Boston College or Colgate University?

College Search & Selection
1

Hello,

I was accepted into both Colgate University and Boston College, and I’m having a really hard time deciding which college to go to. I love both colleges, and I already know some benefits and drawbacks about each (at least, from my perspective).

I like Colgate because it is an LAC, and I believe it will suit my personality well. I’m extremely introverted and am not the biggest fan of large groups or parties; I prefer to have a small, tight group of friends but still get along amicably with everyone else. One of the biggest appeal is the fact that I will be able to learn in very small classes at Colgate. Additionally, I plan on going to grad school (hopefully vet school) so it is really important to me that I will be able to get good recommendation letters. I’ve never been really outgoing or loud so I always had a hard time getting close with my teachers in high school and I’m hoping the low student to faculty ratio at Colgate will allow me to naturally get close with my professors. My biggest concern for Colgate is that I have heard the stereotype that students party all the time, Greek life is very strong, and a lot of elite, privileged kids go there. I don’t have a huge issue with the elitist students (my high school is full of them so I’m used to it), but I’m really not the type of person to party like crazy all the time. I’m also concerned that I won’t be able to fit in with the strong Greek life for the same reason that I don’t really like parties and pretty much shy away from big social scenes (I know I need to start becoming more outgoing; I’ve gotten better and am still working on it). I know both school are well-known for their parties, but I wanted to know how excessive/prominent it is at each college and whether I will be ostracized for not going to many of them (especially at Colgate, since I’ve heard that the students form very tight groups around the greek life and their parties)

For Boston college, I like that it is close enough to Boston that I can go to the city to have fun and (hopefully) find many research opportunities, but it is still far away enough that it doesn’t feel like the college is in the city. Going back to the research opportunities, I know that since I want to go to vet school and my major will be more geared towards the sciences, Boston college is the better option for the fact that it is a research university with more opportunities in the city. I just have a nagging fear that I will have to compete with other students from the prestigious colleges in Boston (northeaster, Brandeis, Harvard, etc.) for internships and research. I’m also concerned about the large undergraduate size. Will it be hard to get to know the professors? How big, on average, are the classes? Will there be a lot of difficulties when it comes to scheduling classes? Boston College also ended up being more expensive, and Colgate is the only school where my financial aid is guaranteed for all four years, which means that I won’t have to worry about my college cost going up once my brother graduates from college in two years.

As for the location, I know that I love nature and small, quaint villages. Lately, however, I’ve found myself wanting to visit cities and do more exciting things. I’m completely torn between wanting to spend my next four years surrounded by nature in a calm setting, or living close to one of the biggest cities in America and try new, exciting things. I guess this is something I have to figure out on my own, but any information on what there is to do around both colleges would be great.

I plan on majoring in either psychology or neuroscience - at least for now. I want to be a vet when I grow up (so I will need to focus on science classes), but I’ve always loved reading, history, and am intrigued by philosophy. Which college will give me the best of both?

On a side note: I was also accepted into Case Western Reserve University, in case that changes the opinions of anybody in terms of which college I should pick. I just haven’t given serious thought to that college because its too close to home and I really want to leave Ohio.

Holy crap I did not realize this post would turn out so long. If anyone could give me any input on which college I am better suited for based on the things I talked about, that would be great. If anyone wants to just add more things about each college or opinions about them that would also be very helpful.

Thanks!

2

From your post, it sounds like you prefer Colgate overall, but have some reservations.

I do not think you will find students at Colgate more elitist than those at BC, but I think your Greek life concern is real. Try to interview some current students and ask them about how it feels not to “go Greek,” and see if they either allay or echo your concerns.

In terms of city vs. country, you will need to decide your preference (for those four years). Small rural colleges provide a lot of the action ON campus- student performances, famous speakers and performers coming to campus, student sporting events, events and activities run by clubs/departments/frats/student groups, college-organized dances and events, etc. I don’t think you need worry about being bored!

Congratulations on having two great choices. You should be able to explore a range of courses in many disciplines at both of them, and both will be able to link you with internships, etc. over the summers.

Good luck deciding!

3

Congratulations!
My daughter was in a very similar situation last year choosing between Colgate and Villanova. I was hoping Colgate, so beautiful and it’s incredible alumni network .
My daughter wanted more of a city college so she went with Villanova and it has been a great choice for her.

My niece and nephew both went to BC and loved it.
You cannot go wrong, both are incredible.
Just go with your gut and Congratulations !!

