SUNY Binghamton or SUNY Albany or SUNY Stonybrook

State Forums
21

<p>honestly I have a very good understanding of how the education system works, and more so the “real world”. I am 23 years old and I have already gone through school and had a successful job in a career field in which I no longer really want to pursue any further (mostly because I wasn’t happy, and I value other things in life besides working 80+ hours a week in the entertainment industry). I decided to go back to school 2 years ago with a focus in the liberal arts, which in my mind is what an undergrad education should be based on. </p>

<p>Community colleges are still only 2 year institutions, where you can acquire nothing more than an associates degree, so yea employers will lean more on hiring the one’s with BA’s and MA’s in certain fields. (However you should know that equally as many employers who like to hire people from more prestigious schools, there are an equal amount of employers who will hire the guy with a lesser degree from a lesser school because of the pay grade). Anyway, I was referring more towards the quality of education. I have had the best teachers I’ve had in my life through Community college, and the smaller sized classrooms means lesser student:teacher ratio’s, meaning you get to have a very personal relationship with your professor (unlike big Universities, where many classes are taught by teacher aides). Many of the professors I’ve had teach at other “big time” Universities around the state, and many of them prefer the reality of teaching at the community college level. </p>

<p>I agree with you that different classes have different levels of difficulty, but a large portion of that is laid on the teacher. But, then I have to disagree with you again on the “being far greater challenged at Binghamton” comment. Student’s getting accepted to Ivy league schools has less to do with intellect and more to do with the size of their parents wallets. (Not knocking Ivy Leagues) they are prestigious and highly reputable for a reason, but Im just saying. </p>

<p>Their are other benefits of a school and many other values you must consider. Like for one is the location of Bing. vs. Albany. Albany is in the state capital and their are many resources their for employment into the government sector. Area’s in this department would be beneficial to anyone looking to get into law, or government. I guess this is a matter of people looking for work after school in the immediate area of their college (which I guess in most circumstances isn’t the case), but As I am much older than the typical 4-year college student and am more self established I guess Im looking for a place that suits my needs for a home more. I guess I’d rather pursue my future in Albany (a pretty cool little city, with great resources for jobs in my field) than Bing. (a run down blue collar mill town, which is analogous to the city I’ve grown up near during my life)</p>

22

<p>I disagree with ivy league schools accept those based on how much their parents pay, I have seen plenty of wealthy students get rejected and those less fortunate financially get accepted. Students that get accepted to these great universities get accepted because of their great grades and dedication to school work, not because of their parents income( clearly there will be a few students getting in cause their parents donated a huge sum of money to their school, but this is not the common practice for all students gaining acceptance). Look at average gpa from HS and SAT scores are, and you can see a trend.</p>

<p>Whether you want to believe it or not is your choice, but Binghamton students are one of the higher caliber students throughout the SUNY system, and are on parr to Stony Brook students. These are the 2 best SUNY schools in NY, Buffalo and geneseo ( in my mind) are also pretty good schools. The rest of the SUNY’s are legit universities where you can earn a 4 year degree, but dont compare to the 4 I listed above ( except some might be better at liberal arts, or education). </p>

<p>But with regards to what school to attend, you value location very highly, so obviously it would make sense to take Albany over Binghamton. You described each school very accurately. </p>

<p>And yes, there are firms that hire from less prestigious schools, but I am assuming everyone on the forum is aiming as high as they can in regards to what job they would like. Binghamton is a feeder school to the big 4 accounting firms, so thats a nice plus. For finance though, Binghamton is fairly okay in that area, but its very rare for a Binghamton student to land a Front office job ( higher paying, higher potential banking job), and usually Binghamton students end up with back office jobs ( still great jobs, but not as prestigious or high paying as front office, with less potential job growth also). </p>

