<p>Ok - here it is - D has it down to these 3 schools, each w/different pros. Live in MD, so know fair amt about MD (large, good public school, etc). Know fair amt about GTown (great rep, great access to top people). Only know about Stonybrook from what I've read & heard from a few people (up & coming rep, great education for $$). Of course, one usually only reads about good things; hubby & I & D planning to visit Stonybrook before D decides. Any opinions?</p>
<p>If D. is doing anything with biology/premed, Stonybrook is excellent in those fields (in fact the reason Stonybrook's reputation is getting so much better is because it is so strong in those areas). I don't think it is as good in the humanities, though.</p>
<p>The issue with SUNY schools is that they are over 90% New Yorkers, Stonybrook being predominently Long Island kids.</p>
<p>Is the 90% commuters a "bad" thing? We visited campus yesterday (Sunday) - saw some kids out & about, but not large numbers; seemed like nice, quiet atmosphere on weekend. D will be in Honors classes, & playing soccer, so would probably hang out mostly w/soccer players, as almost all are from out of state.</p>
<p>90% is not a good situation. I don't think that is the case, however. It is 90% New Yorkers. The problem when there are so many commuters is that the college adjusts its weekend and evening offerings so there is not as much to do and it is not as fun. That is the problem with the "suitcase" schools. Being an athlete does mitagate the situation. When my son visited Binghamton, he just felt that he would prefer seeing more kids from all over instead of busloads from one school district as occurs with the SUNY. Too many people all knowing each other before school is even started. He felt he wanted a more even footing. And we did live in NY at the time but not for long. It is an issue for some kids, and is not for others.</p>
<p>Unless your d wants a specific major that is particularly strong at Stonybrook, or money is the decisive factor, Georgetown is absolutely the best of those academically. It also is the most residential campus of those choices. Even if you live in MD, your d will feel as though she is really "away" at school. There are many weekend activities on campus, and all over "off-campus" Georgetown. It is definitely not a commuter school.</p>