SUNY Binghamton vs CUNY Baruch with Boston University as end goal

If my goal is to end up at Boston University for engineering after 1 year at either school as a transfer what would make sense to attend. I have a 33 ACT and around a 3.0 from a prestigious high school, my guidance counselor said either school with good grades should be OK to transfer into Boston University which is why I am leaning towards Baruch for the social aspect (I am from NYC and will have many NYU friends and high school friends) but I am concerned the academic superiority of Binghamton is too much to sacrifice. Any thoughts would be appreciated as I have to deposit at either school by the end of the day.

I’d pick the school you’d be happiest at if you end up having to spend all 4 years there. Are both equally affordable?

Agree. IMO it is a mistake to go into a school assuming you will transfer. If you go in with one foot out the door you will never give yourself a chance to develop meaningful friendships, get involved on campus etc. And transfers typically get very little aid if that is a concern. If you want to be an engineer, I’d go to Binghamton to study engineering (does Baruch even have engineering?), and if you decide to throw in a transfer application and see what happens that is fine, but don’t bank on it working out.

Pick one school and try to spend all four years there. I’d recommend Binghamton in this instance, neither of the CUNYs even really compare academically with the top SUNYs, Baruch included.

Baruch does not have engineering. You need to move “social aspect” down on your priority list and move “engineering” up. At Binghamton you can get a start on your engineering curriculum, assuming you were accepted to Watson.

Plenty of NYC kids at Binghamton. Chances are you will bump into a friend or two.

Good luck on your decision!

@austinmshauri yes

@thugwaffle, can you afford Boston University as a transfer if you do happen to get in? I think that @ucbalumnus says that the important thing is that the engineering program is ABET accredited. I’d be hesitant to enroll in a school with the intention of transferring after a year, but if that was my plan I’d choose based on academics, not social life. What are your parents saying?

@austinmshauri luckily I could afford it, my parents aren’t really pushing me in either direction, I could also do a gap year program at Bar Ilan in Israel and re apply to American school from there.

Then you’re in the fortunate position of attending whichever school feels like the best fit for you. If Baruch feels right, then deposit there.