<p>ALSO, COMMUNITY COLLEGES ARE absolutely great with teaching and , you are correct, you prob learn the most going there. But employers and grad school see it differently, in that it is easier ( which it is for the most part) and less challenging than a 4-year college. I have personally had experience taking a class at a 4-year/ but community college feel to it, and I can personally say I learned a great amount of material, and it was one of my favorite ways of learning, but the exams were extremely easy for me, and it was the easiest A I had gotten, taking a fairly difficult science class btw also. What matters is what employers and graduate school think, not so much what we ( students) think about the difference between community college and 4-year colleges. </p>

<p>Also, in regards to smaller classes vs bigger, there are positive and negatives to both. You mentioned the positives of smaller. Let me mention the positives of larger. You learn how to survive and think on your own, and how to utilize resources because you dont have anyone holding you hand, such as a Community college teacher would do. You will not have personalized treatment at a larger school with a Professor, unless you go out of your way to try to build a relationship with the Professor, which is what I personally learned how to do because of this environment. This teachers you how to network with others, which you should know, is obviously extremely important. ALSO, you have Teachers assistance (TA) that helps you in mcuh smaller class seperate from the large lecture. These sections are called discussion sections, where the TA goes over homework and any questions you may have, so if you dont feel comfortable talking to the Professors, you have so many other resources for that class. I was a TA, and most students loved the way I taught the material they didnt understand cause I understood how to think as a student, sometimes Professor wont be able to explain certain concepts very well.</p>

23

<p>Anyways. So bing12, I’m thinking about computer science and business but on the bottom line, I’m still undecided. Don’t I choose my major at the end of my sophomore year? What classes would u recommend. Things that interest me are psychology, health, along with comp sci and business. Anything thought provoking or interesting to learn about. Thanks!</p>

24

<p>I never said you didn’t need good grades to get into Ivy league schools (obviously you do need to do extremely well scholastically), I just said a very big reason people go to such schools is their families financial background (which is a huge role in the deciding factor). I have yet to meet one person in my life that has attended and graduated from an Ivy league who has come from a lower class (unwealthy) family. </p>

<p>I can truly care less about all the “statistics” and SAT and whatever scores you can throw out, to label an entire school as “higher caliber” students than somewhere’s else is both arrogant and sort of ridiculous. The very fact I know people “more accomplished” (a very subjective term, but for this sake well say financially and employment wise) who have never attended college at all, and people who have graduated strictly from CC’s that have been far more successful than many people I’ve met who have graduated from “top tier” colleges. By this logic it really is quite silly to say people who attend harder schools to get into are all around more capable of “greater/higher” things as human beings. </p>

<p>Obviously community colleges are generally easier than 4-year colleges, I have yet to see a class above the 300 level (which in that case is even very rare). But even so I have had 100 level courses be harder than 300 level courses, this is really dependent on who your teacher is (especially since their is no regulated form required for teaching at the college level).</p>

<p>I agree that each learning environment has it’s pro’s and con’s, and your insight on the larger class atmosphere does make sense, and I found that info fairly valuable. However, your wrong about CC Professors holding your hand, haha, that’s one thing you’ll never see. What I like most about the smaller class atmosphere is that you really get to pick at your professors brain, and have very relevant and stimulating conversations pertinent to they’re expertise and what they’re teaching. I do realize that most of these bigger classes are typically for the lower level/more general courses, and as you move up in level the classes tend to shrink down. I guess, I’ve just personally found it most valuable especially in the lower level classes to have a more personal class room experience (everyone in the class tends to get to know everyone), where I can see a massive lecture hall to someone new to college as just overwhelming, and sort of drowning.</p>

25

<p>hey GARDENG :</p>

<p>You do decide at the end of sophmore year, thats the deadline, BUT , business is in the School of Management, I am assuming you got accepted into the HARPUR school if Science and Arts correct? It is very difficult to take SOM(school of man) classes if you are a Harpur student, you can chose to do Economics if you may like, then I suggest you take Princ of Microeconomics ( problem is, this is a new teacher teaching it, the last teacher was extremely easy, I am unfamiliar with the new teacher). as for computer science, I am not sure what school ( in Binghamton) that is part of, we have several schools, Harpur is the largest, then you have Watson school of engineering, nursing school, school of education, SOM, and school of education. Find out what majors are offered in your school, it is also very difficult to transfer between schools, especially from HARPUR to another school in Binghamton, so check all this information out before you matriculate. </p>

