<p>I paid my commitment deposit about a month ago with the intent of attending a university (Binghamton- located in upstate NY).
Initially, because of financial problems, I was quite hesitate, but in the end, I figured networking and "enjoying the college experience" would be much more rewarding, though I'll likely accumulate 25k of debt. I will be entering as a transfer student. However, now I am questioning my decision. Recently, through a friend, I was able to land myself a part time job (minimum pay) to keep me occupied this summer. I was also notified that I will be awarded federal work study if I decide to stay at my current school an extra semester. What would you do? Yes, I know I should be making my own decisions,but I really need some hardcore advice right now.</p>
<p>Binghamton as you may or may not know is ranked #1 Suny institution in the NY state.
Heard reviews that city life sucks
Will be paying around 22k by the end considering I saved up enough.
Adjusting to college dormitory & social life & classes.
May put me at a better position for landing a career job?</p>
<p>I'm from NYC so life here is more vivid. The advantage is I may still hold onto that part time job (if anything build connection with my center to find a job/internship related to major), my tuition is taken care of by the government (low family income), I'll get federal work study and my course load may not be as hard. My GPA stands at a little less than a 3.3 right now. Work hard for a semester and transfer to a better school? NYU, syracuse?</p>
<p>Ps. I didn't read the commitment fee agreement, but what will happen if I end up not attending? I know I'll probably won't get my refund.</p>
<p>Best,</p>
<p>well I would assume that if you just decide against attending Binghamton you will loose your deposit. As you probably are aware both of those schools NYU and Syracuse will cost you over 50 grand a year close to 56 grand for NYU. As a transfer student at both of those schools that do not meet full need you probably will not receive a very desireable financial aid package. Especially at NYU, a school known to be stingy with its financial aid even for incoming freshmen. If you look at the NYU transfer thread you will notice that the people that do get accepted receive close to zero financial aid. Out of those two options Syracuse would be much easier to gain admissions to provided that you are not applying to Newhouse. If you have a little less than a 3.3 i am not sure that you would be able to bring it up to at least a 3.6 needed for a school like NYU. I was looking up stats for Syracuse and on their website they claim to take about 300 transfer students in the fall and also do offer merit but only upto 6 grand. I am unsure of how many credits you have but if you have over 30 you do not need to submit your high school transcript for SAT scores which is a plus. Also I beleive for NYU once you have at least 60 plus credits no SAT scores are needed. So my questions for you are: How much can you afford? Are you looking for a school in NY? Big or small? How many credits do you currently have? What major are you?</p>
<p>Yes, I am aware both schools are costly. My goal is to attend a institution where I can get a lot out of my education and career. Prestige is a part of it. I just don’t know if it’s worth the debt especially with the economy as it is right now. </p>
<p>To answer your question simply, no, I cannot afford attendance. Yes, I seek NY schools for convenience and cost - no preference in size. I currently have 55 credits. My major is still undecided for now - set on business or dentistry (two very different field, i know.)</p>
<p>Best,</p>
<p>Well I am not sure of what school you attend currently, NYU is a very good school but I would not say that It is worth the amount of debt for the prestige. If you are interested in business of course stern is a very desireable place but it is extremely competitve to transfer into from a different school as well as for current NYU students in different colleges. Binghamton is also quite a reputable school or course not nearly prestigous but for the instate cost and the education it can be a steal for you. 25k of debt is alot but certaintly much more manageable then trying to pay for NYU or Syracuse. Also if you like the city have you ever considered at Cuny like Hunter or Baruch? Since you are interested in dentistry it would be in your best interest to free to attend undergraduate debt free because dentistry school will be expensive. Also if you stay at your school and are able to pull up your grades you can attend dentistry school at a more prestigous university such as NYU or even Columbia(idk if they have one). If anything it matters more where you attend graduate or professional school. Another school in NYC for business could be fordham certaintly has a reputable business program and is more well know than binghamton and cheaper than NYU or Syracuse. How many credits do you have so far?</p>
<p>I’m not sure if you missed it in my last post but I currently have 55 so far. Yes, I definitely considered Hunter and Baruch. While they are reputable for their low cost and decent education, I also want that social aspect (my primary reason for applying to binghamton in the first place, my apologies for not mentioning it beforehand) I don’t know much about Fordham but I guess it is worth looking into. Maybe you’re right, I should finish undergrad debt-free. It seems plausible. However, my concern is graduating with regret that I haven’t made much friends/connections and fun…</p>
