Why is Binghamton so hard to get into?

Binghamton University is hard to get into because it offers an "Ivy League for less" experience, attracting a massive number of high-achieving applicants from New York and globally, leading to intense competition for limited spots, especially in popular programs like Nursing (Decker) or Business (SOM), requiring near-perfect GPAs (around 3.9+) and high test scores (1400+ SAT/31+ ACT) to stand out among many qualified candidates who also apply as safety schools.

Is Binghamton University difficult to get into?

Yes, Binghamton University is quite selective and considered hard to get into, with a low acceptance rate (around 38-39%) and strong academic requirements, meaning successful applicants typically have high GPAs and test scores, though requirements vary by the specific school within the university (like Harpur College or professional schools). Strong academics, rigorous coursework, good grades in core subjects, and compelling essays are crucial for improving your chances, especially for competitive programs. 

Why is Binghamton so competitive?

Binghamton University is rapidly emerging as a top choice for high-achieving students, offering Ivy League-quality education at an affordable price. With a strong academic reputation, cutting-edge research programs, and career-focused initiatives like its four-plus-one degrees, Binghamton attracts talent nationwide.

How hard is it to get into Bing?

The admissions selectivity is notable, with an acceptance rate of just 38%, placing Binghamton University among institutions with very low acceptance rates. The mean SAT score for admitted students is very high, averaging 1390, with standout performances in math and writing sections.

What GPA do I need to get into Binghamton?

Binghamton University's GPA requirements are competitive, with the middle 50% of admitted freshmen typically having a 3.7-3.9 GPA (93-98%), while transfer students often fall in the 3.3-3.8 range, though a 3.0+ is generally needed for graduate study. Specific program requirements vary, but strong grades, especially in challenging courses, are key for admission, with higher GPAs often expected for competitive majors or graduate programs. 

5 Reasons Premeds FAIL To Get Into Medical School

Is Binghamton a hidden ivy?

Yes, Binghamton University is often called a "Public Ivy" or a "New Ivy," especially by Forbes magazine, because it offers rigorous academics and produces top graduates like Ivy League schools but as a public university, making it a strong value. While not a formal Ivy League member, its strong reputation, high rankings, and appeal to employers solidify its status as an elite public institution with "hidden" prestige.
 

What was Mark Zuckerberg's SAT score?

Mark Zuckerberg reportedly scored a perfect 1600 on the SAT, achieving the maximum possible score before attending Harvard University. This high score reflects his exceptional academic performance, matching other tech leaders like Bill Gates and Will Smith who also attained near-perfect or perfect scores, according to various reports.
 

What is the #1 hardest school to get into?

There isn't one single #1 hardest school, as it changes slightly by year and criteria, but Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, and Caltech consistently rank among the top with extremely low acceptance rates (often 3-4%) and intense competition for spots, though other top global universities like Oxford and Tsinghua are also incredibly selective. Harvard is frequently cited as the hardest due to its high volume of applications and focus on global leadership potential, while Caltech is known for its extreme difficulty in STEM. 

Is Binghamton considered prestigious?

Yes, Binghamton University is widely considered prestigious, especially as a public university, consistently ranking high nationally for academic quality, value, and strong graduate outcomes, earning titles like a "Public Ivy" and appearing on Forbes' and U.S. News & World Report's top lists for its strong research, affordability, and selectivity.
 

Does Harvard prefer AP or IB?

Harvard doesn't prefer IB over AP; they value students who challenge themselves with rigorous coursework, whether it's the IB Diploma, a suite of AP classes, or other advanced options, demonstrating academic preparedness and intellectual curiosity within their school's available offerings. Both are respected for preparing students for college, with focus on depth in subjects and strong performance, though Harvard uses scores for placement rather than direct degree credit. 

What is the #1 SUNY school?

There isn't one single "#1 SUNY school" as it depends on the ranking criteria, but Binghamton University, Stony Brook University, and the University at Buffalo are consistently top-ranked for overall academics, research, and value, often considered the system's flagship research universities, with Binghamton frequently cited as #1 in general rankings, while SUNY Geneseo shines in undergraduate teaching, and FIT leads in fashion. 

