<p>I agree that Binghamton does not have a great looking campus. However, I think the effect of the looks of a place (whether good or bad) wears off in about 5 minutes once you're involved in campus life. And having lived in Hinman College, I was very happy in my surroundings and never thought it was unattractive.</p>
<p>I think that the reason Binghamton attacted so many more really top students a generation ago is two-fold: 1. there was no college rankings, so the notion of attending the "top" NYS school was viewed as something to feel good about 2. Need based and merit aid at privates was probably not as competitive.</p>
<p>Whether or not the effect of "the looks of the place" wears off after 5 minutes of campus life probably depends quite a bit on the individual student--aesthetic environment plays a much bigger role for some than for others. For me it was very important and substantially affected my satisfaction with my college--my D does not find it important at all. I visited SUNY Bing as a possible safety school a generation ago when it attracted top students and must confess that the appearance depressed and upset me so that I could not concentrate on what it might have to offer. I agree that the education quality is first priority but we also can't help being who we are. I remember a poster last year who specified that his/her college must under no circumstances be near mountains!</p>
<p>What people are saying about Bing is exactly why I don't want to go there. For me the thought in being in an aestethically unpleasing school with crappy weather which is not a close distance from home is troublesome.</p>
<p>As a former resident of the Binghamton area, I would have to also mention that there is not much to do outside of the campus. It was a boring place for me to live, but I am a city person. It also may have changed in the last 25 years.</p>
<p>bobbobbob, Cornell isn't taking anyone of the waitlist this year.</p>
<p>cloverdale, thats only for Colleges that have association with SUNY. The others like ENG and CAS will not give SUNY students special consideration. So, it really depends on which college he applies to.</p>