Hi! I was accepted to both BC and Tulane early action and I love both schools and need help choosing. I was wondering if anyone had experience with either school that they could share. I want to go to a very academically rigorous school but still have a great college experience. Sports, greek life, and a close knit community are also important to me. I want to go to the school with the nicest student body as well. My parents think tulane is not a good school and just a party school and I don’t think this is true but was hoping someone could speak to this. Thanks for the help y’all!
My nephew went to BC, and loved it. My youngest daughter is currently at Tulane, and loves it. These schools are very similar. Both are medium size, with similar student stats, rankings, and both are located near great cities. You can’t go wrong with either choice.
I will specifically address the “party school” question on Tulane. Based on the stories of my nephew, and the experiences of my daughter, I think both are very similar in this regard. These are both top universities, attract top students, and I think the party atmosphere is typical of any college in this category. My older daughter went to Cornell, and I can say that’s not much different in this regard than Tulane or BC (OK yeah, Cornell is more academically rigorous, but there will be the party crowd at every school. BTW my younger daughter at Tulane also got into Cornell, and many other top schools too and I’m happy with both of my daughters choices).
I’ve visited my daughter at Tulane a half dozen times now, walked around campus, met many students, and these are great kids, really. I’m sure the same is true at BC. Both of these schools are located near great cities, with lots to do. Specifically I will say there is lots to do in New Orleans, and so the rep for “happy students” certainly does apply, and we also enjoy visiting her there (from MA, outside of Boston).
Either way, congratulations, those are two good choices. Pick based on your major, the finances, your love for the schools, weather considerations, travel, etc…
Thank you so much @kencc83! its going to be a really tough decision but thank you for your help
You’re welcome!
Accuweather stats: Boston, currently 40 degrees; NOLA, currently 75 degrees. But seriously, Tulane is an excellent school, and it has huge geographic diversity. I know several students at Tulane, and I’m always impressed by how smart, poised, and determined they are. Tulane would be an amazing adventure (I’m from Louisiana!).
BC is a Catholic, Jesuit school which is a major difference compared to Tulane. And BC is not Catholic in name only. The Jesuit model of education is distinct. You will also see crucifixes and other Catholic iconography there. For some students this is a desired environment. For others it is an uncomfortable environment. If you are in the latter group you should not go to BC.
To me it would boil down to:
- Whether the Catholicism is really as in-your-face as some say -- I think you'd need to visit to find out -- and whether that bothers you, and
- Boston vs. New Orleans and all that entails (weather, culture, etc. Can you handle the Nawlins humidity or the Boston cold better?)
- Whether you are a big sports fan (BC would have the edge if you are; Tulane if you're not)
(Obviously, make sure both schools offer majors you’re interested in, make sure you can handle the cost, etc.)
OP, we know you are in high school. Let’s look at this college decision as if you were an adult.
Which school will provide you the best education and best prepare you for a successful career, or series of careers. Which school will open more doors for you.
You are not only investing your parent’s money but also your time. Which school will be a better return on that investment.
@prezbucky Crucifixes on classroom walls is not “in your face” Catholicism. At BC all are welcome but they do not hide their Catholic identity.
Right – I wouldn’t think so, but the OP should probably experience the vibe and the environment if she is wondering if it would be an issue for her. (she should visit both anyway if she is having a hard time deciding).
I shouldn’t have used that phrase – maybe it’s just “visible”…
I have decided to attend both admitted students weekends before making a final call. Thank you all for your help.
OK, please report back. (I predict Tulane, but let us know 
).