Talk about opposites. She is planning pre-med, definitely science, loves research, has always had a passion for Pepperdine but worries it’s not difficult enough (though it’s medical school admission rate is about 82% versus 70% at BU), worries re grade deflation at BU. Now she is an extremely hard working student, likes a driven atmosphere with ambitious people, but is becoming more and more “shy” and is a worrier and is slightly worried that BU would necessitate her being pretty aggressive (16,000 undergrads). She loves the urban Boston and the challenge at BU, though. We’re from San Francisco Bay Area. Some concerns of hers: Do you ever feel invisible in such a large environment academically or socially? Is it overwhelming? I’m concerned that there are so many students that there are not really enough internships/research opportunities for all of the students. I worry a bit Pepperdine, while totally her comfort zone and likely adequate academics, may not have enough going on at campus for fun, social (she likes the beach but is not a surfer, or anything like that). Any thoughts out there? Thank you…
You’re right - opposites!
I would look at it this way: most pre-meds change their major (or at least the goal of med school) once they realize what a long, hard road it is. So I would tell my child: you need an academic environment where you have a LOT of options in terms of majors. Look through the lists of what’s offered by each school. See how big the various departments are, and compare undergraduate class offerings university-wide. Compare what you can do on weekends within each community.
FWIW, if money isn’t an issue, I’d really recommend your daughter strongly consider Boston. It will really broaden her horizons. It’s so easy to travel around the East Coast: buses and trains can take you to NYC, Philly, Washington DC. The size of BU might be intimidating at first, but it’s the type of school kids grow INTO. Pepperdine is the type of school kids grow OUT OF.
Maybe I’m biased in favor of BU because my daughter, who’s grown up in the west, went to Northeastern and she had such an amazing experience living there. She grew in ways she wouldn’t have staying in her home state. She’s so much more worldly and independent because of it. And yes, it’s expensive to send your child to the other end of the country… flights home add up. But in my mind, what my daughter got out of living in New England made it totally worth the investment.
Thank you so, so much Katliamom ! We have a lot in common – from the West and your points on going East – and your comments and growing INTO BU but perhaps OUT OF Pepperdine. That is not something that crossed our minds at all. Thanks for reinforcing the “luxury” of having NYC and DC (where my son goes to college) very accessible (she loves NYC but did not get into NYU). My son’s opportunities in DC (internships, etc.) have made the cost worthwhile (in fact, we think those things are worth more that the classes, in a sense). Boston would very likely be the same. Like your point re a change of heart for med school certainly possible and BU has many other options. Seriously, thank you so very much.