<p>I narrowed my list of colleges to these 5, but my top choice is BC. My sister goes to BU and BU did offer more financial aid. Out of them all Babson offered the most generous aid. My intended major is business. What are your thoughts? Which do you think would help me most in the long haul?</p>
<p>The big problem with Babson as I see it is the lack of other curricular opportunities. Most 18 year-old Frosh change their major ~3 times during college; but Babson precludes that possibility. The second problem with Babson is portability. While it maybe well known in the NE, its name won’t carry far geographically. Thus, it may limit your future mobility. And finally, a specialty school provides a much different undergraduate experience. Sports? Theater? Music? </p>
<p>If you are instate, UVa is a no-brainer.</p>
<p>fwiw: Unless you want to major in Accounting, I’m a big fan of a traditional liberal arts degree, such Econ, working for a couple of years, and then obtaining an MBA.</p>
<p>Yeah I agree that’s why I am hesitant on Babson! I am out of state and UVA wasn’t very generous on aid. Any thoughts on GW, BC and BU?</p>
<p>sure I have thoughts on the others, but they are all personal opinion. For example, I do not like really urban campuses, thus I’m not a fan of BU. Educationally, it’s great, but the collegiate community is not close-knit, which I prefer. Ditto GW. Foggy Bottom is a bunch of office buildings, some of which have been turned into classrooms. I don’t like that GW only has a fast-food court for dining options. I prefer a college with big time sports, school spirit (which means good alumni contacts). Thus, personally, I’d only consider UVa or BC. The others wouldn’t’ be options for ME, unless GW offered one of its $20k scholarships. </p>
<p>btw: since you were accepted into UVA as OOS, are these your only options? Did you apply to Georgetown, for example?</p>
<p>I was accepted to UMich, Umiami, Penn State, BC, Babson, UVA, GW,NYU, and BU. The most aid has been offered by BU, Babson and GW. I am visiting UVA, Babson, BC and BU next week to see which campus I prefer. I do agree with your thoughts on BU and GW being an urban campus. I actually prefer a more collegiate campus which is why I am leaning more towards BC.</p>
<p>Dear rdpgn105 : There is no doubt that the Virginia/Boston College pairing stands above George Washington/Boston University with Babson, in my view, coming in the third tier of these choices. You should not be surprised that the most aid is being offered by the three “lowest” schools from these five as they are working hard to attract your talent into their pool. </p>
<p>Think of it this way : how do these schools compete for top level talent? Answer : By bringing a discounted rate to the table.</p>
<p>Given the portfolio of schools, it seems the case that you were accepted to BC/CSOM and are seeking an undergraduate business education. If that is the case, think about not only the campus environments next week during your visits, but also really stress how the alumni network and business placements work for each university. I could provide the inputs covering Boston College, but would prefer that you uncover that material on your own - and we can discuss your findings after the visits.</p>
<p>Bottom line : an excellent portfolio of schools and you will do well no matter how you choose.</p>
<p>rdg:</p>
<p>For national stature in the ranking order of b-schools, Michigan-Ross & UVa easily lead the others, with BC up-and-coming. Whether either of the two are worth the OOS price is a matter for you and your parents. </p>
<p>btw: UVa meets full financial need of OOS students.</p>
<p>Scottj: Thanks for your input! I will keep everything you said in mind next week.</p>
<p>Bluebayou: Thanks for your point of view. You have brought some interesting points which I will keep in mind.</p>
<p>BC and Virgina…I love the BC Campus!</p>
<p>1.) UVA 2.) BC/GW 3.) Babson/BU</p>
<p>BC and UVA are equals, in my mind. The best choice would be for you to visit both and then decide which you feel “more at home” at. I have a close friend from back home who is at UVA and loves it there, as I have friends here at BC who love the school too.</p>
<p>Most people would choose UVa over BC, Michigan=BC, BC over GW. UVa and Michigan are pretty much equal, with a slight edge to UVa given its more “elite” status. UVa has a more private school feel than Michigan, and a slightly more accomplished student body.</p>
<p>So, I would say:</p>
<ol>
<li> UVa
2/3. Michigan = BC
4/5. GW = BU</li>
<li> Babson</li>
</ol>