Big name college vs. Small school with Honors Program

College Search & Selection
1

<p>So I have applied to several schools in Boston, and my top choices have become Boston College, Boston University, and Emmanuel College (safety). Overall, I would really like to go to BC if I get in, but I will most likely get into the honors program at Emmanuel. Given the choice, would it be more beneficial to go to the big name school (BC) or the small school w/ honors program?</p>

<p>Extra Info:
Planning on going pre med
Financial aid is a VERY big deal. My fafsa EFC is 00000 and I have no money to pay for college</p>

2

<p>I’d go to Boston College unless Emanuel is considerably cheaper.</p>

3

<p>That is my main concern. emmanuel will give me more merit scholarship money (I already got the Dean’s scholarship for $14,000) but BC covers 100% of demonstrated need. I predict that BC would only be slightly more expensive overall, especially since I’ll be able to live at home.</p>

4

<p>Emmanuel will still cost > $30,000 a year after a $14,000 scholarship. If you have no money and are taking out loans, it’s not worth that.</p>

5

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<p>In that scenario you should definitely go to BC.</p>

6

<p>If you can afford it (since they cover 100% of demonstrated need), then go to BC. It’s a more well-known school and would appear better to medical school admisssions officers.</p>

7

<p>More so than being in an honors program? I guess I’m not exactly sure how much weight is given to that title.</p>

8

<p>The value of an honors program lies in the opportunities it offers you. At an already small school, I don’t see the point. Sounds like a marketing ploy.</p>

<p>If BC covers demonstrated need - do they? - that may actually be cheaper if you get in.</p>

<p>Are you a Massachusetts resident? If so, did you apply to UMass?</p>

9

<p>I do live in MA but I didn’t apply to UMass because I know it isn’t for me. I know it would be a lot cheaper but given the choice, I’d rather be an a little debt than be unhappy. The schools I applied to all have strong financial aid programs, most covering between 90-100% of demonstrated need. I also chose safety schools that would give me large merit scholarships covering at least half tuition (which I got). I’m also living at home to minimize cost, which I couldn’t do at UMass Amherst (the campus I would apply to).</p>