Let’s assume you have been accepted to all 3 with the intent of studying education/social services, no scholarships. Where would you go? (Proximity of civilization is important. Weather is not). Thanks.
New Paltz.
- Beautiful area;
- Adorable and fun town;
- Arty;
- Easy access to NYC.
And if you had to consider only academics and school reputation?
That would depend on your probable major and your personal preference.
Once you get your major narrowed down, then compare the departments.
- Do you like the classes THAT ARE ACTUALLY OFFERED? Sometimes school boast about a class that they only offered once ten years ago
- Do you think you will get meaningful interactions directly with profs or are you taught by TAs
- Are there labs/ coops/ research opportunities/ internships that you may want to participate in?
- How about the professors, how active are they? Do they have interesting research fields (you can download papers and look at the abstracts or look at their art if it’s an art teacher etc.)
- Student life: Are there clubs and activities you like? is it Greek heavy and you love Animal House? Is it more studious? Are the students uber competitive and that spurs you on or are you more of a person who likes things more laid back and students are cooperative?
Etc.
Probably New Paltz.
Did you get into Honors college anywhere?
New Paltz has had an excellent reputation for education majors for a very long time. The area is beautiful and it is an easy bus ride to NYC.
Albany because of being in the State capital could afford greater internship opportunities in the social sciences and government.
I don’t have that much knowledge about Buffalo, other than it being a very long distance from where we are in NY.
Buffalo it is. Deposit check cashed.
Can you explain your reasoning? It’d help current students who have the same dilemma 
My Southern California daughter LOVED Buffalo because of the split campuses, proximity to Canada, and her engineering courses were tough but fair.
Actually it was my daughter’s decision. Her first ‘adult’ decision.
They are all good schools. But as mentioned here, it’s important to find the best match for you. One day, she just did a pros and cons. On paper. Of all the schools. And discussed with us her reasonings.
New Paltz is a good school and a charming town. But we live now in a very charming small town, 45 minutes from Manhattan. So she wanted something bigger. More challenging.
Albany is a good school, but that party reputation, that according to the kids we know that go there, is not a myth, played against them. They don’t have classes on Friday. Not a good thing, in my personal opinion. And they get less funding than Buffalo.
Also the school is large but the campus is not as complete as Buffalo. UB is a well run city.
So, since she wanted a larger school. That was more of a research school and well funded Buffalo won.
It’s far. And cold. But her sister is a sophomore there and loves everything about it. Big enough to be separate from her sister. But close enough to spend some time together.
So for us (it was my secret choice) things will be a little easier. Because we can visit them for the next two years at the same place.
Thank you. That reasoning is great for future applicants!
Congratulations to your daughter for such a well thought-out decision!