SUNY at Binghamton Top Questions

When looking for the perfect college you really need to take into account the academics of the institution, the activities and sports teams it has, and the reputation it holds. These are the obvious factors, but the ones that are really important in picking the right school for you are the location, size, climate, and distance from home. What is really really important to do is to visit as many schools as you can and really do your research (take lots of pictures when your there and compare later!). The most important thing for me was the overall feel of the school as I was there, not only taking the tour, but just walking around and talking to students. Don't be a tourist! Go eat in the dining halls, walk around places they don't take you on the tour, if they show you a model room only, ask to see a real one! The most important factor is how you feel just walking around there, books and the internet can only tell so much, you need to make sure you want to make it your new home for the next 4 years! Keep your head up. Good luck!!!!!

try harder wht u looking for, until u get the right one !!!

College is an experience that is amazing and you will enjoy it to the fullest. In choosing a college you want to go where people from the same background as you go to, but you also have a chance to meet new people. Obviously the educational programs, campus, and social life are a big part of the decision, but one must think of what is right for them. Therefore I believe high school seniors shoudl go visit any school they have an interest in and not just take the regular campus sponsored tours. Sit in on random classes, visit the residence halls, talk to students, and even in the dining facility! Even though this only might be a few hours you will get a feel of what it would be like to be a student at the school. Then when you start your freshman year you will have a heads up about the classes youre going to take and the people you will be surrounded by. To make the most of your opportunity one must be willing to meet anybody in the school and be able to effectively manage their time and have a good work life balance.

Try to pick a school you really enjoy before you attend.

Go somewhere that you will enjoy but remember that no matter how well or poorly you do grades and a dimploma hanging on the wall are not the only important things. Be happy and enjoy ever day. Most of all understand that there are many options out there for yourself. Do what you feel is going to work best for you. If you do poorly or geat a bad GPA its not the end of the world. Grow and learn from mistakes. Set your mind to it and you will accomplish anything you want to. Good luck.

I would recommend visiting the campuses of your top chocies. It is important to see if you can picture yourself as being a part of the campus and actually being on campus (especially during a normal weekday) helps.

Prospective students should do thorough research on their program of interest. This can include on-line searches, and visiting the campus itself to meet with professors, and current students to get a better idea of the school. Campus tours are very helpful and parents are encouraged to attend. There are also a number of books available that outline school profiles. Once enrolled, a student should maximize their experience by finding activities of their interest to participate in. Finding a balance between school work, and fun activities is key, but definitely manageable. Talking to upperclassmen on strategies may be extremely beneficial.

In modern times, it is difficult to find the right school to meet your personal interests and the right school to meet your financial interests. Often parents and students are forced to choose between the two. My advice would be to start searching for colleges early in high school. With the current state of the economy, decide how good of a value your school is and the expense of living in the area. Most of all, go with your gut feeling and don't let finances be the determining factor. When you arrive at college, make the most of your college experience by doing things you never thought you would do. Be open to new people and new ideas. If you were shy and had little friends in high school, consider joining a fraternity. If you did very few activities in high school, choose several extra programs and explore your interests. Lastly, remember that college (like high school) does not last forever. You only have four year to make the best of everything. Don't be lazy, put yourself out there, and live these years to the fullest before it's too late.

Dont rush your decision. Take as much time as you see necessary. Tours are a huge help as well!

I visited every school I was interested in applying to. After visiting 10 schools I applied to only 5 of them. There is much to be said about how you feel when standing on a campus, somtimes more than whatever anyone else says about a school. These are a very important 4 years of your life, and just because a school has a good reputation or a high price tag does not mean it will be worth your time and money or make you happy. I picked Binghamton University over University of Rochester a very strong school and could not be happier with my decision. I cannot over emphasize my belief in the importance of being happy with your college of choice and not putting some big private schools name before your gut feeling. Your degree will take you just about anywhere if you work hard enough, regardless of what school you went to. There is no need to put yourself in 200,000 dollars of debt for a school that means little more than one with a significantly smaller price tag that you feel more excited about attending.

