<p>Hey, I have gotten into many schools and I am currently narrowing it down to 2. I got into PENN STATE, and SUNY ALBANY. I want to go to a big party school with a big population but I also want the school to be academically good and challenging. I got into Penn State but one of the smaller campuses - Penn State Hazleton. I wanted to go to University Park especially since it has total 30,000 undergrads but they didnt have room. I can do the 2+2 program though where I transfer to UPark after 2 years in the smaller campus. I also just heard that the Suny Albany is one of the top 3 State schools in NY. I also heard its a big party school which I didn't know. I really wanted to go to Penn State first but now since I heard a lot more bout Albany, I am having a hard time deciding. I also hear Albany is a bad city and nothing to do or anything but I don't mind if The school is awesome. I want a lot of partying but also a lot of good academics. (I am gonna balance partying with school so I don't fail) Also I live in NYC so it's cheaper to go to Albany not only cause the school is cheaper but also cause it is in-state. Paying for school is only based on financial aid. My parents don't have any money to give and I'm getting a fairly big amount, not as much for Penn State though, so I will have to take big loans. I also want to get out of the city and just experience something new though. PLEASE TELL ME WHICH SCHOOL I SHOULD GO TO!</p>
<p>Don’t take out big loans. Albany seems fine for you, and if it’s cheaper you should choose it. But first make sure to talk to current students and to visit so you know that you like it. Maybe if you got into the main campus of Penn State this would be a harder choice, but unless you absolutely despise Albany, go there.</p>
<p>I also got put on the wait list for SUNY New Paltz. If I do get into New Paltz should I still choose Albany?</p>
<p>Well, AFAIK Albany is generally considered a slightly better school than New Paltz, but it depends on personal preference. You probably shouldn’t visit a school where you were waitlisted (though you can if you want) but definitely talk to current students at New Paltz.</p>
<p>How big of loans are we talking? Anything over 30K for all four years is too much.</p>
<p>Abany is much cheaper, and offers just what you’re looking for</p>
<p>Albany is certainly a lot less expensive. However, it is not cheaper. The quality of the education (as well as the parties) will be similar so why put yourself in such debt?</p>
<p>If money is a concern, it makes more sense to go to Albany. I think SUNY New Paltz is preferable to Albany but since you are looking for a bigger school maybe Albany would be a better fit for you.</p>