Hello everyone! I have been accepted to the college of arts and sciences at both Villanova and BC and I am currently trying to decide which one to attend. I have read on previous threads that BC is superior academically, but I really loved to environment at Villanova. Can anyone comment on the social differences at these two schools and the differences between the student bodies? Thank you!
BC is not a super social or partying environment unlike Villanova which has a huge sports and Greek presence. Plus look at price.
This is tough to answer because it really depends on you. Both BC and Villanova are great schools.
I’ve talked with multiple graduating seniors at both of them and they all said their last four years were the best four years of their life.
Please don’t make your decision on partying claims which a lot of high school senior focus on. That will only lead to you soon asking yourself “What was I thinking?”
Perhaps you can wait till you attend the “accepted students days” at both schools.
All the best with your decision. You have two great choices.
If you can, go to accepted students day at both schools. You can also do Eagle for a Day at BC. That will help you make your decision.
Boston College and Villanova are essentially the same school, with the same attributes and limitations. The only difference is that suburban Boston location is preferable to suburban Philly location. BC campus is somewhat more attractive than 'Nova, although the new building project at Nova will improve the campus significantly. The Boston location generates more applications, which results in greater selectivity, “prestige” for BC. Other than that, both have strong business, nursing schools. Both have a similar campus culture, with the majority of students from east coast suburbs. About half the students at both schools come from Catholic high schools. Most BC students are from Mass, NY or CT. Most Nova students are from NJ, Pa, or NY. Obviously, 'Nova hoop team is the prime sporting attraction. BC sports (other than hockey) are way down, and are struggling badly in the ACC. Go to accepted student day at both schools
@dtrain1027 what would you say the differences are in the social scene?
@mimimo7890, BC and Villanova are very different. As so many suggested, you should attend admitted students days at both schools. Since you applied to both schools, ask yourself what attracted you to these schools in the first place, and go from there!
@mimimo7890 I don’t think anyone can answer with specific differences in the social scene since it’s unlikely any one person attended both colleges. Also, it’s a very subjective question. They both have quite a large percentage of out of state students, BC has about 30% more students, is probably slightly more diverse and has more undergrads living in on campus housing. they both offer numerous sports and clubs and you may want to dive into that part more on your own. Same thing with popular majors. I’m assuming you’ve already reviewed all of that. (most popular majors at BC were Economics, Finance, Speech Communication and Rhetoric, Biological Sciences and Psychology; At Villanova they were Business Mgt, Marketing, Engineering, Social Sciences and Health Professions.
Do both colleges have admitted students days you could attend?
You might also try searching for student reviews online and joining any private Facebook groups / or group-mes for admitted students.
@collegecarla, BC and Villanova may seem very different to you, but objectively they have much in common. BC is larger, more selective, and overall one spot higher on the Catholic college pecking order, but that is about it.