<p>My D was accepted to BC and Villanova. She attended both Accepted Student Days. Villanova did a great job making the accepted students feel very welcome on campus. Many Villanova students met the accepted students with cheers, balloons, dances, and songs. The professors were available through out the campus all day. They talked about success in career placement. The Villanova day was very well done. She is now seriously considering Villanova. </p>
<p>I went to both accepted days as well and I agree that Villanova blew every other one out of the water, especially BC’s.</p>
<p>I think that the schools are very similar in many ways such as typical student and the type of school it is, at least thats the impression I got at each.</p>
<p>I guess I can give you a few reasons why I prefer BC to Villanova (of course there are just my opinions):</p>
<p>Boston > Philly
Jesuit > Augustinian (I’m not catholic, felt less of a religious presence at BC.)
Hockey > Basketball
BC academics felt stronger to me, and it has the better name nationally.
Finally BC just “feels” like more of a fit to me. I can see myself already loving BC, with Villanova I feel like I’d always look back on my decision, but with BC I feel like I won’t.</p>
<p>I think that last point is really the most important in your decision. Both will give great educations and experiences, it comes down to which she feels better about. From what you’ve said that sounds like Villanova.</p>
<p>It all depends on what you are looking for in a college. BC is in an entirely different league than Villanova. However, if ballons and singing/dancing at an admitted students event impresses you then it seems that you will fit in better at Villanova.</p>
<p>Remember that accepted students days are marketing events. Sounds like Villanova did a better marketing job than BC. I am very familiar with both schools. BC attracts a stronger and more diverse student body. Villanova has a more conservative Catholic feel and doesn’t have much recognition/appeal beyond the Northeast/mid-Atlantic area.</p>
<p>Where does your D hope to live or work? I know if you work in Philadelphia, a Villanova degree is helpful as a lot of alums are in the area and the alumni network is very strong. I would imagine the same is with BC in Boston.</p>
<p>I’m sorry that I came across to you as sarcastic and content free, this wasn’t my intention.
BC’s admitted student event, in my opinion, focuses a lot on the academics. Part of its purpose is to give students and their families a better idea of what an actual class would be like, hence the choice of courses offered for that particular day i.e. economics, history etc. The prospective students could then sit in “a class” and observe firsthand the actual professor in a classroom setting. It seems more informative in nature and as Mansfield noted, BC isn’t very good at “marketing”. If the prospective student decides to attend BC, then he/she is treated to an incredible three day/two night orientation experience, packed with a large variety of activities, covering a large expanse of interests: academic, social, etc. Truly a wonderful event. The parents are also treated to two days of programs, meals; one could chose the event, be it listening to the dean of the particular college or professors, advisors and even panels of present students. The students stay in dorms and meet up with the parents only at the very end of the orientation. The orientation is amazing.</p>
<p>I heartily agree with the comments on the freshman orientation. This is where BC really shines. I remember thinking to myself when we left: wow. she (my D) is truly going to be fine here. (and she was!). Perhaps BC should taking some of their orientation marketing magic and apply it to the accepted students day. </p>
<p>BC v. Villanova social life: BC has a slight edge. Its closer to a bigger city and there is also more to do in the immediate off campus area. Villanova is located in a very nice, but rather sedate suburban area.</p>
<p>Before I came across this post I had no idea about this. However, it might be something to consider in the college decision making process as it pertains to the surrounding area and places where students frequent albeit not all students.</p>
<p>As to BCs social scene, what I know comes from what my D who is a student there has told me. She is involved in a lot of campus community clubs etc. There are activities on campus round the clock, i.e. student performances at the Robsham Theatre (plays, dance performances, musical groups, concerts to name a few) as well as sporting events (you may want to check out the upcoming ArtsFest). Many of my Ds friends come to BC on the weekends to hang out because there is so much going on and it’s very safe on campus. Thats another bonus; the campus is seemingly compact, which makes going from one part to another rather easy, save the Newton campus. My D made many friends right off the bat but for those who experience difficulty adjusting, there is a program called 48 hours which is geared toward acclimating students to the BC community. My D and friends go into Boston quite often also. At orientation the plethora of BC offerings is discussed at length. </p>
<p>For our family, the academic aspect of BC is very important. Lots of student/professor access, great mentoring and advising. The academic quality is excellent and opportunities abound. Another factor for us was the very large alumni connection and internships/career advantages. Another thing you may want to consider is that BC is a national university whereas Villanova is a regional university.</p>
<p>Unless someone has attended both colleges, it is impossible to really rate the bottom four of your points. Moreover, it’s more of an individual thing. Both campuses have social life, both have great spirit, and both have reams jobs placement data (very little of which I put much stock in, btw).</p>
<p>The one objective point is “typical student.” While they are pretty similar from a socio-economic standpoint, BC’s student body is academically stronger. While BC’s test scores are somewhat higher, the number that really jumps out to me is top decile of the HS class. BC draws its class from the top decile (~90%) of high schools, which includes recruited athletes. In contrast, <60% of 'Nova’s students are in the top 10% of their HS class.</p>
<p>One could make an argument that having a stronger class will drive stronger academics, but that too is somewhat speculative.</p>
<p>Go where you feel best about. BC is definitely more academically competitive admission wise but Villanova is full of smart & fun students too. Villanova has plenty of satisfied customers.This year a student that is enrolling is the 55th member of his family to attend Villanova!</p>
<p>At Villanova , Freshman retention rate of 95% and 6 year graduation rate of 90% compare favorably with the most competitive schools. 2010 avg SAT score of enrolled students was 1292 last year , not too shabby…</p>
<p>sorry, knight, but according to AP Stats, any “report” that is based on unverified, self-reporting is no such thing; it is just a bunch of anecdotes, and the plural of anecdotes is NOT data.</p>