Students should visit the college before they go. They should also try to pick a general direction they want to move in before deciding on a college. If a student plans on going to graduate school, where you go for undergrad is not important.

The best school for you may not be the one your friends go to or the one with the most prestige. Choose a school that fits who you are and if you work hard, you will become who you want to be. Look at schools you think you will hate and give them a chance. The things that might matter the most when you are in high school arent the most important in the long run. Dont let yourself get wrapped up in peoples opinions of the social life. this is college- you will make friends going to school in a cabin on a tundra. love where you are and what you do and you will love where you end up.

I happened to be one of those people that immediately got the feeling, "This is it, this is where I am supposed to be," when I walked on the campus tour of SUNY Binghamton. I think it is everyone?s hope to feel this instant connection with a school, but it?s important to remember that doesn?t always happen, and that?s okay. It is so important for parents and students to keep an open mind during this search. There are many great schools out there that offer wonderful opportunities. One will be right for you! To students: apply to schools that have the programs that interest you. If you are unsure of your interests, apply to liberal arts schools; these schools give you the freedom to explore. To parents: support your children in their decisions. This is a new and big step for graduating high school seniors and it is much easier to do when they have their parents behind them. All schools have positives and negatives, and once you are in a school, whether it was a your 1st choice or last choice, you will find a niche because there really is a school for everyone.

Don't fret. it's only college

To make the most out of your college experience you have to join an activity or club to meet friends. Otherwise, your only real chance at making friends is through drinking and partying. Find your fit on campus and you'll be set.

For students who are searching for the "right college" I would say to go with what your gut is telling you, if you get a good vibe from the school when you visit it, then it is probably the right school for you. Don't worry too much about money, because there are financial aid offices and student loans that can be found, plus a multitude of scholarships available. If you find that you absolutely love the school, then go there. It also helps if you do a tour with a group of people, and make friends during new student orientations.

The best advice I could give to students and their families about finding the right college would be to just see what school fits your personality, and your expectations of size and academic achievement. Money is a significant aspect too, but it should not be your first priority. Make sure the place is right for you, and then work to find a financial plan that works for you or find other schools that are similar, but with lower tuition costs. Also, make sure that finances do not get in the way of getting a good education. You could go to a really inexpensive school, but if the education you receive there is not applicable to the life you want to lead, then it is worthless and a waste of your time. Also, do not pick a school just because your family wants you to go there or your best friend is going there. What might by good for your parents or your best friend may not be good for you. Plus, who knows, people change over time and you may not be friends with that person anymore by the end of the year.

Parents should travel to various colleges and thoroughly review the campus as well as meet with faculty at the institution. One of the hardest things for a incoming freshman is transitioning into college from high school. Also make sure that academic advising offices are very adequate with well trained staff and maintain satisfaction among students. For the first year, academics is important but getting out and developing social networks is also important in college. Once advising offices and social surroundings has been checked, look at campus housing as first year students will probably dorm. Make sure the buildings are up to date meeting safety regulations as well as having helpful staff in the Residence halls. Overall, the student should enjoy the University in terms of campus atmosphere, academic potential, faculty and even career services. For students, make sure that there won't be any diversity issues such as having difficulty with a room mate of different ethnicity. Campus life is very important so if one wants to get actively involved look into various clubs, sports, student government and even undergraduate teaching positions.

I would advise parents to really put every option in front of their kids before sending off to school. They need to emphasize the fact that getting a job is sometimes more important and must be taken into consideration over following every dream. However, they should not push their kids to go into the wrong field and give up hope on what they truly want to do. Prospective students should try and get exposure into as many things as they can before they decide on a school because it is very hard to transfer and change majors, despite what some people might say. There is a lot of pressure to get a quick job and make a lot of money, but happiness is always a goal. By exploring options extremely early, a student can find a good balance between a successful path and an enjoyable one.