4

I went to Colgate many years ago, but I have met many current Colgate students. It is very academic, so you would need to work hard. I was very much of an introvert (still am), but the school was small enough that the students were very inclusive. When people were going out, they would usually invite everyone around them (I had to turn down many invites because of schoolwork). The town was so small, we would run into the same people at restaurants, coffee shops and bars.

I think a lot of students are afraid to go to a rural college, but I have to say that when I was there we had so many different things going on I didn’t remember being bored. There were always events on campus (speakers, shows, clubs), and yes, parties.

I remember there were a lot of wealthy students at Colgate, but because it was a rural campus, it wasn’t that noticeable. Most events on campus were either free or cost very little. There was no shopping in town to speak of, so there wasn’t a lot of spending. Whereas a school like BC in Boston, you would feel a lot more of “have and have not.”

Colgate has excellent study abroad programs and those programs were run by their own faculty. They want their students to be Citizen of the World. I felt it when I was there, and they have definitely expanded it since then.

5

I like both, but you CAN go wrong if you want more off-camous variety than the village of Hamilton can give you. It’s one thing to spend a semester in a town that small, but 4 years? Some people can handle that type of isolation, others can’t.

6

My daughter is struggling with a very similar choice: Boston College or Hamilton. She also wants to study neuroscience and is interested in the humanities like yourself. She is visiting both schools on multiple days to see what fits best. Struggling with small class size at rural LAC vs bigger school with larger classes close to awesome city. I went to BC many moons ago. I liked the size but wasn’t one looking for close relationship with professors. I was fine with 100 students in most of my classes. I’m a quiet, introvert and didn’t find the party scene to be too overwhelming, especially after the first year. I loved being close to but not in the city and would often hop on the T into Boston at least once each weekend. Lots of great exposure to big city hospitals worked out great for my career. All that said, my daughter is leaning toward Hamilton for the small class size and discussion based classes. BC accepted student day is this weekend. ( I hope you are going!) Hamilton next weekend. Good luck. Two great options.

7

My son is junior at Colgate. You should not worry about fraternities. You can have a great social life without joining a frat. Your only concern would be living nextdoor to one and enduring the loud parties. You’ll be able to find niche.

As far as which school is a better fit, I can only recommend you consider where you will feel most like yourself. College is stressful. An environment that adds unduly to that stress can be problematic.

Colgate has great sports teams, clubs and brings great speakers to campus. The professors and small class size allow individual students to thrive. The campus is beautiful. Winter is cold and long.

Good luck with your choice.

8

@basil2000. Please clarify your comment about having 100 students in most of your clssses. I’m pretty familiar with BC, and would be quite surprised if you had that many classes which were that large.

9

^^I just looked up the reported numbers: BC only has 6% of classes with 50+ students. But yes, Colgate has 2x the % of classes <20 students.

The Boston environs have a wealth of opportunities to get involved in research as an undergrad. My D was doing fMRI studies at Harvard Med while at BC.

BC has an excellent philosophy department; in fact, Phil is a popular double major/minor and many of the Phil classes are seminars.

10

I would actually say despite the size. BC is perhaps more suited to the introvert. Bias alert. I have an introvert BC freshman d who loves it. Classes are tough according to her and she did come in as super high performing hs student.

She has found the big time Sports at BC gives her access to fun and exposure to groups without the social pressure that goes with many other options. And she’s become much more social and made a lot of friends on an alternative spring break to Appalachia building a house in coal contry for a family.

She also has enjoyed a women’s mentorship club that aligns a group of freshman women with a junior in your major. They had a weekend retreat and meet weekly to discuss things one on one and as a small group.

Parties aren’t that great but tailgates are fun they do go to Boston a lot.

Academically it’s a wash. Both fantastic.

Both beautiful schools and great campuses. Boston is a plus for many. But the school and location is hardly urban.

One interesting thing is the neuroscience major you are considering is brand new this year at BC. It’s become really popular overnight. Not sure about Colgate neuro but I’m sure it’s great. Not exactly sure where students get their research opportunities but Boston has plenty.

Good luck. And enjoy your time at either superb option for you. Congratulations.

11

I graduated from BC SON in the 80’s and that’s what I recall about my typical class size. Most of my classes were science focused and nursing core. My few electives were smaller classes. I got to know many in my program well by senior year. We were a tight knit group and I didn’t feel BC too big for me.

12

Thank you to everyone who responded. After many sleepless nights, I have decided to commit to BC. I had the opportunity to visit both schools last week, and I just didn’t really see myself fitting in at Colgate (nothing against the school though, it is an amazing school with great students, faculty, and administration).

Once again, thank you to everyone who gave me their input!! They were very helpful.