<p>Absolutely. I applied right into CGS. If you don’t mind can you talk about the content of the letter your daughter sent? I’m confused as to how I should express further interest without explicitly stating it.</p>
<p>Here’s the text: she showed it to a former admissions officer, who thought it struck just the right tone. Please don’t plagerize it - just use it for a guideline. (Although I am guessing that noone else has glued dead bees to toothpicks - I actually wonder if that single line got her in!) It looks like she did not refer to a specific school (CGS vs CAS).</p>
<p>Dear XX,
In December of last year, I learned that my early decision application for freshman admission was deferred. As you can imagine, this news was disappointing to me – Boston University remains the university I’m most excited about attending. In fact, it was my visit to BU (in the summer following my sophomore year) that inspired me to improve my junior year GPA by nearly a full letter grade. As a senior, I continue to maintain an excellent GPA while tripling my amount of AP coursework in preparation for the rigorous education I know BU’s programs provide.
In addition to increasing my course rigor, I have doubled my time at xyzCenter, where I work to help struggling elementary school students from low-income families achieve academic success. My immediate supervisor sent you a supplemental letter of recommendation that will further elaborate on my role within the program.
Lastly, I have taken another volunteer position through a local elementary school. I now have the opportunity to work five hours a week in a classroom as an assistant. I have gained new perspective from my exposure to different teaching and learning styles. In the course of my work, I have done everything from curriculum development to hand-gluing dead bees to toothpicks. Because I have loved every minute of my work at the elementary school, I have committed myself to five hours a week until June.
Though I visited many schools in the interim, BU remains my first choice. I definitely plan to attend if accepted. Boston University’s commitment to the individual student and its strong sense of community stand out in my mind, though my visit was nearly two years ago. Your excellent programs in Business and Psychology coupled with the innovative educational opportunities available available to me as a student and alumnus are a perfect match for my interests and aspirations.
I thank you and your colleagues for the time and energy you have spent considering my application. I remain enthusiastic about Boston University, and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you for your time,</p>
<p>THANK YOU soo much. I will be using this as a mere guideline, I was just incredibly lost as to what I should write about and where to start. Once again thank you very much</p>
<p>what is the arts program at bu like? i’ve read the website but i’d really like to hear about it from the perspective of a student</p>
<p>Hey, is this thread still active? </p>
<p>I’d really appreciate if people could answer my questions. I know its a lot of questions, but if anyone could answer even some of them, I’d be really happy.</p>
<p>Well basically I plan on applying as a transfer for Fall 2013 (I’m going to apply winter 2012).</p>
<p>1) I want to apply to COM as an advertising major (communication with advertising concentration). What’s COM like? I know it has a pretty good rep but I’d like to hear from an insider. How are the facilities, professors, classes, equipment, students, etc?
The building seems kinda small compared to other schools at BU. Is it well funded program? Are the buildings, computers, etc well maintained? Are there a lot of TA’s teaching? </p>
<p>2) What’s the transfer situation like? Is COM really competitive? How many people do people transfer there on average? Are most of the transfers from within the university? Do I have a worse chance if I’m from California? what are the average stats for a COM transfer? Will I be behind compared to the students already there? How do other students/professors view transfers? </p>
<p>3) What can I do to ensure I get in? Assume I have TERRIBLE high school grades. By that I mean around the area of 2.83. However, I will have 60 credits done, assuming they transfer. My college gpa will be around 3.8. I have a fair amount of extra curriculurs, planning on adding more. I will probably have an internship done, plus have solid essays + recs. </p>
<p>4) What’s the chance of getting merit aid + financial aid as a transfer? I hear transfers get much less compared to freshmen. I am a member of Phi Theta Kappa and hopefully will get that scholarship. Will I be eligible for Dean’s scholarship? any and all advice is appreciated.</p>
<p>5) what’s the housing like for transfers? I know its not guaranteed but what are the chances of getting one of your choice? Are there dorms/suites/apartments specifically for transfers or is it random? What dorm is good for COM students? I’m looking for a dorm with a single room, ideally with its own bathroom, and mostly upperclassmen. Also, I want to make friends (since I won’t know anyone), which dorms are social (for upperclassmen)? </p>
<p>6) Are there plenty of internship opportunities? Do employers in Boston, New york, or California regard BU as a good school? </p>
<p>7) Anything else that I can find useful or should know regarding BU? </p>
<p>If ANY OF YOU MANAGED TO READ ALL THIS AND ANSWER EVEN A COUPLE OF THE ABOVE POINTS I’LL REALLY APPRECIATE IT! THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ANYONE WHO DOES. YOU ARE AWESOME.</p>
<p>Hi! I’m a COM student studying advertising at the moment, and I love it! As far as facilities go, the building from the outside does look pretty shoddy, but everything is perfectly fine on the inside. There are tons of computer labs (both PC and Mac) that are available for use, as well as scanners, etc. Most of the professors I have had in COM have been great, and very willing to meet with you to talk about any questions you have, whether it be about your career or the class you are currently taking. Have you taken any advertising classes? If not, you will have to take the Intro to Advertising course, CM 317. I would recommend picking Professor Cakebread (yes, that is his name). I love his class, and he is also the internship advisor for Advertising students, so this way you can already build a connection with him. </p>
