<p>I've finally narrowed down my list, based mostly on proximity to home (westchester county, NY) and programs offered. I'm still having trouble deciding between these schools. I would like to major in bioengineering/biology (either or, probably not both but with a pre-med track) and at least minor in music. I am concerned about the amount of IB credits I will receive because I don't want to have to repeat any courses I've already covered. Money is not an issue, but I just don't feel right giving up a good opportunity like a good scholarship to what could be a good school for me.</p>
<p>SUNY Binghamton
SUNY Stony Brook
St. John's University
CUNY City College</p>
<p>Binghamton - Offers up to 32 credits (sophomore standing) upon successful completion of the IB Diploma. Binghamton Scholar's placement. When I visited, I didn't love the campus (not sure if I can handle that bad weather all the time) but the dorms I saw were awesome. If I decide to go here, I will get preference in dorming too since I am in the Scholars program. Has a 5 year program to get a M.S. in biology, I could complete it in 4 years if I get the year off with IB credits. Lots of school spirit, but I'm concerned about the largeness of the school because it seems to lack unity. A ton of travel abroad options are available and students are encouraged to take them. My family is encouraging me to go here because it is well-recognized/prestigious.</p>
<p>Stony Brook - I'm a little bit confused about their policy on IB credits, but it looks like they are a bit less lenient with the credits. Their website says that they offer up to 30 credits. Stony Brook Honors placement, with scholarship of $3,500/year for 4 years. I loved the campus and the fact that it is on Long Island, but the dorm I saw wasn't great. I could live with it. Very good research opportunities are available here. Lots of opportunity in music also it seems. A good amount of school spirit and unity if you get into clubs & things, even though it is half commuter. One of the major feeder schools to stony brook med.</p>
<p>St. John's University - Only offers credit for Higher Level IB courses (I am taking 3 - Biology, English and History) and the amount depends on score, maximum of 18 credits offered. Honors program placement, with full Scholarship which covers tuition and $5,800 towards room & board, free laptop. Their program doesn't look that great to me and music opportunities are limited. The school is known for their pharmacy program and everything else seems to take a back seat to that. Really nice campus, nice dorms but I heard most people are tripled and I want a double. In a good-looking neighborhood that is close to the city. It's a private university but not very prestigious outside of pharmacy. (PS, why is there no information/opinions on CC about this school?)</p>
<p>City College - I don't know their policy on IB credits (any information you have would be appreciated) but I already completed 6 credits here last summer at their STEM program. Macaulay Honors College placement with full scholarship that covers tuition, free laptop, stipend that goes towards travel abroad (but can only be used in junior year). In a terrible area, but close to the city. Dorming available at the towers, but I didn't like it because there is no meal plan available and it seems a bit anti-social how it is set up. No real school spirit, mostly commuters. Great for engineering I think? My family has really discouraged me from going here because they feel it is a school with low standards, then again they haven't really heard anything about Macaulay.</p>
<p>BTW, this is just information that I have gathered and some information that I have assumed so correct me if I'm wrong!</p>