You want to make sure that the colleges you're looking at have what you're interested in, but also allow for branching out, because plenty of people change their mind. Also, you want to be sure the surrounding area is suitable, be it a city, the countryside, or something in between. I also found it important that the students and university as a whole were dedicated to working hard, but not so focused on it that they couldn't spend any time not doing school work. Essentially make sure you take the school's temperature so to speak, so you aren't surprised when you get there that it wasn't what you'd first thought.

It's very important to go to the school that you want to go to. It may sound wasteful, but don't go to a school because it costs less. Take out loans, apply for scholarships becuase in the end, your happiness is so much more important. Go to a school which has many different majors, not just one or two that you might be interested in. Talk with students who go to this school and see what their complaints are and whether or not you can see yourself handling these. Visit! It's an easy way to gauge the size and the general population, would these be people that you can see youself associating with, you can rule out schools easily this way. Lastly, don't be afraid of transferring. If you sense that you're miserable, don't think, I should stick this out for a couple of years, trust yourself and speak with an academic advisor right away to discuss options.

Students: Be open minded, you will meet people who have a totally different backround than you but they might have more to offer you then those who think, talk,dress and look like you. Be open minded about the school also, college is what YOU make it, it took me 2 years to figure that one out. Things are not just going to happen, you have to be proactive, get involved in clubs and don't be afraid to meet new people. If you have a bad attitude you won't have a good experience. Also you will be around drugs and beer often no matter where you go (or at least you will have the optionto be) make smart choices. That doesnt mean never drink, or never do drugs...but be smart about it...and dont party till 4am when you have a midterm the next day....also dont wait till last minute to write that 15 page paper...its not high school. OH and don't screw girls over, they all talk to eachother. Parents: Thanks for everything...please back off.

Choose your college wisely and be sure to play an active role on your campus. No one wants to spend their college years playing Xbox all day...it's just not socially acceptable.

I think the most important thing about the college experience is forming relationships with other people that could last forever. College is the time to really expand, break out of your shell, and meet new people. While academics are definitely important, college would be a waste of money and time if all you did was spend it in the library. Join a club or a sports team. I have grown a lot throughout my college experience so far, and it is more because of my relationships with other people and my interactions with them than from the classes I have taken. I'm not saying the classes in college can't open your eyes, but just make sure you don't take your time in college for granted, and go out and meet people for sure.

Make the best choice, but bear in mind to look at the cost. You might be able to afford it for one or two years, but remember you will be there from 4 to 6 years depending. Also if you are aiming for grad school, do not spend a ton of money on your first 4 years

I would say that for parents looking at a college, the campus is of vital importance: make sure that the facilities (housing, dining, academic, etc.) are up to snuff, because if they aren't, no amount of academic acolades will make the school worthwhile. For making the most of the college experience, I would avoid fraternities at all costs, and focus on developing a close network of friends, but not neglecting schoolwork in the process.

visit it first

be open minded, just avoid binghamton university

Visit as many colleges as possible and remember to visit the surrounding area as well.

Don't stress too much.

More expensive colleges will have more expensive students. A learning environment is much more condusive to humbled open-minded people. At a school like Harvard you will find geniuses, but no down to earth people. Save the $100,000 send your kid to a state school and give him half when he graduates, you'll both be much happier. While your kids are at school it is most important that they learn how to learn from others. Reading a textbook does not apply in the job market and that is one of the most important things i leanred at Binghamton. Tell your kid to get a 3.0 GPA or better and get a great internship, thats how s/he gets a good job. And you'll each have $50,000 extra to go around the world and really learn something.

Choosing the right college is a process that can be overwhelming for both students and parents. From my experience, as a transfer student who didn't find her place until University #2, I would advice really thinking about what your interests are, what they might be in the future, and keeping an open mind. I've changed my major 3 times and it was only after opening my initial tunnel-vision that I was able to find something I truly loved doing. No matter where you are, you can find a way to do what you love and be with people you can have a connection with. Keep a smile on always, and there will always be a way through.

join a club or organization to meet people and stay positive, college is like any other situation it only as good as you can make it.