<p>You must take a class, eventually, with a Professor named Ryan Vaughn, he is a must, easy class, and awesome. HE usually teaches Television classes, comedy classes, he is a comedian, and hilarious during class, he does not hold back. Those are under ENGLISH ( not offered next semester I believe though), but for future ref.</p>

<p>-Take a class with Professor : Christine M. Reiber, she is an anthropology Professor, amazing teacher, I really enjoyed her class I took, she teachers a diff class next semester at 8:30 about evolution, this is a class that will be discussion based and you will learn a great deal from. </p>

<p>I am not sure if you are familiar with RATEMYPROFESSORS.com, but deff use that to your advantage. STudents leave comments on each teacher and their classes, very helpful. I always use it when I am choosing classes, obviously take what you read with a grain of salt. </p>

<p>This site , [Binghamton</a> University Student Association S.O.O.T. Survery Results](<a href=“http://mybingprofessors.com/]Binghamton”>http://mybingprofessors.com/) , is also extremely helpful, these are actual surveys that students take at the end of each class about their teacher, its more legit, check it out, they JUST started this site last semester. </p>

<p>TO BEATRIXKIDDO:</p>

<p>Enjoy Albany, you will have a great time.</p>

26

<p>Computer Science is in the Watson Engineering school, but transferring into that is much easier than into SOM. It is also easy to transfer into the College of Community and Public Affairs (which has one major= Human Development- basically social work). </p>

<p>Anyway, I recommend taking Logic (which I’m sure you’ll be fine with) or Methods of Reasoning as well as a regular Philosophy Course.</p>

<p>For econ, I’ve heard Florenz Plassman was good.</p>

27

<p>Thanks for the course ideas guys. I really appreciate it. Bing12- I was accepted into Watson school of engineering for computer science. I’m gonna take a variety of classes and hopefully discover a passion. Thanks again bing12 and caemin!</p>

28

<p>Great information here. A poster mentioned Geneseo. It seems to me that the main difference between the two is the sizes and locations of the schools. Other than that, they have excellent reputations and difficult admissions requirements. Any thoughts? Anyone get into both and choose Geneseo over Bing?</p>

29

<p>I went to SUNY Albany almost 30 years ago, and back then it was a really good school academically, most of my peers, including myself went on to be quite succesful, in career in business, medicine, law, etc. Is it really possible that this N.Y. University has taken such a fall? My impression ( before college confidential and other sources) was that the state universities have become more selective. Also, although Binghamton maintains more difficult credentials for admission, it is a smaller school with very different from Albany ( no off campus life, no government internships) I need some input from current Albany students- what happened? We had fun and worked hard. ( saw that eggs and kegs video, really scary!)</p>

30

<p>Binghamton’s school of management is ranked #12 in the nation by Business week. Accounting is only NUMBER 2 IN THE NATION by Business Week.</p>

<p>Students in SOM get great internships and job offers many before their senior year starts!</p>

<p>Binghamton is the top SUNY University and top public university in the northeast. Wouldn’t you want to go to the best in the state?</p>

31

<p>Yes. I am glad I made my decision. Now I can’t wait.</p>

32

<p>I just visited Bing. to make my final decision if I would attend there or Albany. And I’m definitely going to Albany. Binghamton is identical to Waterbury, (city where I live around) but more red-neck/hillbilly than ghetto; something I’ve been wanting to get away from for sometime now. lol The billboards are Primarily Keystone Light and Busch Ad’s (gross) and I saw a Wendy’s sign say “Get your Maroon 5 tickets here”! haha. Took a picture of that. </p>

