Boston College or UMass Amherst?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I was accepted into Boston College and UMass Amherst through Early Action. Upon receiving notification of this, I decided to apply to much better schools and deem BC as my backup. I applied to MIT, Caltech, Stanford, Cornell, Northwestern, Carnegie Mellon, and Tufts, all of which rejected me (except Cornell, which waitlisted me).</p>

<p>So now—where I enroll this fall is between my two safety schools. Where should I go? Boston College or UMass Amherst?</p>

<p>If it was an issue of prestige and quality, the decision would be uncomplicated. I would choose BC. But the decision isn’t that simple for me. Boston College will cost me $24,000 per year, while UMass Amherst will cost nearly nothing. I never conceived that BC would be a bad backup for financial reasons.</p>

<p>For the record, that $24,000 figure was calculated although my parents are divorced. My custodial parent (father) makes $40,000 per year, while my mother makes $35,000. They were both laid off as of 2008, so my EFC is expected to drop considerably in future years... meaning that BC might not be that expensive, but is it a risk that I’m willing to take?</p>

<p>If I were to attend Boston College, I feel as though I would be a bit out of place—the college being a Jesuit, Catholic university and all. The student body doesn’t seem very appealing. Perhaps I’m stereotyping, because when I think of the typical BC student, I think of the wealthy, well-off white folk. I don’t see a 5’1” Asian boy with divorced parents and financial hardships.</p>

<p>If I were to attend UMass Amherst, I would feel more at home—with more people of my social class. However, when I think of UMass Amherst, again, I stereotype, and I think of the drunken dropout. X-D</p>

<p>Aside from being economical, UMass Amherst seems appealing to me. I was invited into Commonwealth College (the honors program at UMA), so I am happy to be distinguished in some regards.</p>

<p>My brother goes to UMass Amherst, and he’s graduating a year early as a double major in engineering and computer science (he loaded himself up with courses over summer/winter breaks). My brother designed a track record specifically for me so that I could attain a Bachelors in computer science in two years (made possible by my many qualifying AP scores in high school). However, graduating in any amount of time less than 4 years is usually reprehended in the job market and graduate school admissions, but if I have the degree, shouldn’t that be all that matters? Isn’t that what describes what I have achieved in college? Apparently, people who graduate in less than 4 years are deemed “not fully matured by the college experience.” That embitters me, but if it’s true, I can’t argue against it.</p>

<p>So why would I consider Boston College if it’s costly and if I feel out of place there? It’s because of its name and reputation. When it comes time to apply for a job, it looks much better to have obtained a degree from Boston College than to have obtained one from UMass Amherst. Being a graduate of Boston College rather than UMass Amherst could be the words on my resume that’ll allow me to hold a job which would otherwise have been impossible.</p>

<p>Besides, I have worked so hard in high school; it would be a waste for my credentials to be received my UMass Amherst. I scored a 1910 on my SAT I. Math:750, Writing: 640, Critical Reading: 520. [An Asian who’s good at math but stinks at English—figures~.] For my SAT II’s, I scored a 730 in MathLv2, 710 in Physics, and 650 in Chemistry. All of these scores would be considered on the high end of UMass Amherst’s range of scores, but on the low end of Boston College’s. People with my intellectual stature would be more common in Boston College.</p>

<p>So where would you go considering all of this?
What is more important to you?
The name of the college? Or the affordability?</p>

<p>What would you recommend me doing?
Should I pay 24k this year, and hope the financial aid go up in future years?
Or should I go to UMass Amherst? Perhaps I should try a transfer? Or listen to my brother and graduate in two years?</p>

2

<p>In my opinion, UMass is awful. BC is well worth the money.</p>

3

<p>First of all, don’t count on the financial aid increasing year to year. You can appeal based upon your current situation, althoughtuition increases are another factor you should watch out for. The financial aid for re-entering students is probably slightly less appealing than for freshmen.</p>

<p>UMass is what you make out of it. BC does carry a better reputation with it, although in the computer science field, UMass has a better department, and this can factor in your decision (although the BC name can help you if you enter into a different field). Really, it doesn’t matter and in your position, I would choose UMass. </p>

<p>The name ultimately doesn’t matter that much though, and it is what you accomplish that is measured. I am deciding between WPI and UMass and I have fairly good stats too (2200+ and top10% of class). I’m sure you won’t feel academically unchallenged at UMass.</p>

<p>Ultimately, if you get a 3.8+ at either school and do some serious research in your first two years, you could transfer to Cornell, Carnegie Mellon, Tufts and maybe Northwestern (the others are ridiculously hard/borderline impossible to transfer into). Instead of graduating in two/three years, you could try very (VERY) hard your first two years and transfer into one of these schools and have more comprehensive course options or perhaps even double major. </p>

