<p>I got accepted into both, but am not sure which to attend. I currently am undecided on what I want to major in, but I would like to transfer out after a year (from either university) to NYU or something. I feel like Stony Brook is better in rank, but there might be more to do in Buffalo. Not too sure...can anyone who has experience with both help me out and tell me where I should go for my freshman year?</p>
<p>Going anywhere with the intention of transferring is pretty dumb IMO… you’re not going to have a great experience somewhere you’re not invested in. But that’s neither here nor there with your question, I guess.</p>
<p>There’s plenty to do both places, plenty of good programs both places. Have you visited at all to see which one feels like a better fit? Do you have any ideas about what you want to study, or totally flailing in the dark? What are your feelings about location? It’s impossible to tell you which school is better for you without knowing what your priorities are.</p>
<p>If you plan on transferring then why do you care?</p>
<p>Why dont you just not go anywhere and wait a whole year and reapply again to NYU or somewhere else where you actually want to be the whole 4 years.</p>
<p>Usually people that transfer successfully are those that go to their chosen school freshman year with the intent on staying there, but then for whatever reason, they may change majors, interests, etc they realize the school that once was perfect for them is not the best fit anymore and that another school can offer more for them. </p>
<p>Going just to transfer is a waste of your time and effort.</p>
<p>I can see many reasons why someone would go somewhere with the intention of transferring. Money. HS performance.</p>
<p>In answer to Buffalo v. SB – SB is somewhat a commuter school, Buffalo more big college experience (football, activities).</p>
<p>My advice would be look at the transfer board, also wherever you go at first, do not tell every perosn that you will be transferring. Getting the best grades you can is job one, but also go to every class, interact with professors. </p>
<p>Whether you will transfer or stay at your first school, your hard work will do you good.</p>
<p>kayf, stop spreading stupid rumors about SB being a commuter school. What on earth is your basis for that idea? It’s an outdated reputation that’s not borne out by actual statistics or lived experiences.</p>
<p>Planning to transfer before setting foot on campus is silly. I say this from personal experience–I came to SB with the intention of leaving after a year. Fortunately, I let Stony Brook surprise me and didn’t let the outdated stereotypes I’d heard become a self-fulfilling prophecy. I know people who essentially refused to get all that they could out of their college experience because they “were just there for a little while before transferring.”</p>
<p>If you did so dismally in high school that you can’t get in anywhere with decent academics, or can’t get in anywhere affordable besides a CC, I suppose I can understand planning to transfer. But if you have two affordable options with very strong academics, it makes no sense.</p>
<p>I said somewhat a commuter school. And it does have a lot kids from the NY area who go home weekends. Its too late to visit – but possibly there is someone in your high school who graduated earlier yhou can talk to. </p>
<p>Planning to transfer is not stupid – I think OP has to consider all options. If soemone can not afford 4 years at NYU, I think they are far better off with the first 2 years at SB or Buffalo than at a CC.</p>
<p>I agree with pseudonym, SB may have many commuter students but the majority of us are residents. There are over 10,000 students residing on campus and we all participate in many, many activities (i.e. football games, clubs, cultural events, school traditions). There is a lot to do on campus and because of the location on Long Island, activities are always within reach. Additionally, the city is less than an hour drive away (hour and a half on the train). Some students choose to go in a few times a semester, others frequent the city on a weekly basis. Thankfully, SBU is in a really nice area of Long Island. I would recommend that you come down to visit in the summer or late spring if you have a chance because it is absolutely beautiful.</p>
<p>Buffalo is in western NY so it is very cold year round and snowy. But, it is well-populated and has many activities. It is in an actual city so if you find that atmosphere pleasing, perhaps you should consider attending UB. SBU is a bit more suburban but there are still many, many things to do. Additionally, Long Island yields a wealth of opportunities socially and professionally because of the diversity of its cities/towns.</p>
<p>Both are excellent research universities. Personally, I think SBU has accomplished way more and is doing more important/exciting/current research but I’m sure that has to do with my bias. Honestly, you should make your decision on what you value. There are pros and cons to every decision.</p>
<p>But, I absolutely agree with earlier commentators that you should be invested in the school you attend. I didn’t originally want to go to SBU (I’m so glad I did now!) because I wanted something private and elite and definitely not in my price range. That nonchalant attitude made me not take my classes as seriously as I should have the first year I was here. The psychology and education classes I’ve taken have made me realize that in order to truly be successful academically, a person needs to be wholly invested in their efforts. That being said, I’m sure you’ll make the right decision for yourself and hope that I will see you at SBU in the fall!</p>
<p>Also, if you’re planning on transferring, make sure to check with the school you intend to transfer to what classes you would need for your major, what classes they would accept from other institutions, and how many credits you can transfer. There is no reason to end up not being able to transfer 30 credits because they were not to the liking of your transfer school.</p>
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<p>FWIW, the average tempertaure for Buffalo is typically only 5 degrees cooler than Long Island.</p>
<p>What is your intended major?</p>