Boston College for Jewish Students (2010-present)

[Anonymous]

I'm curious to hear from parents of current (or recent) Jewish BC students about their kids' experience. (No disrespect to those who went to BC in the 80s/90s/00/10s - I just know that much has changed on college campuses since then.)

Background:
- BC fits our kids' interests and priorities in so many ways. Much more than BU, for those who might suggest that as an alternative.
- Our family is reform Jewish - very connected in terms of identity and holidays/events (including at temple sometimes), but not theologically religious or particularly activist.
- I'm familiar with Jesuit philosophy from my own college studies. The core values resonate with us as a family, albeit without the belief in Jesus, if that makes sense.
- Finally, our DCs have grown up with a healthy mix of Jewish and non-Jewish friends. They're good at connecting with what resonates without being alienated/offended by what doesn't. But we don't want them to choose a school where they'll feel like the "only" or token Jew among their friend group in college. And we want to be sure they'll have options to stay connected to their Judaism socially, if not more. (I saw BC has a Hillel chapter. How active is it these days?)

[Anonymous]

Ask in the subreddit https://www.reddit.com/r/bostoncollege/

[Anonymous]

Honestly, with how other schools have been the past month or two, I would think Jewish kids may feel better at school like BC, which while jesuit, is more apathetic politically.

[Anonymous]

On our recent info session, one of the 4 student speakers was Jewish. He was delightful and spoke just as you do here of shared values. Data point of 1 but there you go.

[Anonymous]

I know a West Coast Jewish student who graduated in 2018? Had a great experience, raved about Boston and the school, and now has a successful career in NYC. I heard of no issues there.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks, everyone! This had been my impression, too - glad to hear it’s real and not just marketing etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, with how other schools have been the past month or two, I would think Jewish kids may feel better at school like BC, which while jesuit, is more apathetic politically.

Good point. We’ve been having similar thoughts lately. Our DCs lean progressive and are interested in politics and global events. But on a personal/personality level, they’re not great fits for a school with a more activist student body.

[Anonymous]

I am friendly with a Jewish BC professor. It's a nice school with nice students. Nice campus, too.

My friends have hired BC students as babysitters. They are normal, smart, emotionally healthy, reliable and so far all I have heard of have been Catholic. I haven't met a Jewish student yet, so if I were you I'd be more concerned about whether your child is going to be comfortable being a minority.

[Anonymous]

DD is a current student at BC. Our experience is a mix of religions and the student body being accepting of all. Very few are devout Catholic. They make a point of saying at the orientations that BC isn’t a church. First and foremost it is an educational institution with an emphasis on service. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD is a current student at BC. Our experience is a mix of religions and the student body being accepting of all. Very few are devout Catholic. They make a point of saying at the orientations that BC isn’t a church. First and foremost it is an educational institution with an emphasis on service. Good luck!

I’m a BC grad. There are plenty of devout Catholics at BC & elsewhere, but that doesn’t mean they are all going to be broadcasting their religious beliefs to the general public. Every religion is a target in one way or another, & many religious people have learned to be quite private about their beliefs.

[Anonymous]

Look on YouTube for any recent protests. I personally don't want to spend my money on a school that allows hate towards Jesws or anyone else for that matter.

[Anonymous]

Have you done a tour and info session? We are also reform. We visited and thought the school was great in almost every respect, but we just could not get past the religion piece. Asked our tour guide how non-Catholic students fit in and her response was to say that she was not Catholic but has really enjoyed going to Catholic masses. Not the answer we were looking for…. Another friend had the exact same experience on her tour.

I would call Hillel and speak with current Jewish students. The school really seems wonderful in so many respects, but our DC was pretty turned off by the religion aspect.

[Anonymous]

My niece is there as a grad student right now. She has not had any trouble being Jewish there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you done a tour and info session? We are also reform. We visited and thought the school was great in almost every respect, but we just could not get past the religion piece. Asked our tour guide how non-Catholic students fit in and her response was to say that she was not Catholic but has really enjoyed going to Catholic masses. Not the answer we were looking for…. Another friend had the exact same experience on her tour.

I would call Hillel and speak with current Jewish students. The school really seems wonderful in so many respects, but our DC was pretty turned off by the religion aspect.

It is a Catholic school, after all. I mean, how would you react if someone showed up at your synagogue and said "Yeah, I'd love to hang out here with you guys, but it would be nice if you toned down the Jewish-ness of your events?"

[Anonymous]

I have heard from friends that being Jewish there is no prob at all. Also, Newton and Brookline have large Jewish populations so that adds some comfort and resources if needed.