<p>Well, here it goes
</p>
<ol>
<li><p>What are the top 3 things you like about ACADEMICS. I don't not care about the social life/party scene.
-Size of classes: Most classes are actually small; 15-20 kids. If you do have a lecture class, there will most likely be a mandatory discussion section held once a week where a TA will go over course material in groups of 15 for 50 minutes to make sure everyone is on the same track.
-Core Curriculum: Some kids hate it, but I feel that youre really getting your moneys worth when you get exposed to literature, philosophy, theology and the fine arts, even if they arent in your major.
-Extent of Courses Offered: If you want to take a course in something, there is most likely a class offered in it. From sign language, to dance, to PULSE (a combination of theology and philosophy with focus on community service), theres something for everyone. This also allows for a wide range of schedules (I didnt have any classes on Fridays my fall semester).</p></li>
<li><p>Ditto for the top 2 things you dislike about academics.
-Registration: If you get a (for lack of a better word) crappy registration time, you cant into any of the classes you want. (Sometimes a letter to the professor will get you a spot, though)
-8AM classes: Basically, they suck.</p></li>
<li><p>How would you describe academic instruction - buttoned down/routine; focused on rote memorization; quirky/free-spirited; etc. Do instructors on average try to make it engaging, or is it a typical "lecture" thing?
Every course is different. Some courses, like Anatomy are based mostly on memorization, but History and Philosophy are based more on understanding large concepts. With that said, every professor is different. Some are more engaging than others; in discussion groups and small classes usually your class participation in a large portion of your grade so teachers encourage commentary. </p></li>
<li><p>How difficult it is to get into the classes you are interested in?
Again, this all depends on your registration time. Usually there are many classes that meet at different times, so you may not get the time you want, but youll still get to take the course. Some courses are reserved primarily for sophomores and upperclassmen, making it more difficult for freshmen to get into.</p></li>
<li><p>How would you rate the opportunity for interdisciplinary studies? I am mostly humanties-oriented, but I do like art and some of the sciences, and would not mind to get a broad taste of things. This is where the Core Curriculum comes in. I am in the Nursing School and our core looks like this: 1 semester of writing, 1 of Literature, 1 of Math, 2 of History, 2 of Philosophy, 2 of Theology, 1 of Fine Arts, and 2 of the Social Sciences. Thats all in addition to my Nursing requirements. Kids I know in CSOM or A&S have foreign language requirements, too.</p></li>
<li><p>When are you expected to declare a major? Do you apply to a specific college and then have to major there, or is it wide open, e.g., through sophomore year.
I applied directly to the Connell School of Nursing, and thus my major is Nursing (specialties are chosen if you choose to do a 5-year maters program). Anyways, Im not sure about the other schools, but I know kids change their major pretty frequently up until spring their sophomore year. I believe it is at that time that you have to choose a major. (Im not quite sure about that, so you may want to check the website)</p></li>
<li><p>Are students generally helpful and supportive of each other, or is it dog-eat-dog?
Not only are students helpful, so are the professors (at least thats my experience in CSON). Three girls on my floor are in CSON and we have study parties before each quiz and exam since we take all the same classes. Everyone really looks out for each other. Professors are also really helpful, and usually hold 1-2 hours of office hours a week just in case you have a question about anything in class. No one is rooting for the failure of others. </p></li>
<li><p>Did you feel that you had adequate internship/practical experience opportunities. Please include your major when responding to this one. Ok, Im only a freshman, but starting in the fall 2006 we will be having our first Nursing clinical. We will not be placed in a hospital until the spring, but BC has a state of the art clinical lab in the Cushing Building. When we start actual clinical work we will be working in the surrounding Boston hospitals such as, Mass General, Childrens, Brigham and Womens, the very best of the best. At orientation we learned that every nursing student who went through BC CSON and passed the NCLEX (Nursing License Exam) was offered a job before graduation. </p></li>
<li><p>Does the school feel like it is on the upswing or downswing? Are facilities properly maintained, particularly the library?
The atmosphere is definitely on the upswing if you ask me! There is a 7-year-plan (maybe 10) going into effect soon, that will create brand new buildings including student arts centers, a new recreation complex, new meal halls, and new classroom buildings. Every building is meticulously maintained, as well as the grass (sprinklers are on basically 24/7 in the fall).
As for the libraries, they are the most extensive I have seen. They are kept fully up-to-date, complete with newspapers from Ireland, and France. Basically anything you need can be found, and if for some strange reason you cant find it, BC is connected to almost every major library (university and otherwise) in the Boston area and your materials will be sent to BC at no cost. Also in the library is the Conners Family Learning Center where free tutoring in any subject is offered. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Hope that helps!
:)</p>