<p>I’ve only taken a few advertising classes so far, but the only communication class I didn’t like (which I’m taking right now) is Fundamentals of Creative Development. The only reason I don’t like it is because I know I don’t want to be on the creative side of advertising, but the account side, and this is a required course. However, it does help you see all types of advertising. I don’t usually see many TA’s teaching courses–unless your class is intro, it will probably have 30 students or fewer. </p>
<p>I honestly don’t know much about merit aid/financial aid and life as a transfer student, but looking at your college GPA, it looks fine. How old will you be as a transfer? There is no specific dorm for COM students, although there is a specialty floor for them in Warren Towers (a mostly freshman dorm). If you do want a single with your own bathroom, you could try choosing Myles Standish Hall or 575 Commonwealth Avenue. There are also the Student Village dorms/apartments, but those aren’t as social if you don’t already have friends there.However, the problem with singles and making friends is that you will have a single and be by yourself to being with. </p>
<p>Internship opportunities are up to you–no one is going to hand you a sheet and tell you to apply to certain places. Although the advisors are helpful and BU has a good reputation, the ball is definitely in your court. That being said, employers in all three of those cities do look at BU students with a kind eye from my experience. </p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>
<p>Thank you so much ShiningStar91!! This helps so much! Honestly, I was not expecting anyone to answer this.</p>
<p>To answer your question, right now I’m 18 and a second semester Freshmen at a California community college. When I actually transfer I’ll be 20. </p>
<p>I have a bunch more questions and probably will have tons more the closer the time comes to applying. Do you mind if I keep asking you? I could just post on this thread or use PM or email.</p>
<p>Thanks again! :D</p>
<p>Don’t hesitate to PM me or post on this thread!</p>
<p>Okay cool. I’m just going to post them here, and if there’s more sensitive questions, I guess I’ll pm you. </p>
<p>1) Is COM diverse? I want to go to a school where there’s plenty of diversity, in race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, income. Oh, and what’s the guy to girl ratio in COM? I hear BU has way more girls than guys? That’s kinda weird, but I guess I can’t complain much…</p>
<p>2) Are there a lot of transfers? Are most of the kids commuter or are there people from all over the US? Do you know anyone from California? Just curious. </p>
<p>3) What’s the campus feel like? I hear BU doesn’t have a traditional campus, and that its basically a mile long street with buildings. Does it feel very urban or is there even an ounce of a “campusy” feel to it? My dad used to work in Manhattan, and he said if BU is like NYU he wouldn’t want me to go there, since its so crowded, polluted, dangerous, etc. </p>
<p>4) how long did it take you to adjust? I’ll be coming from a suburb in California, so life in Boston is going to be very different. When I arrive, I wouldn’t know the first thing to do. Where to buy stuff, find my classes, get around, and all the other tips and habits a person usually picks up their freshmen year. Are there transfer orientations and people that can help me settle in?</p>
<p>5) Transportation. Is the BU shuttle, or “The T” good enough? Is there a lot of walking involved? How long is it from West Campus to the COM building? Is there an escort service that can drop me to classes? I have had a few surgeries on my leg and though I can walk fine, long distances can be a bit of a trouble. </p>
<p>6) How do parents feel about BU? I mean, in general, what’s their first impression? My parents are thinking its like a traditional university campus, and my mom is already trying to stop me from going so far from home. I guess you can call them “helicopter parents.” So, does BU look and feel like a place where its a safe, community oriented environment where kids can study and have fun without anything crazy like in New York happening? Does it feel like a tight-knit community or is it large and cold and impersonal? That’s pretty important to my parents. I know its a big school, but do you think COM kids are pretty close? </p>
<p>6) I know this one is personal, and you can pm me with the answer, but did BU give you a lot of grants and loans? Is BU stingy with that stuff? What are the criteria for getting a lot? </p>
<p>7) What are the things you really don’t like about BU? Are they significant enough for someone to not consider BU? Please be completely honest.</p>
<p>Again thanks so much shiningstar! And anyone else can answer these if they have stuff to say.</p>
<p>1) Is COM diverse? I want to go to a school where there’s plenty of diversity, in race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, income. Oh, and what’s the guy to girl ratio in COM? I hear BU has way more girls than guys? That’s kinda weird, but I guess I can’t complain much…</p>
<p>The girl to guy ratio in COM is about 65-35, I would say. There’s definitely more girls than guys, but at any school these days, that is going to be the case. In terms of race, the dominant ones are white and asian. However, BU is such a large school, that you will find every kind of person here. To be honest I don’t really see races when I classify people. I also love that BU has such a large international population–you meet people from everywhere! In terms of income, it varies widely–you get the richest of the rich, and those who are pinching pennies. </p>
<p>2) Are there a lot of transfers? Are most of the kids commuter or are there people from all over the US? Do you know anyone from California? Just curious.
