<p>I have done a little bit of researches on SUNY Binghamton and I have found out that Binghamton has a strong finance and a decent engineering majors. Since I'm thinking about double majors in finance and mechanical engineering, I feel like Binghamton is the best choice for me. Also, since I'm a NYS resident, it will cost significantly less compare to other out-of-state and private schools.
However, when I check out Binghamton's national ranking, I was somewhat discouraged. According to US News and World Report (which is pretty reputable source for ranking), Binghamton is ranked as 97.
Anyway, after 4 years of high schools, I have figured that I want to work for Wall Street as a financial adviser or an investment banker. I'm gifted in math, physics, and economics. I like to think outside of the box. Of course money is a big reason why I want to work for Wall Street, but the main reason is because I love dealing with economy and money transaction. And I also care about the prestige of my job.
I'm also thinking about getting a MBA from Wharton (UPenn) after 4 years of undergrad. But, I don't know if the prestige of my undergrad college will be a huge factor in the admission process. I know that Binghamton is one of the top state schools in New York, but it's not even comparable to many of the private schools (in term of ranking), which makes me a little bit indecisive as to whether or not I should go. Will I even have a fair shot at UPenn MBA if I work really hard in Binghamton? Does Binghamton have a lot of internship opportunities for finance major students? What about engineering?
If I'm going to a private school, I have a fair shot at NYU (finance), UChicago (economics), Cornell (economics), etc. However, if I go to one of these schools, it would be more expensive and I would not be able to double major in mechanical engineering (as a backup in case I couldn't find a job in the financial market). These private schools would either not have an engineering program at all or the course loads for double majors would be too heavy for me.
So, should I go to Binghamton if I'm planning on going for UPenn MBA and working for Wall Street banks?
I'll really appreciate it if someone could give me some advises!</p>
<p>Anyone ever goes to Binghamtom?
I’ll really appreciate it if someone can give me some advises!</p>
<p>First of all, I am a recent Binghamton grad. I was in Harpur (Arts and Sciences), but I had friends in all of the colleges, including SOM (School of Management) and Watson (Engineering). I was also an orientation advisor and I was trained to answer questions about the school, curriculum planning, and student life. This was two years ago, so some of my information may be out of date.</p>
<p>Let me clear up the first misconception you seem to have. If you were to attend Binghamton, you will be admitted to one college of the university. This means you will either apply to enter Watson or apply to enter SOM (based on the “prospective major” you apply for; select Mech. Eng., you apply for Watson and select Finance to apply for SOM). If you apply undecided, you will be placed into Harpur which is not what you want. I would suggest applying as a finance major as it’s easier to be accepted into SOM as a freshman. </p>
<p>HOWEVER: this will put you behind if you chose to do what is known as a DUAL-DEGREE program. This is not a double major (that is only available within the same school: History and Math are both in Harpur and thus would be double majoring). You will need to apply as a dual degree student for admission into the other school (so Watson in this example) which may not accept you. You will also need to find a way to satisfy the freshman requirements for the engineering major without being in Watson (this will prove somewhat difficult since engineers take a very specific curriculum). This is not an easy path, but if you truly wish to pursue both degrees, it is the only way to do so at Binghamton. </p>
<p>In regard to your “prestige” related questions, you will have no problem obtaining entry to a good graduate program from Binghamton. I know several people at the University of Pennsylvania (for chem and law), College of William and Mary (law), Delaware (math), Cornell (law), Brandeis (chem), American University (international relations), SUNY Upstate (med school), and so on. I also know of alumni who have attended Wharton from Binghamton (back when the school wasn’t ranked as high as it is now). Let me be clear: the quality of the graduate program you attend has little to do with the rank or prestige of your undergraduate school, it has everything to do with your grades, your scores on standardized exams, your application, and your ability to find a program that fits you and your needs (this last bit is more for humanities). </p>
<p>In short, Binghamton will be perfectly fine for someone interested in pursing a good graduate degree. It may not work for your specific desires regarding engineering.</p>
<p>Have you checked out Stony Brook? They are currently higher ranked than Binghamton. Stony Brook is also more known as the math/science school while Binghamton is stronger in the liberal arts field (humanities and social sciences). Since you’re from queens, (me too! yay!), I would also check out Baruch College since its in the city. Baruch is also the strongest math/science school of the CUNY system and since its CUNY, tuition won’t be that much. Even cheaper than Binghamton and Stony Brook.</p>
<p>Other things to consider is, what kind of town do you want to be in? Binghamton is in the middle of nowhere, but still has a community. I hear Stony Brook has a quiete boring community. Baruch… well, its in Manhattan… so thats a plus (for me atleast).</p>