<p>Consider doing a thesis and doing projects and don’t count on graduating in two years. Doing six courses a semester in college is not the same as six courses in high school and it is much better to excel over four years than to stress yourself in two years and not make the most of your college experience.</p>

4

<p>Listen to your brother. He’ll help you make the most of your (practically free) education. I’ve heard the honors program at UMass is very good. You might be able to take classes at the other colleges in the consortium, too.</p>

5

<p>IOf your parents’ circumstances have changed since their 2008 earnings, contact the BC Financial Aid office ASAP and ask them to recalculate.</p>

6

<p>bc is overrated 100k of debt is not worth it.</p>

7

<p>Greenblue and gadad both makes great points, although candidly that phone call to BC Financial Aid office should have been made in February. Sorry, but your parents should have been on top of that and now flex financial dollars may be kaput for this year. </p>

<p>Also, you have rather strange take on things. BC takes you early action and all your stretch schools say no and that makes them a safety school? No, that makes it your ‘meet’ school and your stretch schools said no. What is a safety school is your assessment of your admissions changes BEFORE they accept you, not after the fact. </p>

<p>True, BC slants A&F, but kids pick friends on who’s fun to hang with not on where they’re flying off to over the holidays. That said, it’s hard to ignore financial realities particularly when you might go the grad school route. </p>

<p>In business, someone that graduates in two years from a four year school would come across as someone I would NOT hire as he/she would be waving a flag saying ‘I’m the weird dude.’ A three year graduate would strike me as a go-getter who just saved a year of college expenses. I would also understand that much of it was do to great work in high school. Just being candid.</p>

8

<p>In addition to what ctyankee said re: graduating early, in computer science, you want to take the time to do a co-op or internship, so you have some real world work experience on your resume. If this means that you graduate later, then so be it. It’s worth it, to spend more time and build a resume. </p>

<p>In addition, there’s no need to rush - employers don’t care if you graduate in three years, or in six years. Nor do grad schools. It’s what you do with your time on campus that counts, not how quickly you rush through it. </p>

<p>You say that your stats are on the higher ends of the UMass spectrum - but for the Commonwealth College, they’re in the averages. You fear that UMass students will be drunken dropouts. Even if that were true for the university, it’s not true for the Commonwealth College… and it’s not true for the university. </p>

<p>In reality, from what I read here, you fear that you’re selling yourself short if you go to UMass; but you fear that you won’t fit in if you choose BC. Your brother goes to UMass. How does he feel about the place? You have a great insider resource there. Use it.</p>

<p>Try to reproduce that at BC. Call BC admissions. Ask to speak to a current BC student - an Asian student. Speak to that student asap, and ask them how they feel - ask open ended questions that will lead them to discuss the things that you fear about BC. Be frank in your concerns. Listen to what they say. </p>

<p>Listen to what the others here are saying, especially regarding the financial aid issues. The thing is that most institutional (school) scholarships are granted in the freshman year. It’s unlikely that you’ll qualify for additional institutional aid in your second year. What’ll happen is you’ll qualify for more government aid - you may get a Pell Grant where you don’t right now, for example; and you’ll get more in loans. It’s not like, in your second year, the BC financial aid deal is going to match that of UMass. </p>

<p>BC is ranked higher as an overall uni. UMass is higher ranked in your major. Employers in your field, and grad schools, know that. The man on the street will perhaps be more impressed by the BC name, but the guy hiring you in CS will know the rep of the UMass program. So it’s not that your concerns aren’t valid - it’s just that it’s not as much of a gap between the two schools as you think there is. </p>

<p>Know that you’re not alone in this type of decision. If you do go to UMass, you’ll be there with other high scoring students who got into more highly ranked unis, but who choose to go to UMass due to finances. This is an even more common decision today than it was even two years ago, due to the recession. The best public uni in each US state has seen a boom in applications, and in people accepting their offers, from people like you - who got into higher ranked private schools, but who have decided that they can’t spend that money. </p>

<p>In the end, which school you pick is up to you, but if you did end up choosing UMass, go in proudly. If you do choose UMass, you won’t be the only one choosing it for the reasons you’ve stated here. It’s a rational decision that a lot of people are making now.</p>

9

<p>Figure out how much debt YOU (not your parents) would have over four years. Then go to [FinAid</a>! Financial Aid, College Scholarships and Student Loans](<a href=“http://www.finaid.org%5DFinAid”>http://www.finaid.org) and find the loan calculator, plug in the number, figure 8.2% interest, 1% origination, and paid off over 10 years, and you will see your future in front of you.</p>

