<p>I’m not sure how to enter this thread;my first post (well, I posted this in the morning but as continuation of someone else’s thread). I would be very grateful for counsel; wise people here!</p>
<p>My son did not get into his first choice–U of Chicago. He was always taken with Franklin and Marshall and it is now his top choice. He was also accepted into NYU, BU, and Stonybrook. </p>
<p>It is the latter school that is giving me issues. Stonybrook offered him a Provost scholarship (half tuition) and a place in their highly selective (3,500 applicants for 60 spots this year) Honors college. My feeling is that this would serve him incredibly well in the future (he is interested in archaeology but does not want to be committed to it yet; Stonybrook has a very strong dept). THe Honors College appears to appeal to premed and other science students, with a small representation of social science and humanities students. So it seems the spot offered to him is even all the more impressive. Problem is, he only applied at last second, never saw the school, and does not want to visit it. He has worked himself to the bone for four years, did not get his first choice, but feels he will have a rich and classic college experience at F&M. </p>
<p>I feel I must let him make his own choice about this, but I hope F&M will work out. Anyone with any knowledge of F&M for a top-tier student (22 SATs, 3.85 GPA, editor of year book, etc) would be appreciated. ( I note that I did receive on response to this latter comment, which was that according to F&M’s CDS, 20% of F&M students have this profile. But that does not necessarily reassure me, since this means that 80 percent of the students are not as high-performing).</p>
<p>Stony Brook is strong in the sciences, but when it comes to social life he may be disappointed. With many foreign students, and many local students going home on weekends, it is not really conducive to a ‘classic college experience.’ The campus is huge and spread out, and looks sort of like a giant office park.</p>
<p>You’re welcome –
Upon re-reading, I’m afraid it came off as a bit negative. We know several students who have attended, though, and this was the general concensus.</p>
<p>The office park comparison was mine, though – it’s certainly a different type of campus!</p>
<p>A lot has been done to beautify SB on the campus mall. I actually think its quite attractive now. I know many students who love it. It does happen to be a bit dead on weekends. I live ten minutes from SB and would choose it over F and M, but that’s just me. Both of my kids went to elite LAC’s and are having good experiences in Masters Programs. They find the faculty very supportive.</p>
<p>I don’t know much about SB. But, both of my kids got in to F&M. I don’t think you’d have any worries about insufficient academic challenge there. It’s full of bright kids.</p>