I have met some transfers, but I don’t really know exact facts about how many people transfer into BU. Most people do not commute to BU. And there is actually a really large CA contingent! You will not be alone. </p>
<p>3) What’s the campus feel like? I hear BU doesn’t have a traditional campus, and that its basically a mile long street with buildings. Does it feel very urban or is there even an ounce of a “campusy” feel to it? My dad used to work in Manhattan, and he said if BU is like NYU he wouldn’t want me to go there, since its so crowded, polluted, dangerous, etc. </p>
<p>People who do not attend BU always claim that it “does not have a campus.” However, it does! It spans all the way down Commonwealth Avenue, Bay State Road, Beacon Street some side streets, and into Park Drive/Buswell Street (South Campus). When I am on BU’s campus, it feels like a university, but with an urban spin. Compared to NYU, it has a more distinct campus, with most of the buildings along the above streets. As far as safety is concerned, I would definitely feel safer on BU’s campus than if I went to NYU. Mostly students walk around BU, and since there is such a large population, you are never really alone. There are also a lot of ways to get around campus, like the T and the free BU bus. You can also call the BU Police if you feel really unsafe. As far as pollution goes, it’s definitely a lot cleaner than NY! </p>
<p>4) how long did it take you to adjust? I’ll be coming from a suburb in California, so life in Boston is going to be very different. When I arrive, I wouldn’t know the first thing to do. Where to buy stuff, find my classes, get around, and all the other tips and habits a person usually picks up their freshmen year. Are there transfer orientations and people that can help me settle in?</p>
<p>There are definitely transfer orientations! They will send you more information once your acceptance is complete. During that time advisors will help you pick classes and act as a resource to help you find your way around. Something that was helpful for me my first year was to look up where my classes were before they started (street and room numbers will be listed on your schedule on student link) and then walk around and find them. It actually didn’t take me that long to adjust to college life. I came from a small high school in a suburb, so it was definitely a big change. I actually think it was more difficult to go back to school for second semester my freshman year because I remembered what home was like. But, once you get involved and more into your freedom, it becomes a lot easier! </p>
<p>5) Transportation. Is the BU shuttle, or “The T” good enough? Is there a lot of walking involved? How long is it from West Campus to the COM building? Is there an escort service that can drop me to classes? I have had a few surgeries on my leg and though I can walk fine, long distances can be a bit of a trouble. </p>
<p>The BU shuttle, or “The Bus” is fairly reliable. You can check the schedule online/there is a BU mobile app that will tell you when it is coming. However, it is often very crowded. Luckily, there is also a 57 bus (MBTA) that runs along Comm. Ave as well. The Green Line will come…eventually. If you are willing to wait/experience frustration, especially on weekday mornings, then the T will work out. Most people just rely on walking. The escort service is really only used at night, and even then I’ve never heard of people using it. It’s about 15 minutes from West to COM, walking. If you’ve said you’ve had a few surgeries, I would suggest trying to live in East Campus or in South, because they will be closer to your classes. </p>
<p>6) How do parents feel about BU? I mean, in general, what’s their first impression? My parents are thinking its like a traditional university campus, and my mom is already trying to stop me from going so far from home. I guess you can call them “helicopter parents.” So, does BU look and feel like a place where its a safe, community oriented environment where kids can study and have fun without anything crazy like in New York happening? Does it feel like a tight-knit community or is it large and cold and impersonal? That’s pretty important to my parents. I know its a big school, but do you think COM kids are pretty close? </p>
<p>BU is definitely more impersonal because it is in a city, but there is a large sense of community and school spirit. People are generally friendly, and there are always tons of events for the entire BU community. BU is what you make of it. It’s more about creating your own community, but it’s definitely there. And yes, it’s not so crazy that you won’t be able to study. Although BU is in Boston, our campus is pretty quiet on the weekends. </p>
<p>6) I know this one is personal, and you can pm me with the answer, but did BU give you a lot of grants and loans? Is BU stingy with that stuff? What are the criteria for getting a lot?