<p>See how uncomfortable it makes you feel. (Generally, I’d say anything over $20k is a no-no, maybe $30k if you are going into a high-paying profession that doesn’t require a graduate degree.)</p>

10

<p>Stick with UMASS, in terms of education they are about the same.</p>

11

<p>I woke up this morning and found an email that I was very pleased to read:</p>

<hr>

<p>BC Financial Aid Award Notification
Friday, April 24, 2009 8:00 AM</p>

<p>From: “<a href=“mailto:studentservices@bc.edu”>studentservices@bc.edu</a>” <a href=“mailto:studentservices@bc.edu”>studentservices@bc.edu</a>
To: *****@bc.edu</p>

<p>Dear ********,
Your Financial Aid Award for Academic Year 2009 - 2010 has been adjusted.</p>

<hr>

<p>Upon receiving this notification, I logged onto my AGORA account and realized that my financial aid award increased from $29,850 to $34,750 due to the addition of an extra award named “BC Grant” which is $3,900/year in aid and an increase in Federal Perkins Loan. This makes Boston College slightly more affordable, and I would expect my parents to pay only $15,000 (without board expenses included) in my first year of college.</p>

<p>Still, $15,000 is a considerable amount of money, but it is a very fair sum for a college level education. Yet I am still bitter; I just don’t like how all of that money will go towards BC only because I crave for their name on my resume. I like to maintain that: Computer Science is Computer Science regardless of where it’s taught.</p>

<p>I think it’s interesting to note that as soon as I reveal to the world that attending BC is financially unsound, the financial burden is lifted slightly… a week before I am to send my enrollment deposit. What a coinkeedink. =]</p>

<p>I still have a week to decide. I can send my deposit to BC via credit card if I decide to enroll at BC (or I could personally hand in my deposit at their office since I live about 5 miles away). If I decide to enroll at UMA, my brother is currently in possession of an envelope enclosing my enrollment form and the $400 deposit (as a check). All I have to do is give him the signal. </p>

<p>So that means I am still open to opinions and suggestions for a week.
What is more important to you?
Affordability or prestige?</p>

<p>~~~~~~</p>

<p>Now to respond to some of the suggestions:
@chris2k5: I don’t think UMA is “awful.” I don’t mind going there, but others might (ex. parents, friends, teachers, future employers)</p>

<p>@IndianPwnerDude: I don’t think I would be pushing myself too much even if I were to graduate in two years. If I go to UMass Amherst, I am starting off with 39 credits because of my qualifying AP scores. The requirement for graduation at UMass Amherst is 120 credits. From looking at my brother’s track plan, it appears as though I would be taking the typical 4~5 courses per semester. But in addition to that, I would be taking 2~3 courses over summer and winter breaks, allowing me to be 6~9 credits closer to a Bachelors degree each break. Maybe I should try to graduate in 3 years and be a double major (like my brother) to add the thesis in?</p>

<p>@greennblue: Yea, my brother told me about that. If quality ever becomes an issue (which I doubt will), I could take some classes at Amherst College nearby.</p>

<p>@gadad: I have. My parents are divorced, and three other people in the family are dependent upon my father (my brother and two cousins). Furthermore, my father was recently laid off. After telling my financial aid counselor at BC about my financial situation, she said “Well, we’ll just have to factor that in next year. Any more questions?” >_< (Grr, she makes me ill…) Thankfully, I was awarded an additional 5k this morning. My parents were willing to co-operate and pay off the initial 20k, but now it has been reduced to 15k. Joy~!</p>

<p>@BrownBear1: You might be right, but I won’t be in 100k of debt. O.o</p>

<p>@ctyankee: I used the wrong terminology. T_T Sorry. In my first post, I initially called BC and UMA “backups.” …But then again—it does make sense that they could be considered safety schools if you are guaranteed entry while you’re still waiting to hear from other schools, riiiight~? PS: Hey, employers… I’m the weird dude. xD</p>

<p>That’s it for now. I need to go to la biblioteca to study for the exams this May.</p>

12

<p>Go to UMASS there are some great professor to take courses with there and you can take advantage of the Five Colleges consortium and take classes at Amherst, Smith, Mt Holyoke and Hampshire.</p>

13

<p>Choose BC, I went through a similar situation just a few weeks ago when I chose Syracuse over UMass. BC is more prestigious than Syracuse, so I don’t think its even a question. This coming from someone with similar aid as well. (34K aid from Cuse, almost everything at UMass) </p>

