<p>My D has been accepted to BC, NU & Cal. Cal is really not high on her list, we are from California, and have heard that the competition is brutal amongst students to the extent that there is not a real atmosphere of comradarie amongst students (everyone trying to get ahead). So really interested in hearing your opinions of these 2 options. We are headed to NU in 2 weeks, but truly, my D applied to NU because of its reputation, and we never visited (got tiered of visiting schools and told her is she got in we would go). We went to BC in Jan for early admit day. LOVED IT - Loved the care they give students with pre-med aspirations, and loved the environment. So, tell me why NU. do they give the same level of service to there freshman - premed advisor, regular advisor, what's the atmosphere like at NU.
Is it totally greek dominated? I truly believe that the overall experience at school with help my D more successful that going to the more "prestigous" school (which NU) is apparently. </p>
<p>So HELP ..............</p>
<p>By NU, do you mean Northeastern?</p>
<p>Northwestern in Evanston chicago. Do I have the acronym wrong?</p>
<p>They are all great schools. BC has a smaller College feel, much more close-knit community while NU is a much much larger school. Some kids prefer larger Us and some prefer smaller Colleges. You have to find out which one your D prefers. Has she visited Boston yet? </p>
<p>Besides her preferences for the size of the school and the city, you may also want to consider - cost of travel to and from school to home at least 3-4 times a year (it adds up in costs!), financial aid offered by each school, scholarships etc.</p>
<p>If you were not from the other coast, I would have said BC. I much prefer Boston to ‘flat land Chicago’, any day! Boston has numerous outdoor sports and just a much more beautiful and salubrious environment. Add to that the cross pollination of bright minds with multiple schools in a small area; BU, MIT, Harvard, BC all within few miles! No place is richer in terms of “learning” beyond the boundaries of a campus life. Boston is also far more diverse with students from all over the world studying there.</p>
<p>However, given that you are from CA, NU might be better. It’s half way across the country rather than all the way across the continent. Your cost and time of travel to and from CA will be less too.</p>
<p>Northwestern has a <em>smalller</em> undergraduate population than Boston College does. </p>
<p>Acceptance rate:
BC: 73%
Northwestern: 84%</p>
<p>[University</a> Pre-Medical Program Enrollment Continues to Grow](<a href=“http://www.bc.edu/schools/cas/biology/news/premed.html]University”>Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences | Boston College)
<a href=“http://www.ugadm.northwestern.edu/pdf/viewbook.pdf[/url]”>http://www.ugadm.northwestern.edu/pdf/viewbook.pdf</a> (page 57)</p>
<p>Do ask for the most recent number upon your campus visit.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the information. We have been to BC and your comments are well taken, it will be interesting to see Northwestern in a few weeks and get my D’s reaction. The time to travel & Cost are probably negligible (given we dont’ any FA, and have lots of frequent flyer miles). I too loved Boston, so we will have to see if Chi town knocks her socks off. </p>
<p>Thanks again.</p>