Suny Stony Brook .vs. Suny Old Westbury?

Question

I'm currently attending Suny Old Westbury (which is a 4th Tier college) in Long Island, NY. I live 20 minutes away so i go there 4 days a week, and next week will be the beginning of my 2nd semester there as a junior (i transferred from a community college with my AA degree). I am thinking of transferring to Suny Stony Brook (1st Tier School #96) in January 2009 to complete my bachelors in business. Stony Brook is over an hour away, driving (especially with the horrible traffic on long island). If I take the train its probably about an hour ride, so i would only go there 2 days a week or 3 days at most. I don't know what to do!! Any suggestions and advice would be very helpful. Thanks!

Answer 1

You know that, on Long Island, commuting an hour each way is not unusual. What I'd suggest you do is arrange for a campus visit to Stony Brook. Call admissions, and make an appointment to see someone there and to take a tour, etc. Then get there as you would for your classes. Try the train, for example. See how the place feels to you, and do consider the commute in your decision.

Stony Brook is a far stronger uni than Old Westbury. It will help your chances with grad schools if you go to Stony Brook. In addition, while not every employer cares where you went to school, some do, and those that do care a lot. Going to a top 100 uni, and to one of the top 2-3 publics in your state, can only help you re: employers like that.

Know, however, that it may take you longer than a year to finish up at Stony Brook, if you transfer. That's because all reputable colleges require you to complete a certain number of credits with them, in order for them to be able to give you their degree. This is something you'll want to talk over with Sony Brook, when you meet with admission there. So when you go for your campus visit, bring your transcripts with you, so you can have that type of discussion.  

Answer 2

To me an hour's commute on the train does not really seem too bad. Especially since you can use that time to read, or work using your laptop. And as you say it is a much better school.  

Answer 3

you should go to stony brook. i went to suny old westbury for my freshman year, it was nice but i wanted a school whos name had a little more weight to it (i know that sounds kinda bad). i know A LOT of people that drive an hour to go to stony brook. its really worth it. plus stony brook is a very good school.