Boston University

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How is CS at BU vs NEU vs Boston college?

NEU for CS hands down.

+1

This has always been true, but I do not think OP appreciates that!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Don’t know much about northeastern either — have heard about their shenanigans regarding statistics, but wouldn’t let that deter if it is right fit. DC is looking for schools outside of T20 and interested in Boston so just trying to get information on all schools they can consider. DC would prefer more of a “campus” and stronger college community though so it sounds like BU may not be good fit. Doesn’t care for Greek life and sports isn’t important.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Don’t know much about northeastern either — have heard about their shenanigans regarding statistics, but wouldn’t let that deter if it is right fit. DC is looking for schools outside of T20 and interested in Boston so just trying to get information on all schools they can consider. DC would prefer more of a “campus” and stronger college community though so it sounds like BU may not be good fit. Doesn’t care for Greek life and sports isn’t important.

Tufts, BC, Brandeis

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:BU is a great school for the right kid. Very independent and self-motivated. Loves being in the city. Does their own thing. It is the wrong school for someone looking for a rah-rah go-team please hold my hand school. The freshman dorms mostly suck. Warren Towers is legit Soviet. But by sophomore or junior year, students will have access to the brownstones, which are ideal student housing. There are always a lot of great professors at BU. And Boston is the best city on earth to be a student in.

It's not for everyone. But for the right kid, it's a good place.

+1

Overall, Boston is a great city. I visited BU for my DD and instantly fell in love with the city. Although she wished BU had a nicer campus, it wasn't a deal breaker for her. It does have a small BU beach, which gives off a cozy campus vibe. And if you're looking for more greenery, the T will conveniently drop you off right in front of the Boston Public Garden and Common. The school seamlessly integrates with the whole city, making it easy to get around. I completely agree that BU is undervalued and has a certain allure that will attract specific types of students.

[Anonymous]

$60k/yr Tuition!

Even worse Northeastern: $58k

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:$60k/yr Tuition!

Even worse Northeastern: $58k

50-100 schools charge the same amount. It's private. What would you expect?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BU is a great school for the right kid. Very independent and self-motivated. Loves being in the city. Does their own thing. It is the wrong school for someone looking for a rah-rah go-team please hold my hand school. The freshman dorms mostly suck. Warren Towers is legit Soviet. But by sophomore or junior year, students will have access to the brownstones, which are ideal student housing. There are always a lot of great professors at BU. And Boston is the best city on earth to be a student in.

It's not for everyone. But for the right kid, it's a good place.

+1

Overall, Boston is a great city. I visited BU for my DD and instantly fell in love with the city. Although she wished BU had a nicer campus, it wasn't a deal breaker for her. It does have a small BU beach, which gives off a cozy campus vibe. And if you're looking for more greenery, the T will conveniently drop you off right in front of the Boston Public Garden and Common. The school seamlessly integrates with the whole city, making it easy to get around. I completely agree that BU is undervalued and has a certain allure that will attract specific types of students.

Yeah, sounds like just what my kid is looking for. He’s used to taking metro, going to HS in DC, and does not want to be in the sticks.

[Anonymous]

No real point in going to school in that area unless it’s Harvard or MIT.

[Anonymous]

Lot of rich international students at BU.
Same as at Harvard I guess

[Anonymous]

Impressions from our tour last year:

Central campus area near beach and brownstones is cute but DC was unnerved by the trek to the high rises

Tour felt like walking in and out of office buildings in a busy part of DC - YMMV here and your kid may love that

I was unimpressed by the presentation but I may be overly picky because I do public speaking all the time for work. They did a Q&A with the admissions director and a student. The AD would ask a question and the student started every response with “That’s a great question,” like they hadn’t practiced 1,000 times. Drove me up a wall but didn’t faze DC

[Anonymous]

To the people splitting hairs over northeastern, tufts, BU, BC, NYU - they are all the same and will provide the same outcome for your kid. Pick the best fit. None of those schools are MIT, cal tech, Stanford etc. and will have about the same level of student, professor and recruiting opportunities. Apply to all of them and cross your fingers that you are lucky enough to get into one. Realistically your kid probably won’t and is going to end up at the next tier down.

[Anonymous]

Being in Boston - I would think a big plus for BU, NEU, Etc would opportunities for internships and jobs after graduation

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To the people splitting hairs over northeastern, tufts, BU, BC, NYU - they are all the same and will provide the same outcome for your kid. Pick the best fit. None of those schools are MIT, cal tech, Stanford etc. and will have about the same level of student, professor and recruiting opportunities. Apply to all of them and cross your fingers that you are lucky enough to get into one. Realistically your kid probably won’t and is going to end up at the next tier down.

What is in the next tier down?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To the people splitting hairs over northeastern, tufts, BU, BC, NYU - they are all the same and will provide the same outcome for your kid. Pick the best fit. None of those schools are MIT, cal tech, Stanford etc. and will have about the same level of student, professor and recruiting opportunities. Apply to all of them and cross your fingers that you are lucky enough to get into one. Realistically your kid probably won’t and is going to end up at the next tier down.

What is in the next tier down?

What tier? Third tier for CS? What location?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:$60k/yr Tuition!

Even worse Northeastern: $58k

50-100 schools charge the same amount. It's private. What would you expect?

+1

Don't bother. There is always a poster looking to hate on NEU. However, it is historically a top CS program, OP - which you likely are privy to, if you have done any research, at all. Not sure if BU is a top CS program? Historically, not so much.