<p>SUNY Binghamton v. Skidmore College</p>
<p>For a long time I wanted to go to Skidmore. I was in love with the atmosphere of the school, it's sleepaway camp feel, the leftist politics on campus, and the size.</p>
<p>For a long time I really really didn't want to go to Binghamton. I hated the cold and sterile feel of the school, the overrepresentation of Long Island among the students, and what I felt was a bland and general education.</p>
<p>I felt that my life would go very different directions depending on which of these schools I went to, the better one being with Skidmore.</p>
<p>However, now im having second thoughts. Hands down, if money wasnt a factor I'd be going to Skidmore; but it is, forcing me to do alot more thinking. Skidmore is a lesser-ranked LAC, not Harvard, and I wonder if the ensuing financial debt would be worth it. I'm a firm believer that the best education comes from one where you can work closely with a professor, not one where you sit in lectures or work with TAs. But I also wonder how it would feel in four years as I realize I'm already done with Skidmore, and I now have a pretty hefty some of money to pay back.</p>
<p>How much debt would Skidmore require?</p>
<p>I haven't received my aid package from Skidmore yet, but my finances would end up looking APPROXIMATELY like this:</p>
<p>Skidmore: - $40,000
Binghamton: + $50,000</p>
<p>I do not think that Skidmore or virtually any college is worth going $40 k in debt. I can imagine going $20 k in debt, but not as much in debt as your aid package would require.</p>
<p>If I were you, I'd consider going to Binghamton and then transferring to a private LAC that costs less than Skidmore. If you look in the south or the midwest, you can find LACs costing less than Skidmore.</p>
<p>Another option would be to transfer to a low cost public LAC equivalent such as UNC Asheville, New College of Florida or U Minn. Morris. Perhaps some now are even still accepting applications.</p>
<p>One last suggestion: Check with Skidmore to see if there are some scholarships that you might qualify for after freshman year or if there are aways to cut your costs such as being a resident assistant.</p>
<p>Northstarmom, I appreciate your advice. I understand what you mean, but it would be difficult to now, before I start college, plan on transfering midway. If anything I would plan on trying to enjoy Binghamton and not have to transfer. Well perhaps there will be a different story in a week or so when I get my response from Skidmore, though I'm fairly certain it will work the way I said as they have already offered me an estimate.</p>
<p>Whoops didnt see that last post. Good idea, I will do that! Thanks again.</p>
<p>Also see if you can ask Skidmore to give you a larger proportion of aid in grants. Perhaps if you emphasize it's your first choice college, they'd be willing to do that. Sometimes colleges will change aid packages.</p>
<p>Keep in mind, however, that one's first year aid packages is usually as good as it gets. Many colleges routinely increase the amount of loans and self help each year, particularly after junior year, when students are in a position to earn more through summer employment.</p>
<p>SUNY Binghamton might just surprise you. True, it is not as "artsy" as Skidmore, but there are some very interesting people at Bing. In fact, I would venture to say that you're going to meet a wider assortment of people - racially, ethnically, economically - at Bing than at Skidmore. NSM has given you good advice. Good luck with your decision!</p>
<p>carolyn, that is something to think about! thanks! Yeah, something I was very into regarding Skidmore was the way the arts pervaded the campus, which seemed to naturally lead to a more creative atmosphere. You think I could find something similair at Binghamton?</p>