<p>While I know Bing. has the better reputation, and I thought the school was pretty nice, I guess me being older location really has a bigger part in my decision of where to go. I’d just rather be in a nice small city rather than out in the middle of nowhere, But I wish you the best of luck Gardengnome, whatever school you choose you’ll be fine, there all good schools.</p>

33

<p>Ok, so I’d like some help too, and want to add my few cents in here, too as I am from Albany, NY. First, I am a current undergrad student at SUNY Potsdam for Business Admin with a minor in Music Business. I am thinking about maybe going for my MBA and since Potsdam is 4 hours from Albany I really don’t wanna travel crazy hours if I decide to go away again (plus I’m 30, long story). So I have some questions: #1. How hard is it to get into Binghamton’s MBA program? #2. Does New Paltz have a good MBA program? #3. Albany’s MBA program-how is it? Since I’m from Albany I’ve never personally been crazy about going there since I’ve seen it my whole entire life and am not crazy about it (just way too big for me, especially now coming from Potsdam, one of the smaller SUNY campuses). But again with me being 30, it’s close to home and if it’s got a good MBA program I might be interested. #4. What are New Paltz and Binghamton town-wise like? I read Binghamton was red-necky? Honestly if you’ve never been to Potsdam I can’t imagine how much different it would be. There is hardly ANYTHING up here: 3 bars, a Wal-mart, a few Mom & Pop’s, but really not much else-I’m not kidding. But with all that being said it’s a really special town. (You will not understand this till you go here, but I digress). So anyways, any feedback on the above 3 places would be much appreciated. Thank you! :)</p>

34

<p>I went to check out New Paltz, very cool little hippie town, very artsy, but it has a warm and cozy feel to it. Being located in the lower Hudson area though it is more expensive than a lot of other area’s (tends to happen as you get closer to the city).</p>

<p>Binghamton is probably not much different from how you described Potsdam. It’s a run-down blue collar mill town, I just went this past Monday to go and visit and see if it was where I wanted to be (see my post above). It’s probably a little more populated than Potsdam, it has a decent size to it, but it is sort of run-down and there really isn’t much there as far as established businesses or downtown life. </p>

<p>I don’t know much about the MBA programs themselves at each school, though I would definitely make a day trip to go and check out the Bing. and New Paltz schools and towns for yourself. I know everyone raves about the business program at Bing., depending on your GPA I guess would determine your acceptance or not. I applied as a transfer this year with a 3.67 GPA and got in. Not sure about New Paltz’s program exactly. But if you are looking to apply it to the music business, I think New Paltz may benefit you as far as connections with artists and that sort of thing. Im a (retired) audio engineer, spent some years working in the entertainment business, hate it, but you get far by simply knowing the right people. New Paltz seems like the type of school to attract many artists/ entertainment oriented folks.</p>

<p>You said something about not wanting to travel to far from Albany? New Paltz is very close, Bing. is a bit further west, though the drive seems to take a lot longer considering the miles and miles of mountains and nothingness (though I travel through I-84 to I-86/ RT 17), so it’s probably a lot shorter for you. Funny how we all tend to grow sick of the places we live in for so long, I think you should go and see what each school is like, worth the drive to make a decision.</p>

35

<p>I love the town of New Paltz. My son is graduating from there this May and I am looking forward to visiting again. It does have a funky 60’s vibe, but lots of tourists come through who go hiking, biking, snow boarding and rock climbing in the region. When you visit, try and check out the sidestreets and not just Main Street. There are so many restaurants in town…I tried counting once as we were driving through and got to 26 and that was just going along Main Street. This time of year you will have all the students milling around and playing music in shop doorways. While there is a large artsy population there are other depts. that are strong as well. The business school has a good reputation and my son got to go on their free conference to New Orleans even though he’s not a business major…did some art work for them.
I think New Paltz is a fun place to go to school and has a lot to offer. Good luck with your decision.</p>