BC vs. UMass Amherst Honors College (for science major)

Hello all, Throwing out this question in case there’s someone out there who has experience with both schools for undergraduate science majors (biology, biochem, neuroscience). My D is deciding between these school and my impression is the BC is probably not better in these areas in terms of academics, undergrad research opportunities, and post-graduation placement in either industry or PhD programs. Any one have any insights they can share?

In addition, D was accepted to UMass Amherst honors college with a Presidential Scholarship (merit), which I would think looks good on her resume.

Proud Massachusetts alum and student at BC as a freshman. I know both programs personally.

The BC collegiate experience except for the food is at a completely different level. Thr food at Massachusetts is off the charts. BC is meh

The top to bottom strength of your peers is at a different level. Imho. But honors college about the same.

BC also lets you obtain a minor in the Carroll business school. Which may be valuable if your student decides on a non science track after graduation. Bio majors who don’t move to other things don’t have a huge demand. And Carroll school is a top 10 type in finance.

Thst being said. Massachusetts is probably more fun especially the first few years. Not sports but general vibe and a less intense environment. Hockey this year has been great.

The students in the commonwealth honors college and facilities make a real difference. They are both great.

The teaching and research in the sciences might be better at Massachusetts. The classes will be smaller at BC.

The BC new integrated sciences approach and engineering school being built will also be a factor in the later years of your students tie there.

So in the end they are both phenomenal choices. It depends on your specific child and personal finances.

You can be a great doctor or PhD from either.

Money and personal fit are both student specific issues.

If both the same price you could choose either if you ignore the brand illusion. If BC is much more expensive and it doesn’t hurt your finances at all. BC could make sense based on your child.

We had nearly the exact same choice last year except it was UF honors and chose BC.

But most people may not have. It was child specific for us. Many local kids don’t want to go to their state u because it doesn’t feel special enough as a top student. Ignore that if you can.

I’d probably vote the other way. BC has a strong organic chem program, and it revamped its early Bio classes several years ago to really improve the quality of the undergrad classes. Moreover, and perhaps its just my bias, but I get the sense that private colleges generally have more opportunities for undergrad research for those that want them. (The Honors college should give a student a leg-up in that queue, however.) Moreover, beyond campus, the Boston environs has a ton of research opportunities available, particularly bio-sci and bio-pharm – has to be more than local Amherst.

Cost does play a role, however. If BC is at sticker, and UMass is cheap after merit scholly…

also forgot to add: the Jesuit education is just phenomenal. Hard to explain, but worth the price of admission to this dad.

I was trying to give a balanced view.

But as I mentioned for us, UF honors with a full ride wasn’t enough for us to say no to the BC education. But that’s our family. And UF is a top ten USA public flagship. And our d is going to BC specifically for the biochem and new neuroscience major.

But the cost can be prohibitive. I wouldn’t go into deep debt for this option.

And as a Massachusetts grad, I think you’ll find a deep research bench and culture in the sciences.

@privatebanker @bluebayou Thanks for the replies. I do think Honors College puts the UMass on a different level - I know several parents of academically strong students who have been happy with their Honors College experience, though none in the natural sciences. My sense is BC doesn’t have the connections and reputation in the sciences. My D is interested in neuroscience but I’m leary of her doing a “new” major.

Thanks again for the comments1