Better school or better price?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>So, I thought I’d have it all figured out by now. How further from the truth could I be? I have heard opinions from peers, parents, and advisors, but I’m still lost.</p>

<p>As of now, I’m looking for a career in advertising and have narrowed down where I’m going next year (more or less) to two places: Boston University and Pace University in New York City. I know what your impulse decision probably is, but here’s the situation:</p>

<p>Pros to going to Pace start with MONEY. I’ve been given $13,000, a laptop, research stipend, study abroad, etc. to attend their Honors College. Also, its location is great and I’m stuck on going to Manhattan to jump-start my career through internship or co-op (which is available at Pace). People have suggested that NYC is a much better location for advertising. Simply, I feel like I belong there for many reasons.</p>

<p>However, many people have told me that the reputation of the school isn’t so great. I’ve heard though, that business is the strongest program there. In any case, it is my hope to be challenged in the presence of many bright and talented students. I don’t know if this is the case at Pace. Someone said that it might be a good thing to be among the finest at a college rather than just a number in a sea of talent elsewhere. Is this true? Also, if I go to Pace, I will be majoring in marketing (with a specialization in advertising). This can either be a drawback or a good thing, depending on how it’s evaluated. I’m certain that I want to be involved with business, but I’m afraid I might change my mind about specifics.</p>

<p>I love Boston University, and I’m fortunate for the opportunity to study at COM. However, it is quite pricey. They gave me an $8000 grant, but it almost feels like a drop in the bucket. I did not receive federal financial aid, but I will still be paying off loans forever if I go to BU. This is why I’m wondering if going there is worth the cost.</p>

<p>Many people argue that a degree is a degree, and school prestige will only matter at the “first job”. How much truth is there to this statement? I’m not only looking at reputation, but also the quality of education that I will get. If communications weren’t of the strongest at BU, I probably wouldn’t consider it.</p>

<p>If it helps, Northeastern, Fordham (Lincoln Center), and possibly Emerson are my other options. I’m looking for any advice, and being that this is CC, I’m sure I’ll get some substantial insight. Thanks so much!</p>

2

<p>Go to pace, BU is not a hot ticket with ad agencies and the co-op could be the key for a future job.</p>

3

<p>Pace. BU really isn't as great as its rep makes it (don't get me wrong, it's a good school, but in my opinion, overrated). I think Pace is a great school, and with all the oppurtunities its giving you, I'd take it over BU anyday. BU will have plenty of motivated students, but not like at the more elite schools. You're going to get a mixed bag both ways.</p>

4

<p>i think your post is well written. =) that is, you present your dilemma in such a convincing way that i feel obliged to reply, haha.
i'm sorry to say i don't know much about either of the two schools, except that BU doesn't have much of a campus and that pace has a good business program. i do agree with you that reputation isn't everything. maybe you might want to consider that boston is colder than new york city. that probably doesn't help you too much, so if you need other opinions, you could try studentsreview.com.
good luck-</p>

5

<p>I peresonally would go to Emerson. They are known for everthing related to the Communications field which advertising is related to.</p>

<p>But other than that, between BU and Pace, i'd pick Pace just because of the perks you'll get. I personally think that having that added Marketing education additionally to the advertising, can be beneficial in your education.</p>

<p>But the best choice will be made when you actually visit each school and ask yourself if you can see yourself happily being there aside from everything else.</p>

6

<p>Thank you all for helping me solidify my opinions!</p>