware--as well as to Binghamton.</p>
<p>Delaware's engineering department, I believe is quite strong. The dean is wonderful, and on the whole, the department is extremely supportive of its students. </p>
<p>Being a NY resident, a SUNY school would of course be much more economical, yet when we visited Delaware, my daughter just loved it. We went to the Delaworld Days for Engineering and we were really impressed!</p>
<p>To be honest, Delaware is a beautiful campus~while Binghamton is just not as beautiful. My daughter wanted the whole package--the brick buildings, the school spirit, the strong academic programs. </p>
<p>For her, Delaware fit the bill.</p>
<p>For you, it may be a totally different set of criteria. I would not say pick one over the other. Both are quality schools and will deliver a quality education. </p>
<p>If it is down to both schools, you should really visit and see how you feel about the campus, students, overall atmosphere, etc.</p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>
<p>from what i've heard, UDel has an incredibly strong engineering program, along with a nice campus. Binghamton is an incredibly boring place to live, believe me...I'd take UDel any day (close to the beach, less snow, friendly kids...what have you got to lose?!)</p>
<p>My daughter is deciding between UDel and Binghamton for Nursing. As a NYS resident, Bingo is definitely cheaper but I don't want that to make the decision. Both schools have their pros and cons. I think the student body is probably smarter at Binghamton, but the quality of the education is probably better at UDel. I heard UDel is very strict around drinking, and the partying is better at Binghamton (she's a work hard, party hard type kid). </p>
<p>But for nursing, does the quality of the program really matter that much? It's basically 100% job placement from whatever school you go to. Looking for input....</p>
<p>I can't respond the "smarter student body" comment. Not sure exactly how that is measured.</p>
<p>I've taught nursing for over 20 years in various programs and it does matter where you go but not for the reasons (name recognition, alumni contacts, etc) that it does for other majors. What really matters is the school's NCLEX pass rate. I currently teach at a 2 year school that the general population on CC would scoff at. However, our NCLEX pass rate is MUCH higher than the nearby 4 year program CCers swoon over. That is what really matters. I'd also look at the clinical facilities used although that big fish in our pond has better access to the major teaching hospitals, it really hasn't helped their pass rates. I'd also want to know if when you're admitted as a freshman, if you're guaranteed a spot in the nursing program, and under what circumstances are those guarantees made. It really stinks to find out after a year or two that you didn't make the cut.
So if it were my child, I'd find out the about the program progression policy, the NCLEX pass rates and clinical facilities used. If the pass rates are relatively close, she's guaranteed a spot and you can swing it financially, I'd let her go to the school she likes the best. It might get no respect, but nursing is one of the most difficult majors. My DD is not a nursing major at UD but she says "those girls work all the time".<br>
I do appreciate hearing that there are schools with more of a party rep...</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply, good input. I know Binghamton's first-time pass rate is high - it was 96% last year (so they say). I seem to remember UDel's being a little lower. Some differences in the programs are that UDel starts Nursing classes in earnest in the sophopmre year, Binghamton not until the junior year. Is earlier neccesarily better? Don't know. I also think the hospital choices for clinicals is better in the Newark area. And although the Decker School of Nursing is relatively new at Binghamton, I thought the overall clinical facilities at UDel were better.</p>
<p>My personal preference is for starting clinical as early as possible. It helps to get your feet wet and see if you really like it and if you don't you know after 2 instead of 3 years.</p>
<p>Thanks again</p>