Hello,
I applied to 12 schools- RPI, Lehigh, Lafayette, Cornell, WPI, Binghamton, Rutgers, Buffalo, CO Mines, Bucknell, SUNY-ESF, and Stony Brook. (NY State Student) I got into all of these except Cornell, which gave me a Transfer Option for Sophomore year. My father said that there is no way I can go to a private school due to our financial situation and our lack of scholarships from most of the private schools. I got financial aid from all SUNYs except Binghamton, and my dad indicated that even that may be too much to pay. My mom says I can go anywhere and she would make it work. I didn’t really have a dream school, Cornell was my favorite but not by too much. That left the SUNYs I was planning to major in Civil or Environmental Engineering so I ruled out Binghamton because it didn’t have the program. I also ruled out Buffalo because it was too far. After visiting both ESF and Stony Brook I chose ESF since I was much more impressed with their program. I haven’t officially committed yet though. However, the more I think about it the more I can’t see myself at ESF. I feel like there is not as much diversity on campus, and there isn’t much prestige or recognition in the job market. At this point though i’m not sure where else i’d go. I feel like I made the wrong decision and that I should have applied to schools that would be more economically viable. I kind of feel like i’m settling with ESF. Although, i’m not sure if I have any reason to be worried or if these feelings are just stress about making such a big decision. What do you think I should do?
You didn’t get merit at any of the privates? From your acceptances you must be a very strong candidate.
I’m actually in the same boat. I was planning to go for the cheapest option despite my parents encouraging me to go for the one I liked the best, but then I researched and compared the colleges on the basis of how much they’re worth the price and I’m leaning more towards my first choice because I feel like the students there have a more successful future. The price is definitely a huge aspect but think of the quality, too, and choose something that you think you wouldn’t regret later in your life. That was my thought process, at least. Hope it works out, for both me and you!
Actually for Environmental Engineering ESF is very prestigious and regarded in the job market. Its difficult to get into and considered the best of the best for environmental degrees. You are also a Syracuse University student when you go to ESF so you will find plenty of diversity there. If you want a larger environment that ESF, you are literally also living on the SU campus and can take classes and join any clubs or greek life there. ESF has a really nice dorm and you can even see the carrier dome from it! You will have a great experience at ESF (if you choose to make it one) and its very highly regarded. Times have changed…due to cost public schools are now getting the best students and privates are getting who can pay. Congratulations!
@socalmom007 Sorry for the late reply. I got merit aid from a few of the privates. I think the most was $19k from RPI, which is nothing considering that the cost of attendance is $70k.
Anyway, I am still pretty much sure I am going to ESF but still have concerns, and still have Binghamton and Stony Brook at the back of my mind. Is there any other advice anyone can give me? I am desperate for some insight! Thanks!
Not my personal experience but Buffalo is well regarded for engineering. If you are coming from the NYC or Long Island area, there are frequent Jet Blue flights.
@bookmama22 I am from the NYC area, but I don’t think I would be able to afford flights, and I would like to have the option to come home once in a while. Syracuse is far but not too far.
My son will be attending SUNY Fredonia, which is about 45 minutes south of Buffalo. We have decided to fly him home for Thanksgiving, at least the first year. Other than that, he will take Amtrak or the school sponsored bus, shich I think all SUNY’s have.