<p>Sorry, I somehow missed the amount of credits lol. Once you have 60 plus credits alot of schools will no longer look at your high school grades or SAT scores as a transfer. Definitely take a look at Fordham, the campus from what I hear is gorgeous its in the bronx and has a top 50 undergraduate business school. Haha as far as the fun goes, maybe you would be happier at a large state flagship but unforunately New York does not have any and oos publics are quite expensive. If that is what you are looking for Penn state would be your place unless you are more of a city person. In that case maybe Boston College or Boston University would be a better fit. As far as Binghamton goes much like Stony Brook both reputable with a lowish cost but the location is probably not going to be the most appealing or hip place. I think what you are looking for is a good state flagship but that would require a decent amount of money and traveling out of state for college. Also keep in mind it doesnt weigh heavily on where you attend undergraduate as long as you perform well which can open up more doors for you to attend highly ranked graduate or professional school. Also keep in mind with transferring up to a more prestigous school the courses may be more difficult and have a negative effect on your grades and even prohibit you from getting into a top grad school afterwards.</p>
<p>Makes sense, but if I intend to extend my education in professional and top tier schools for grad, shouldn’t I be challenging myself in tougher course work? (normally found in universities). I agree - If I had the money I would undoubtedly study elsewhere other than NY. But, given my situation, what would you do? I want to be able to gradate out of a well known school, be able to find a decent job right out of college and use the money to pay for higher education. Alongside that, I want a school where I can easily fit in, become socially active and build a interpersonal life as well. What is the best option for me, sir.</p>
<p>I honestly appreciate your responses thus far. Very informative and helpful. Thank you.</p>
<p>I do agree what for the upper division and level classes that are definitely stronger at top tier universities. I would also like to state that most introduction classes like math and sciences are pretty standard all around. So if you are not currently at a Suny or Cuny then are you at community college? In that case you would most definitely need to transfer after receiving an associate degree. If you are at another I guess less well known school in NY and are looking to transfer, Binghamton is definitely a step up academically and prestige wise. I am unsure exactly of the social life but it is in upstate NY, the town itself may not be booming but visit and see if the social life is a fit for you. I realize you will graduate with debt if you transfer anywhere which I would be afraid of since you want to pursue a post undergraduate education. I also get your point of view in wanting to socially have a good time, receive what you belief to be a more serious and prestigious degree/educations, and maybe have greater placement for jobs. I think you should look up binghamtons recruitment in your areas of interest and make the choice and see if it is worth the debt. You will accumulate more debt ontop of that for grad school or dentistry school. Binghamton would probably provide you will better job placement than where you currently are provided that you do well academically. I feel like if you stay another semester to increase your gpa you would have better chances at more well known schools If you decide Binghamton is not a fit for you. When do you ave to decide on Binghamton? I would definitely suggest talking with your parents and maybe even your counselor If they are aware of your desire to move up.</p>
<p>I actually attend a Cuny college right now, Brooklyn to be precise. It is a 4-year institution so I can stay an extra semester if needed be. I rushed making the decision to pay my commitment fee to binghamton because deadline was a day away. I already made a reservation to attend Binghamton this month for an orientation. However, by going, they’ll (advisers) assume I am attending in the fall so they’ll have me register classes. My dilemma is that I am undecided. If I stay one more semester at my college, I’ll save a ton of money with the expense of sacrificing the “experience”. The past two years has been the same for me - Attend school, come home, watch tv, sleep. The clubs and sports team here sucks and are only held once a week. By staying, like you said, I could have a better chance at other schools in Ny state like Fordham, St john and possibly Cornell. Of course given I do well that semester.</p>
<p>Yeah I totally forgot about St Johns lol!!! You actually probably have the stats to get into there now but one semester of improving your grades would help alot. Funny story I actually have a friend whose dad went to Cuny Brooklyn, went to NYU for dental school and owns his own dental practice. It is definitely possibile to go that route just alot of hard work. As for taking the semester to save up money and get your grades up do you believe that is worth the sacrifice of your social life for one more semester? You can choose binghamton in the fall in the pursuit of a traditional “experience” at a higher cost or strive the next semester at your current school unhappy but motivated with the chance of gaining acceptance to an even more prestigous school. As you said before you are undecided and there is no need to rush into a major until you are set on it. You have a tough choice to make but only you can make it maybe with guideance or help from your parents. What are you leaning towards?</p>
<p>Also PM me your response so I do not take over your thread lol</p>
<p>Will pm^. Anyone else like to share their input on this ?</p>
<p>still seeking answers.</p>