I don’t know the exact criteria, but I only received government loans, which I did not take (my family made too much). BU has a general reputation about being stingy with aid, but I know a lot of people who got a decent amount of scholarships. I also hear it helps to call the financial aid office/appeal if you do not receive enough aid. </p>
<p>Hope this helps! </p>
<p>7) What are the things you really don’t like about BU? Are they significant enough for someone to not consider BU? Please be completely honest.</p>
<p>Wow awesome! Thanks for the detailed response. I think I’ll give the questions a rest for now, at least until the deadline for applying gets closer. </p>
<p>Last few questions:
- What was your supplement essay prompt? I haven’t created a student account yet so I don’t know. </p>
<p>2) Again, what were the things you didn’t like about BU? </p>
<p>3) To get a perspective of another student with the same major, what are your career plans? I think I’m going to get a job in advertising in account or branding at an ad agency or in house agency. Maybe do that for a few years and maybe eventually get a part time mba. I don’t know, just thinking aloud here. So, what do you want to do?</p>
<p>You can pm me these answers if you want.</p>
<p>1)I cannot remember my supplement essay prompt at all, sorry. </p>
<p>2)Things I don’t like about BU: since it is such a large school, you are dealing with a big administration, which means some red tape.
The alcohol issues in large dorms–if you’re caught intoxicated while swiping into a dorm like Warren Towers, the security guards might call an ambulance on you even if you’re just stumbling, and force you to take it, which results in a hefty ambulance fee, as well as a fine and bad judicial standing at BU. This hasn’t happened to me, I just think it’s a little big brother-ish to call an ambulance on a student that has had a little too much if they are capable of walking, talking, and are not throwing up everywhere/passed out on the floor. I know it’s out of concern, but it seems extreme. </p>
<p>Otherwise, there a couple of little things but nothing that really stands out as being terrible. </p>
<p>3) I hope to be in account management or something of that sort, not really sure where I will end up yet. Hopefully end up writing as well.</p>
<p>Thank you!! </p>
<p>Maybe if I end up getting accepted and decide to go I will meet with you!! :P</p>
<p>I’m a junior in high school, trying to get organized for next year!</p>
<p>It says under the admission requirements for my college this:</p>
<p>SAT and two SAT subject tests or ACT with writing</p>
<p>I know this might be a stupid question, but it can be read two ways…</p>
<p>Does this mean I need the SAT, definitely, and then can choose to subject two subject tests or an act?</p>
<p>Or does it mean I can either submit the SAT and subject tests, or JUST the ACT with writing?</p>
<p>Please clear this up :)</p>
<p>I contacted admissions and haven’t gotten a reply in the past few days, and would like to know so I can register for the proper test ASAP. Thank you.</p>
<p>I had the same misunderstanding earlier this year. As of Sepmtember the rules have changes. BU originally wanted the SAT with the SAT2 or ACT. But now they changed it so they want either SAT with SAT2 or only ACT with writing. You can’t substitute the ACT for the SAT2 anymore</p>
<p>I do suggest you try taking both though because you may be surprised to learn that you’re better at one over the other</p>
<p>I heard back from admissions! For anyone interested…</p>
<p>Starting with those applying for fall 2013, sat subject tests will no longer be required. Applicants submit either the sat or act.</p>
<p>For the different dorms, do you use a key to lock and unlock your door or do you use your school ID as a key card?</p>
<p>@hlg2525: You use an oldschool key, not your card or a code on a keypad. Just a key. :)</p>
<p>How do class schedules work at BU? How many days a week and for how long do classes meet? And is there any chances of getting Fridays off like some other schools do?</p>