<p>[COLOR=lime]CONGRATULATIONS!![/COLOR]
Binghamton University Class of 2014</p>
<p>I'd like to extend a warm welcome to accepted students and their families! As a freshman at Binghamton University, I still have vivid memories of the agonizing wait before receiving my decision in the mail. Yes, I checked BU Brain daily and monitored my mailbox like a hawk. But hey, in the end, didn't it all pay off when you received that giant</a> green envelope?</p>
<p>Choosing which college to attend is by no means a small decision, as there are a multitude of factors that go into it: reputation, financial aid, student life, academics, and so much more! </p>
<p>[COLOR=seagreen]REPUTATION
Binghamton has been hailed as "the premier public university in the northeast" by the Fiske Guide To Colleges, and our students say we're "Delivering Ivy League academics and a good social experience at a state school price."</p>
<p>I could list the various awards we've received, but that would take up too much space!</p>
<p>>></a> B-Informed: reputation </p>
<p>FINANCIAL AID
As a member of the State University of New York, Binghamton is the definition of affordable. When you compare our cost of attendance to comparable private schools, the real question is: "Can you afford NOT to attend Binghamton?"</p>
<p>Our typical cost of attendance for a resident is $17,895. This includes tuition and fees, as well as room and board. For out of state students, add $7,900.</p>
<p>Kiplinger's Personal Finance ranks us as #1 best value for out of state students, and #5 overall.</p>
<p>>></a> B-Informed: cost of attendance
>></a> B-Informed: financial aid</p>
<p>STUDENT LIFE
With over 200 student organizations on campus, intramural sports and more, student life at Binghamton rocks! Opportunity abounds at Binghamton. You could become a member of an intramural sports team, join a cultural organization on campus, become an EMT (and drive an ambulance!), and so much more!</p>
<p>Student life also encompasses Residential Life, the Career Development Center, and a variety of other departments. I simply can't even pretend to summarize everything we have to offer in a paragraph, so you should definitely check out the link below!</p>
<p>>></a> B-Informed: student life</p>
<p>ACADEMICS
We don't have a reputation for excellence for no reason. Whether it's business, nursing, engineering, psychology, chemistry and more, we've got it! Binghamton has nearly 130 academic offerings, so you're sure to find something of interest to you during your journey here. </p>
<p>You can double major (i.e., a dual degree in English and Psychology), or even opt for the 5-year combined Bachelor's/Master's program -- saving you time and money! </p>
<p>Want to explore the world? That's no problem at all here at Binghamton, as we currently sponsor over 25 active study-abroad and exchange programs in a wide variety of locations and fields and new programs are constantly being developed. In addition, Binghamton students have access to the more than 520 study-abroad programs sponsored by SUNY institutions, and even have the option of looking at programs outside the SUNY system. There are programs in every field and on every continent, so there are plenty of options to choose from!</p>
<p>>></a> B-Informed: academics****
"SO MUCH MORE"
[ul]
[<em>]With a freshmen retention rate averaging 92% over the past 10 years, the statistics speak for themselves: our students love it here!
[</em>]Forbes ranked Binghamton as #1 in the Northeast and #4 in the nation among public universities for top starting salaries (2008)
[/ul]I know that college decisions should not be taken lightly, and I want you all to know that I'm here to help. You can start threads on College Confidential, send me a message on [URL="<a href="http://www.facebook.com/markzee%22%5Dfacebook%5B/URL">http://www.facebook.com/markzee"]facebook[/URL</a>], or email me at [EMAIL="<a href="mailto:mzakari1@binghamton.edu">mzakari1@binghamton.edu</a>"]<a href="mailto:mzakari1@binghamton.edu">mzakari1@binghamton.edu</a>. Ask me anything!</p>
<p>Congratulations on your acceptance, and I look forward to your questions! </p>
<p>Best Regards,
Mark Zakariya
Binghamton University '13[/COLOR]</p>