feedback about Boston University

[Anonymous]

BU is a great school. As others noted, it always had and continues to have, a large international student body. Also, it has a heavily Jewish student population.

As you can imagine, it is a very urban school, with the good and bad. Some kids have all the money in the world versus a poorer student. It's reputation in its Communication, Health and hard sciences is really strong. It's getting there with its engineering and CS department.

As someone noted, it gets 80,000 applications so it really gets to craft its student body.

[Anonymous]

I went there. It's a great school. I wanted to live in the city and it was a great experience. I liked the large size and lots of activity. A lot of options for study/majors, lots of different kinds of people, faculty were very responsive and available. All freshmen do not live in Warren Towers and you should try for another place besides Warren. I went to the top grad school in my major after. Lots of fun too and a rich experience overall. Because it's private, even though it's big, you can get help with beaurucracy and advising in a way that other schools of the same size may not provide. If you want something small, it might not be for you but within the schools on the campus, you get to know others in your school and major so it does not feel.anonymous or that you lack attention. But it's for people that want to be in a city and like that experience. Boston is a great place to live too.

[Anonymous]

My kid EDed and will be a freshman in the fall. He’s so thrilled. It was his first choice by far! IR major.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:the grade deflation is real

What majors? Engineering and SMG mainly? Not CAS….

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BU and NYU are also still 40-50% intentional students so they aren’t usually the ones on here nor donating.

BU is closer to 25% than 50% 🙂

BU 22% and NYU 26%…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:the grade deflation is real

What majors? Engineering and SMG mainly? Not CAS….

DP. Yes, Engineering. I wouldn't call it grade deflation but there definitely is no curving. What you get is your grade even if the top score is in the 60's.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:the grade deflation is real

What majors? Engineering and SMG mainly? Not CAS….

DP. Yes, Engineering. I wouldn't call it grade deflation but there definitely is no curving. What you get is your grade even if the top score is in the 60's.

That’s weird. When I went there once a 45% correct was an A, curved up. And some labs took 6 hours. It was like an ice age came and went. Photonics building was nice back then….

[Anonymous]

AOC went there. So, there is that negative.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:the grade deflation is real

What majors? Engineering and SMG mainly? Not CAS….

All of them, no fluff gen studies classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:AOC went there. So, there is that negative.

Ewwww

[Anonymous]

We toured but my kid didn’t apply. It seems like a great school for someone who’s mature and independent enough to be take advantage of a larger urban setting without getting overwhelmed.

[Anonymous]

The big negative is lack of a traditional campus. Which didn't bother DS at all. It was a little bigger than he wanted but he was applying for the honors program (I forget the name) which apparently came with housing. He didn't wind up there but I'm sure it would have been great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD is at BU, and she loves it there. There’s not much to complain about (maybe the winter weather?). The biggest advantage is definitely being in the heart of the city, surrounded by all the happening spots. That makes college life more fulfilling and vibrant. Additionally, many of her positive experiences come from having a great social life with her friends and being involved in clubs. Her friends are supportive, smart kids from all over the U.S. and other countries. The school also offers many excellent programs for students, so I recommend doing some research and making the most of them.

The campus is unique—you’ll find the large Commonwealth Avenue running right through it. However, if you head toward the Charles River side, you’ll experience more greenery and a traditional campus atmosphere. For her second year, DD is living in a brownstone, and it’s beautiful.

Transportation is another big plus, as she can get around easily without a car and travel home conveniently using public transportation. Classes can be challenging depending on what you take. She was well-prepared in high school by completing the IB program and is doing quite well, though she works hard to maintain good grades.

I wonder if BU isn’t as popular here because it wasn’t as competitive when the older generation on this board attended school. However, I see a rising trend for BU, and it seems to have huge potential. Another factor is that many people here are from the DMV area, and a lot of students prefer attending in-state schools due to cost or other reasons, as the state schools here are excellent.

DD chose BU over UVA and W&M, and I believe it was the right choice for her. I also have other children who went to UVA, so I can confidently say I’m not biased.

This, absolutely. I had a friend in HS (Greenwich CT) and for her BU was her safety, it was everyone's safety and when she ended up having to go there she was devastated and transferred junior year to a more prestigious (then) college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:AOC went there. So, there is that negative.

Negative? Hot and smart is always a positive. I don't care for her politics either, but c'mon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The big negative is lack of a traditional campus. Which didn't bother DS at all. It was a little bigger than he wanted but he was applying for the honors program (I forget the name) which apparently came with housing. He didn't wind up there but I'm sure it would have been great.

Definitely agree. If you’re looking for traditional campus life BU is not for you. That said DD loves it there but she’s always been a city kid. Boston is such a great city for college kids.