<p>Right now I am currently trying to decide between SB and another SUNY school. I will be visiting SB during my winter break which is in late February and I was wondering if it would be better to submit a housing deposit so that everything doesn't fill up too soon. Are deposits fully refundable? </p>
<p>(Only reason why I haven't fully decided upon SB is the distance. 5hrs :-/)</p>
<p>You can submit your housing deposit as late as May 1 and still be guaranteed housing. Submitting it now isn't going to necessarily help or hurt. You can definitely wait until after February break. Where are you coming from?</p>
<p>Chris</p>
<p>Utica, NY
My other choice is Albany... I just think that SB seems better overall for my interests. Even though I know both these schools aren't particularly huge in what I am thinking of majoring in (Linguistics) I know that SB would have a stronger program because it's a big science and research school. Albany is like criminal justice/political science.</p>
<p>I feel like between albany and stony brook, stony brook has a better reputation from what I've heard. Even if it is farther.</p>
<p>Yeah I believe it has a better reputation as well:) It seems like most people here have never heard of Stony Brook before.</p>
<p>Well, when you're in the shadow of Albany, it makes sense that not many folks have heard of us. We haven't historically drawn really well from the Utica area; downstate New York doesn't have much of a presence there.</p>
<p>That said, I like our Linguistics program. I can connect you with a few faculty members -- notably Bob Hoberman, who's very good -- who can give you some idea of the program and what it offers. Good luck in your decision!</p>
<p>Chris</p>
<p>I can also vouch for our linguistics department being awesome. A little small in terms of number of undergrad majors, but that just means the professors have more time to invest in you, so it's not a bad thing at all! I've never had a bad prof in the linguistics department; they've been without fail good teachers and for the most part fascinating, genuinely good people. I've taken classes with pretty much everyone in the department who ever teaches undergrads, and there's no one I wouldn't recommend.</p>
<p>If you have any specific linguistics questions, ask away :) And don't hesitate to contact Bob Hoberman, who Chris already mentioned--he's a fantastic guy and a great professor.</p>
<p>Thank you both for your valuable insight!:)</p>