Is Binghamton public ivy?

Yes, Binghamton University is widely considered a "Public Ivy," meaning it's a public university offering an education quality comparable to traditional Ivy League schools, recognized by various publications like Forbes for producing highly sought-after graduates and offering excellent value. It's often listed alongside other top public universities such as the University of Michigan, UC Berkeley, and UNC Chapel Hill.
 

Which SUNY is the hardest to get into?

The hardest SUNY to get into is generally considered Binghamton University, often followed closely by Stony Brook University, both known for lower acceptance rates and rigorous academics compared to other SUNY campuses, with Binghamton often cited as the most selective at around 38-43% acceptance, making it the top choice for competitive admissions within the system. Stony Brook is also a strong contender, particularly in STEM fields, while Buffalo is often seen as the third most selective. 

Are students happy at Binghamton?

Everyone is really friendly and even if they're not, the campus is big enough to stay away from those who you wish to stay away from. The dorming communities are great (especially CIW). Binghamton is worth the money and then some.

What is the easiest major to get into Binghamton?

Harpur and CCPA are definitely the easiest to get into. Since you're not trying to get into Watson, Decker, or SOM (the most difficult ones to get into), you have a higher chance of getting into Harpur (which makes sense for you because you want to pursue political science).

What are the big 4 SUNY schools?

The top SUNY schools are generally considered the four main research-focused University Centers: Stony Brook, Binghamton, Buffalo, and Albany, often alongside specialized schools like SUNY ESF or colleges known for specific strong programs like Geneseo or Oneonta, depending on the ranking criteria (research, value, specific programs). Stony Brook and Binghamton consistently rank highest nationally among the broad universities, with Buffalo and Albany close behind.
 

Is Binghamton a tier 1 school?

Binghamton maintains its status as an R1 institution for its sponsored research activity and doctoral degrees, according to a new list from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

What major is Binghamton known for?

Binghamton University is known for strong programs in Biology, Psychology, Economics, and Neuroscience, often within its strong liberal arts foundation (Harpur College), but also has highly-ranked offerings in its professional schools, especially Management (Business), Nursing, and Engineering, with specific programs like Accounting, Finance, and Computer Science being particularly popular and well-regarded.
 

Where do top 1% send kids to college?

The "top 1%" of students, referring to those from the highest income brackets, tend to attend elite universities like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, and Yale that consistently rank high in national and global lists, with some even having more students from the top 1% income bracket than the bottom 60% combined, according to The New York Times data. Top-ranked institutions like MIT, Princeton, Harvard, and Stanford are frequent top contenders in various 2026 rankings from U.S. News & World Report and Times Higher Education. 

What is the #1 party school?

For 2026, the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is widely ranked as the #1 party school by sources like Niche and Business Insider, followed by schools like Florida State University and Tulane University, based on student surveys about campus party culture, access to bars, and Greek life.
 

Where do the 1% go to college?

The 1% of the wealthiest Americans disproportionately attend highly selective, elite universities, particularly Ivy League schools (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, Brown, Penn, Columbia) and other top institutions like MIT, Stanford, Duke, and UChicago, where they make up a large percentage of the student body, often outnumbering students from the bottom 60% of income earners combined. Liberal arts colleges and prestigious public universities also attract many wealthy students, with specific examples including WashU St. Louis, UVA, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Vanderbilt, and Johns Hopkins.
 

What was Taylor Swift's SAT score?

Taylor Swift's SAT score is not publicly known because she left high school early to pursue her music career and never officially took the SATs for college admission, though she was academically successful in high school, graduating early with a 4.0 GPA before focusing on music. She famously called out a practice test for misquoting her lyrics, highlighting her strong grasp of grammar despite not needing the test.
 

What was Kobe Bryant's SAT score?

Kobe Bryant scored a 1080 on the SAT, a respectable score that, along with his high school grades, would have qualified him for many top universities, but he chose to go directly to the NBA from high school, becoming one of the first players to do so in the 90s.