April 2024
Junior year, Spring Break means another college trip time. This time we were west bound within New York state. 4 colleges, 2 days.
- Binghamton University
- RIT
- Cornell University
- Syracuse University
Now that I am more experienced, here is a list of my observations and comparisons.
- You need to visit a couple colleges to be able to understand the differences, decide what you would like to look for, or what to ask.
- Most colleges in NY prefer that you commit to a degree when you are applying, or when you talk to their admissions officers they advise you to do so, whereas in the south most colleges say that you will be admitted to a school. Take courses first year and then apply for a degree within your school, based on your first year courses and grades.
- There is a high chance of rain or cold weather in April up north, while it is sunny and warm in February in the south.
- Sun makes things shine, and look more welcoming.
- Colleges in the north offer swags to visitors… Shopping bags, key chains, bottles, stickers, and lots and lots of brochures.
- You meet with interesting people, possibly see other prospects or most importantly the actual students around the campus.
- Backpacks with bubble straps are a must in Duke. You can be a hippy in NC State, or a crossover between artsy and nerdy in RIT.
- Don’t forget to nod your head when an old guy with an angry looking dog stops you at Chapel Hill and asks your pledge not to apply to Duke.
- Eating at the college cafeteria is another good experience. Binghamton’s Tully has Earth’s best fried chicken and Cornell has the best mussels.
- Binghamton is a dust-free college. Not sure how they manage but literally there is no dust, or dirt anywhere. Or no dropped, or forgotten waste, food wrapper or anything anywhere. Do they have hidden cleaning elves?
- Despite being more clean, Binghamton’s school and dorms look underwhelming compared to that of a private school like RIT.
- Every college visit includes the part where they show you the blue emergency lights, which seem to only be used by a female student who sprained her ankle and needed help. Maybe boys with sprained ankles prefer to hop around rather than calling help?
- Cornell has a waterfall near the visitor center. They have a colorful canoe rack next to the waterfall with no visible blue lights around. To me this feels like trust.
Berk @Nisky 