Rice vs. Almost Full Ride at SUNY Binghamton

boots47
Mon, 25 Apr 2011 11:48:14 +0000

It really sucks that you aren’t able to visit either, because it can give you SUCH a better feel of the schools and make your decision a lot easier. I used to attend another SUNY and I visited Bing for a weekend because I applied to transfer there and I got in, but now I currently attend Rice.

For me, Bing was very similar to my previous university but there seemed to be a lot more school spirit and people seemed to actually ENJOY being at Bing. That was a refreshing change from students going home every weekend to get away from the school. Before I visited Bing, I was 95% sure that I was going to be attending. But I just wanted to make absolutely sure because it would cost a bit more, (my first university awarded me a 4 yr scholarship that Bing didn’t) so I thought visiting and then falling in love with the university would justify my decision to transfer. I’m glad I visited because even though I liked the atmosphere of Bing a lot more than previous university, it didn’t justify paying several thousand dollars more in the end. That’s probably what you have to figure out, is the extra cost at Rice worth it especially since you would be paying so little to go to Bing. The fact that you might go to med- school may indicate that Bing may be a better choice. I know someone at Bing now that decided not to go to UPenn for undergrad because she knew she was going to do med school, and now she absolutely loves Bing.

I know many people who attend Bing, but I’m sure you do as well if you’re also from NYC. Many students love Bing as much as students love Rice. Once again, is there ANY way whatsoever that you can visit Bing (I know Rice may be less feasible) at least before the May 1 deadline? Seeing the school itself may make a huge difference- it did for me at least. I talked to many people there before I visited, but it didn’t compare to actually experiencing being a student there- sitting in on a class, gauging the academic and social environment for yourself.

As for Rice, it has been everything I’ve wanted in a university and then some. But I’m not in the financial situation you’re in. I actually think if the difference in cost is that great, you should go to Bing. It’s not as if you’re choosing between Stony and Rice. If you do decide to go to Bing and hate it (or think you can be a lot happier elsewhere,) you always have the option to transfer!