I was accepted to both schools early action for finance, and got honors at Villanova, but not BC. I got into a few other schools EA and rolling too, but these are my top choices right now. My two RD schools are my reaches and I’m not expecting to get in. These two choices seem to be so similar, and I can’t really decide what more factors to look at to decide. Both schools are just outside major cities, have solid reputations and placements for my major, gorgeous defined campuses, and religious affiliations.
I was leaning towards BC because admittedly, it’s more prestigious(not by much IMO), but also I liked Boston better than Philly, and their financial aid will most likely be better. I got a great FA package by BC, and Villanova has not released packages yet. Nova does not meet need though, so I expect it to be a little more expensive, but I am a finalist for the Villanova scholarship which may fill the gap.
It seems like BC makes more sense, but I visited Nova last weekend for EA Candidates Day, and I could really see myself there. Everyone was so friendly and I was impressed by their career presentations. I did not have the chance to visit BC’s EA accepted students day, but I’ll go for the RD one. Are there any other factors to take into account? Id love to hear from maybe others that are in a similar position or have experience with both schools. Thanks!
First, congrats on having two great options already. In all honesty I’d wait until all your decisions and financial offers come in, see what is affordable, if possible visit your top 2-3 choices, and only then make a decision.
BC and Villanova are both excellent colleges but BC is the more “prestigious” college, for business or otherwise (although IMO that is not a reason to choose one over the other). Note that there was a Bloomberg survey that ranked Villanova the number 1 undergraduate business school (BC was #3) but the parameters used for the ranking were so flawed (ex. Wharton was #16) that Bloomberg has said that they will no longer rank undergraduate b-schools.
I think BC wins on every level except basketball team…Prettier campus, closer to the city, better academics, much much much better city for college students, better mass transit, safer city, better fin. aid.
BC also has the 480 plus years of Jesuit educational tradition. That the Jesuit order is still educating after nearly five centuries says it must be doing something right!
Boston College and Villanova are viewed similarly in terms of academics and have a similar feel. However, I would not call either of them “OMG prestigious!” and would not advise you go into enormous debt to attend either if you have strong cheaper options.
Honors colleges are great because you will get personal attention. However, I would pick the more economical option, and maybe try to get Villanova to match BC’s offer if it does end up being cheaper.
In addition to going to Accepted Students Day at BC, it would be worthwhile to make an appointment for Eagle For A Day. They will set you up with a CSOM student and you can attend a class or two, go to lunch with a group of students and see things more up close and personal. It’s definitely worth spending the time when deciding between these 2 fantastic schools. Good luck on your decision, you can’t go wrong with either one.
I have a lot of need, so both BC and Villanova should come out as my cheapest options in the end. I also got into Pitt, PSU, and OSU. Penn State(in state) is full price, which is much more expensive than BC atm and I got scholarships at Pitt and OSU to make them about the same price as BC. However, I prefer BC over those.
@keepmecruisin I wasn’t sure if I should do both, but I think I’ll do it. BC is a bit of a drive away, and doing both events means stay extra days, so I wasn’t sure if it was worth the money.
@moooop loves BC, but most of that post is pretty subjective. Both campuses are beautiful. Villanova has three train stations on campus, Bryn Mawr and Swathmore are neighbors and Philadelphia has more than 100 colleges in the area. The Main Line is quite safe, I can assure you.
Here is something to consider: Villanova grads compete for internships, and subsequently jobs, with Wharton grads. And they fare quite well.
@happy1 Thanks. The only decisions I have left to receive are two very reachy schools, so I thought I could begin narrowing my list and start thinking about my decision. I already ruled out a few schools and BC/Villanova are my top two at the moment.
@Middleman68 I agree that it is tough to say which is better for what when both are so similar. However, I could also argue that BC competes with very tough schools as well such as Harvard, MIT, etc in the Boston area. I will definitely visit again too. I have not gotten the chance to visit as an accepted student, and I feel like its much different visiting after being accepted than as an applicant.
