Another BU vs Northeastern (MECH E)

<p>Hey CCers,</p>

<p>I realize there are quite a few of these threads lying around, and I have looked at many of them (which offered some pretty good insights). But I thought I’d post this one to get more up-to-date opinions (and responses that are more geared toward what I’m looking for) with a focus on mechanical engineering, and engineering in general for these two schools. </p>

<p>I’m currently at a state university for mechanical engineering, and have done very well this first semester (expecting a pretty high 3-point average). In high school I’ve done well too, as in high grades, solid extracurriculars, and such. </p>

<p>I’m thinking about transferring for the fall for a couple of reasons. With BU and NU both being in Boston, that is a substantial advantage over where I am now. I’ll have more exposure to engineering opportunities as well as music opportunities, as I play a lot of saxophone on the side. </p>

<p>How would you guys compare the two? I’ve visited NU last year, but didn’t get the chance to look at their engineering facilities. I liked the campus. I haven’t had the opportunity to visit BU, and unfortunately I don’t think I’ll have the chance to visit before sending in my application. So right now I’m debating whether or not I should apply to both or just NU, since I liked NU (although I don’t doubt that I’ll also like BU). How would you compare the two schools in terms of academics, mainly with respect to mechanical engineering and engineering in general? Any insights about other things, such as campus life and NU’s co-op, are definitely welcomed as well. Also, do they both provide similar financial aid?</p>

<p>Looking forward to any opinions and information on this! Thanks!</p>

<p>There are a lot of threads on the NU part of the site that address the campus and the life. Overall, NU has a better and more modern campus and dorms IMO than BU, which basically doesn’t really have one.</p>

<p>My impression is that BU may have a slightly better legacy rep for engineering, but NU’s is strong and growing stronger, and the NU co-op puts it over the edge because work experience is more important than where you got your degree, especially if in Boston it isn’t MIT.</p>

<p>BU does hardly have a campus. It’s more of a “vibe.” But I think the dorms are about even and BU is definitely considered to be more prestigious than NU, especially regarding a science like engineering.</p>

<p>Also, BU also has a lot of internship opportunities and opportunities in general which put it at least equal to NU in that regard. I wouldn’t let the co-op be a deciding factor for you, though it is a very cool program.</p>

<p>yes, think about whether you would rather be working full time as a student or be a traditional student. For engineering you’ll definitely want experience, but you might also want to do research or something like that. In my opinion, BU is definitely ahead in terms of research $$ and opportunity, and you’ll be getting more of a traditional education as opposed to NU. </p>

<p>I agree that the dorms are about even too…BU has just built StuVi 2, which is gorgeous. The Engineering building is also a recent build, and the facilities are quite fabulous. I was also always jealous of the engineering kids because they had their own library with ID access that was open 24-7 to them. Other students couldn’t use it unless they were guests.</p>

<p>And the campus thing is going t obe a matter of preference; while BU doesn’t have a traditional quad and tree filled campus, I still think it’s pretty awesome and really pretty in its own way. I also think BU is in a cooler area of Boston.</p>