Visit the places, ask the students, do it early. You will spend a lot of time at your college, you don't want it to be more difficult than it already is. And lastly, dont panic. If it is not right for you, you can transfer (I did 3 times). College is a stepping stone, its not make it or break it. Thats a myth.

The most important thing that I would tell parents and students is that a combination of educational, social, and economic comfort should be how you decide where you will spend the four most important years of your life. Of course you need to find the right educational situation where you are pushed to succeed, but not to the point of exhaustion. One aspect that parents may tend to overlook is the social comfort level that students need to be successful in college. Saying that doesn't mean you need to party all the time or join greek life but rather make sure you will be able to bond with the people who are going to spend more time with then your family in the next four years. Finally i believe that an economic aspect should entered not only the parents minds but the student as well. Don't go to a school for its name unless your sure that you want that name preceeding you. Going to college is to make a name for yourself in all aspects of your life so think about saving a few bucks on loans and getting places because your qualified not from your school.

The College application process is rather intense and should be taken very seriously. Just the thought of spending four whole years at a university becomes rather overwhelming. Therefore it is important that each individual observe and review their options with a fine toothe comb. Taking into account, the current economic circumstances of the nation, it is important that families think economically as well as socially. Will I be able to afford it? Will I be in debt? What quality of education will I be receiving? These are all critical questions that should constantly be reevaluated while making a college decision. More overly, it is important that you feel comfortable in your environment. Afterall, college is about discovering oneself and making a difference. One should be sure that their univeristy allows he/she to take action and become a boisterous citizen in which he/ she can truly make a difference. The ability to carve out ones niche, while making sense of the complicated world in which we live in truly stands for an admiral univerisity. Social, political and economic diversity are all welcoming aspects in choosing a college. Afterall, no one is perfect and diveristy makes the world go around!

Ask people that go there how it is. The tour guides are paid to lie to you or embellish.

If you have an idea of what you want to study, or what you want to do when you graduate, find a school which has a good reputation for these things. This means doing actual research. Once you're there, don't be afraid of things that are different, and don't cling to the view of the world you developed throughout high school. But stay humble - don't just latch onto the first big idea that comes your way. The people there are all of a certain minimum intelligence level and have something to offer. Also, have fun. Lots of fun. It's the last time you'll ever be able to, for real.

Students along with their parents should take advantage of the numerous opportunities - both national and global - when considering colleges. It is important to fully research a university in terms of its size, population, academics, social life, surrounding area and so on. A student should decide the size of the school they would like to attend as well as how far it is located from their home. The best way to discovering the answers to these significant questions involves visiting each school as to get a feel for the institution. Everybody has a varying perception of a college; thus, it is important for the individual to personally experience the campus and possibly even sit in on a course in order to form their own opinion. This is essential because it is that individual, rather than their family and friends, who are attending that particular college. Therefore, the student must feel comfortable and confident in the decision they make. Once a school is chosen, the student should maximize their college experience by becoming involved in the campus and surrounding communities. I encourage new students to try out various clubs and organizations before they decide which suits them best.

Get out of your comfort zone. When you are applying to colleges your senior year, apply to a range of colleges from your reach schools (prestigious schools where you aren't sure if you'll get accepted) to safety schools (schools where you will definitely get accepted). Also, if your financial stability is keeping you from applying to private colleges that you can't afford, apply to the thousands of scholarships and financial aid available to you online and in your guidance counselor's office. Don't let something like money keep you from achieving your goals and career aspirations. When you finally get through the application process and graduation, go to college with an open mind that is eager to experience different things. As I said, get out of your comfort zone. If you can't dance, join the Ballroom dancing club, if you can't boil water, join the Taste buds club. Not only experiment and learn new things, pursue the talents that you already have. Write for the college newspaper, join the school's basketball team, plant seeds in the garden oncampus with the Environmental club. Don't waste your college experience. Live to the fullest.

