<p>It’s at that point where I have to make a decision as to what college to go to, but I’m utterly torn between BC and Chicago. I can afford either without taking on too much debt; it’s just that I don’t know what’s best for me. I enjoy learning and wanna get a really good education wherever I go, but I don’t want it to be too overkill or too lax. I want to be around smart people, a wellrounded, diverse student body with different interests and that don’t embody a particular stereotype. I’m also looking for a traditional college experience, one with fun and all that traditional stuff…</p>
<p>i think bc is far more wellrounded, and I’m drawn to its Jesuit identity and programs, with its sports, academics, spirituality, and service…but chicago has amazing academics–many say some of the best in the world–and it can offer unbelievable opportunities…</p>
<p>I think UChicago offers a truly unique academic experience that shouldn’t be passed up lightly. If you’re really worried about partying with bros and hot girls, then I guess BC is the choice. But UChicago is three or four notches above BC in terms of academics.</p>
<p>How did you come to the conclusion that University of Chicago is three to four notches above BC? </p>
<p>I love people like you that come on these forms and say such idiotic remarks. While the University of Chicago is a great school, BC is no slouch.</p>
<p>USNWR ranks UChicago 8th among national universities. Boston College is ranked 34th. I realize those scores and rankings have to be taken with a grain of salt, but there is obviously a large discrepancy. UChicago has a more academic student-body and is far more prestigious than BC. I’m sorry to have damaged your delicate psyche.</p>
<p>^Just judging by the SAT scores you posted it is apparent that UChicago has a more intelligent student body but the difference isn’t nearly enough to amount to 3 to 4 notches. Also, taken into consideration that the USNWR rankings are biased and that the difference between 8 and 34 really isn’t as large as your inflated head may think so, it could easily be said that the academics at Boston College are not too far below UChicago. Yes, UChicago is better, but in no way does that make Boston College’s academics not incredible. [Insert snobby remark].</p>
<p>Dear Drought, sdkidwooh, and all : If “notch” is defined to be 20 points on your SAT, then UChicago is three or four notches above Boston College using that metric. </p>
<p>If “notch” is defined to be “eight placings in USN&WR rankings”, the UChicago is three or four notches above Boston College.</p>
<p>Similarly, we could define “notch” in ways that clearly show to Boston College’s advantage. Without definition, the argument is nothing but a comparative based on SAT scores.</p>
<p>In summary, if you do not do well at either school or do not enjoy your experience at either school, neither is better. Think about it.</p>
<p>I think Chicago may be one notch to two notches above BC academically, not three or four.</p>
<p>Chicago is reputed to have a highly intellectual atmosphere, perhaps more than any other college, so you should consider that in making your choice. BC wins hand-down on th overall well-rounded collegiate experience, at least by reputation, all the while maintaining a strong academic environment.</p>
<p>Fine. You can argue with my definition of notches all you want, but that’s not the point. I have no personal investment in either school, by the way. I was accepted at BC and I have chosen not to attend, and I didn’t apply to UChicago. I was merely trying to convey to the OP that the academics at one school are significantly stronger (IMO) than the academics at the other. In my mind, the choice is clear.</p>
<p>The Forbes Best College Ranking (nationally renown) ranks BC 16h, UChicago 21, Carleton 23. Based on your idea, BC is a notch better than Uchicago and at least a 2 notch better than your school. So I am sorry to tell you this, but I guess you made a horrible decision in choosing colleges. jk about last statement, but what I am trying to say is that you shouldn’t make decisions based on prestigious level and rankings. </p>
<p>Personally, when I went to one of the event for prefrosh few wks ago, a kid who was staying with me chose BC over cornell (4yrs full ride ‘legacy’) + Northwestern. And another kid chose BC over johns hopkins. I chose BC over Carnegie Mellon and Cornell GT. </p>
<p>At first, I was deff leaning toward Carnegie mellon cuz of its rep and ranks and all that. But when I visited all the schools, there were different vibes, and I felt most attached to BC</p>
<p>So I would strongly suggest OP to visit those two schools (prolly too late…) or at least try to talk to alot of ppl in both schools</p>
<p>Princeton Review 2010 gives University of Chicago a rating of 83 on “quality of life.” In contrast, Boston College earned a 93 rating. I will also add that my daughter turned down several prestigious schools in order to attend BC, which felt like home to her as soon as she toured the campus and sat in on a class. She has involved herself in many facets of student life and could not be happier with her decision. She particularly raves about the friendly, supportive and spirited student body and the high quality of her professors.</p>
<p>OP…What do you want to study? That might help you with your decision. D is in a similar situation trying to decide between BC Honors, Northwestern, and UVa. I applaud both of you for trying to look at the whole picture – where you will be happiest coupled with where you’ll have the most opportunity to achieve your next goal (in her case med school). I know decisions are due in a mere two days. The good news is they’re both fabulous schools, and you can’t really go wrong with either. Good luck!</p>
<p>Let me offer the viewpoint of a UC alumna and parent of a current BC student:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Both BC and UC are full of “smart people.” Both schools have strong academic programs and brilliant faculty members. You can get a top-notch education at both schools. Certain programs and departments are stronger at BC and other programs and departments are stronger at UC.</p></li>
<li><p>The student bodies at both schools do, unfortunately, “embody a particular stereotype.” The UC student is allegedly the “dour academic egghead” while the BC student is the “preppy suburban rich kid.” Quite frankly, I think these stereotypes are off-base and you can find some of both at each school.</p></li>
<li><p>Both schools have many clubs and organizations appealing to different interests (intramural sports, performing arts, politics, etc.), but I do feel that UC students tend to focus much more on their academics than BC students do. Although “where fun goes to die” is certainly an exaggeration of the UC atmosphere, there is some element of truth there. There is no doubt that BC offers a much broader and deeper experience in non-academic areas and provides the more “traditional college experience.”</p></li>
<li><p>Both schools are located in/near wonderful big cities that offer a multitude of cultural and internship/employment opportunities. However, Boston gets the clear nod as the more “student-friendly” environment.</p></li>
<li><p>Both schools have a core curriculum intended to expose students to the many disciplines that constitute a “liberal arts education.” BC expands on that with its Jesuit influence and emphasis on community service.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>OP, just forget about all this nitpicking about relative rankings. Think about what YOU want out of the next 4 years and then go with your gut! You alone know what’s best for YOU. You can’t go wrong with either choice.</p>
<p>For BC, would you say that it truly exemplifies its Jesuit nature? Does it actively espouse service, being a “man and/or woman for others”, all that good stuff? Coming from a Jesuit school, that’s something that I thought was important in picking BC, I just wanna be sure that it’s true. Also, how do you think, at least in terms of opportunities of that nature, does it compare with chicago?</p>
<p>also, in terms of opportunity, how do they compare? i know this sounds foolish, but will having a uchicago degree separate me from the rest of the pack, as many whom I’ve spoken to say it does, especially in terms of job placement and graduate schools after college?</p>
<p>BC is Jesuit in the fact that the core advocates for educating the whole person and the whole mind. That is why we have a 15 course core. BC is also VERY volunteer orientated, we have many clubs and even classes where volunteering is a major aspect. </p>
<p>There are probably many other ways, but that’s how I view it and why I love it :)</p>
<p>As to putting “Men and Women for Others” into action, you can get an idea of the many and varied community service opportunities available at BC through the Volunteer and Service Learning Center:</p>