<p>As for fitting in, I really don’t think you’ll have that problem with a student body of almost 10k. You’ll definitely find your niche. Look at how you’re stereotyping too (Would u rather have well-off intellectuals or drop-outs?). Not saying these stereotypes are accurate, but just think about it. Also, look at the benefits you’ll get with the established alumni at BC. Privates typically have an alumni body more willing to help new alums than state flagships.</p>

<p>As for CS, the difference in rank in that particular major is negligible. I think you’ll definitely get farther with the better reputation of BC as a whole. Good luck with your decision!</p>

14

<p>@RoaringMice: Wow. I never looked at it that way before. I think you might have sealed the deal for me. Up until now, I viewed UMass Amherst with a dark light, but you’ve really brought UMass Amherst to me from a whole new perspective. UMass Amherst has never been such a glitter in my mind. Thank you.</p>

<p>@IVYGRAD2007: Yeah, I realize that. As I said before, computer science is computer science regardless of where it’s taught. However, what I was concerned with before is: How will people view my education? Will it differ depending on which school I attend?</p>

<p>@vociferous: Alright. I’ll look forward to that if I decide to go to UMass Amherst in the end.</p>

<p>@TPL09: I don’t think I’ll feel too uncomfortable knowing that I’m on the same campus as hundreds of people who conform to that stereotype. With such a large student body, I probably won’t even meet those sorts of people anyway. What matters most is who I hang around with. Who knows? Maybe I might find some interesting people in Commonwealth College. But still, BC looks so beautiful. It’ll be difficult for me to give it up. T_T</p>

<hr>

<p>As of now, I am leaning towards attending UMass Amherst in the fall. Even though the financial burden on BC has become less tense, I have sort of grown attached to UMass Amherst for the reasons mentioned in this forum. Still, that, by no means, convey that I have arrived at a conclusion yet.</p>

<p>I was looking at the core curriculum at Boston College, and I’m repelled by some of the courses I have to take to graduate. A lot of the AP courses that I have exceptional scores for aren’t even applicable to me at BC. Take for instance: Statistics. I scored a 5 on the exam, but that earns me nothing if I don’t intend on entering their School of Management. This year, I am taking AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics C, but they all work towards the same credit at Boston College–“Natural Science Core.” There appears to be very little opportunity to distinguish myself at Boston College in terms of being an “AP Scholar with Distinction.” I have taken nine AP courses in high school, but by going to Boston College, it’s as if I had only taken two: Calculus and any of the three sciences afore mentioned.</p>

<p>That’s all folks. Keep the opinions/suggestions coming. I still have a week to decide.</p>

<p>Thanks everyone.</p>

15

<p>BC is an overrated school. I’m gonna start a petition for it to be removed from the 34th ranking because it clearly does not deserve it.</p>

16

<p>@BrownBear1:
Do you honestly believe that? --or are you bitter because they turned you down or reasons of that sort? BC looks marvelous in my opinion.
When I read my rejection letter from Tufts, I must’ve gone berserk, attaching curse words to that university. ~_~ Even now, I’m bitter.
Boooooooo… Tufts, how could you turn me down?</p>

<p>MEH. Tufts is “overrated” anyways. :stuck_out_tongue: (jkjkjk)</p>

17

<p>I did not apply to BC or any schools MA for that matter. However i strongly believe BC as being overrated…a majority of my friends are transferring out and say that the education is overrated. Do you honestly think they are academically superior to UT or UF or even UMass for that matter. NO! They are OVERRATED.</p>

18

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<p>Keep in mind that BC is pretty big too (What my main point was), you won’t have to hang out with all the “J Crew” types when others have gone in with scholarship or are in your boat with good financial aid as well. Plus the rich aren’t all that bad lol. Money = connections a lot of times in the real world.</p>

<p>Also, I forgot to mention in my last post that BC is close to the city and brings with it all the advantages of Boston such as internships, connections, and just having fun.</p>

<p>I’m overwhelmingly pro-BC in ur situation, just because you can get out of ur niche, gain prestige, and I think just overall gain a more beneficial college experience. Like others said, its not about when you graduate, its about what you do while you’re there. Maybe those required courses will change your perspective.</p>

<p>However, I’m also admittedly a little bias. I’m fairly anti-UMass, seeing the people that go there from my school and other places. It still is statistically the most violent campus in the US and a huge party school… “Zoomass Slamherst”? Take that for what it’s worth. Also, I’ve heard that Commonwealth College isn’t all that its cracked up to be, after all its just an honors college with some honors classes. Most of your classes will still be within your home college for your major and CAS. In the end, UMass is still a good school, but ehhhh, not a fan of my state school.</p>