My advice would be to keep an open mind when visiting the colleges you're interested in. I was accepted to more prestigious schools than the one I went to, and initially wanted to attend based on that. However, after visiting the campuses, I realized that the slightly less prestigious school was simply more what I wanted out of my college experience. It was also 1/4 of the price. I am really happy that I followed my instincts and chose the school I felt more at home in, rather than overanalyzing it. Don't just automatically decide to go to the best school you get into--see what place feels like the best fit for you.

While state schools might not seem like a good idea, graduating debt free is a heck of an advantage. Make sure you know that the school you are going to has a strong program you like. Make sure that it is big enough so you are never stuck doing things you dont want to do. It's college, everybody drinks, smokes or party's dont let this be a deciding factor on where you end up. and remember, Your major will change, it always does. If your getting a liberal arts degree it doesn't matter what your major is, so pick one you like. Just have a good time, this only happens once.

Definitively visit the campus, and once there, make the most of the resources and help available.

My advice that I would give to parents and/or students about finding the right college would be to first decide how far away from home you would like to live. I went away my first semester of college and was extremely homesick. I ended up coming back home and transferring to Binghamton University because it was very close to my home. I would also suggest deciding what you would like your campus size to be. I prefer a small to medium campus because my highschool was this size and I find it easier to talk to people. As far as making the most of your college experience, I would say you should meet as many people as you can and get to know them. You find some of your greatest friends at college and also to work very hard on your schoolwork. Don't ever be afaid to approach your professors if you need help.

Students: Go where you want to go and study what you want to study; not what you feel is 'necessary' or 'right'. If you love to do something you'll find a way to profit from that. Parents: Support your kids and let them do what they want to/have to do. Remember how you were going into college. Give them advice, not orders. Love them and let them go begin their adulthoods.

Have a few basic needs, wants, and hopes for your college and make sure the one you find (no matter how nice the campus is, or how good the parties seem) meets at least the majority of the items on your list. Its hard to find something when you dont know what youre looking for, so know what means the most to you and settle for something comprable. Dont judge a book by its cover, just because the buildings are all brand new doesnt mean the education you'll be getting is better. Challenge yourself; don't go somewhere where you will completely fit in and a place that is just like home (because then you might as well stay home). Go to a college that you will be sure to have new and different experiences in, that you may not have had in the past. Broaden your horizons, try new things and work to improve who you are.

I believe that if I could redo my college experience, the first thing I would do is to take as many interesting classes as possible. When in your life will you ever have the opportunity to take ceramics or printmaking or French again in your life? Also, it is important to not be lazy about the registration process. If you do not get into the classes you want, fight for it; if you have an early class, go to it. Also, try to figure out what you want to do, or at least your major as soon as you can, because the sooner you know the sooner you can complete your degree and get out of school (and thereby stop paying thousands upon thousands of dollars). Study abroad if you can, I think it's an experience that is a once in a lifetime opportunity. And of course, if you plan on going to graduate school, you can afford to go to a cheaper and less well known college for undergrad. It is worth it to save yourself a couple thousand of dollars since grad school is going to overload you with loans anyways. Well, have fun and work hard!

Visit the campus and have faith that it can work out- a student can always transfer later.

If you plan on attending graduate school, your undergraduate school doesn't need to be an Ivy League so look for a school that is rising in status but still cheap. Also, be sure to look over the social life of the campus. They say the best thing to do is to play hard and work hard, and this is true. If all you do is study and you find that you have no outlet to express yourself or to feel belonged, you will not be able to give your best in your studies. But if you are able to find people who will encourage you and mentor you, your academic life will benefit greatly from it. Once you are in college, be sure to be proactive. Don't wait for someone to notify you of a very important financial deadline or a homework due date - do the grunt work yourself. If a professor does not reply to your email, go visit their office. Don't sit around twiddling your thumbs thinking that someone else will take care of it for you. They won't. College is the place to learn to take care of yourself, so do so.

Make sure your school has an abundance of options for the career field you're interested in, and if you don't know what you plan to do, make sure you choose a school with as much to offer as possible. Live on campus, don't go home too much, get at least somewhat involved in things you like, and you'll make friends you're comfortable with. Don't do things just because everyone does--only what you feel right doing.