My second college visit trip took me to upstate New York (with a small pit stop in PA). We started the day with a visit to University of Scranton, a Jesuit university in Scranton, Pennsylvania. To say that Scranton (both the city and the college) exceeded my expectations is an understatement. This small college (only about 4,100 students) prides itself on capping all classes at no more than 35 students. If you think you'd excel in a place where you get individual attention, this school will fit the bill. (Note the individual welcome the 'Allison Cohen Group' got at reception in the picture above). As a Jesuit school, there are two theology and philosphy courses that are required as part of the curriculum, but don't let that scare you - students can choose what exact courses they are interested in. Though the vast majority of students are, indeed, Catholic I was very surprised to learn that one of the largest Orthodox Jewish communities in Pennsylvania is located two blocks away and there is a Mosque on campus. Unique aspects include a 7 year Physical Therapy program and an equestrian club. Standardized tests are not required if students meet certain minimum requirements and there are merit scholarships that the majority of ElRo students would qualify for. Housing is guarantee all four years. If your only frame of reference for Scranton is The Office, I definitely encourage you to come out and see the city and campus for yourself. Dunder Mifflin may have put Scranton the map in the collective consciousness of pop culture, but don't let their comic interpretation of the city be the end of the story. Oh, and one final thing, they have an AMAZING magical milk shake machine in one of their dining facilities.
Next we made our way up to Binghamton University- arguable the most selective (or second most selective, depending who you ask and what data you look at . . . ) SUNY campus in the entire 64 campus system. We had a really nice tour of 'The Brain' (as the students refer to the main campus buildings) and had a chance to learn more about the campus structure. I don't have to spend much space here describing why Binghamton appealing. With affordable in-state tuition, a strong reputation beyond just the state of New York, a location that is drive-able from NYC, and opportunities for research Binghamton is a frequent choice for our students. It was particularly nice to see the sense of identity formed by the housing structure - with students assigned to various housing communities each with their own personality and flair. It was also hard to ignore the significant upgrades being made to the physical plant of the school - SUNY is starting to break away from the square brick building stereotype they may have been known for in the past. We got to tour a brand new dorm facility with expansive views of the surrounding wooded hills. Sometimes students and families criticize Binghamton for not having much of a town nearby. I can't say they are wrong. But, what I would counter argue is that schools like Binghamton - with 12,000 students - do a great job of having enough on campus programing to make the immediate surroundings borderline irrelevant. Word to the wise, Binghamton has an Early Action application that is due November 15 - if you want to maximize your chance for admission, I strongly encourage you to file by this date. The biggest mistake students make with Binghamton is assuming they will get in - Binghamton has had to become more and more selective each year so if this is the only SUNY on your list, think again.
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