i applied to CGS on accident, i just needed my calc requirement for questrom and i didn’t realize CGS was a 2 year binding thing. i should have applied to CAS. paying full tuition for this program would be a waste of money and time, i think i’m better off going to a state school that i got into business honors. plus, i read a lot about the stigma surrounding CGS students so it’s really not ideal for what i want to do.
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Hi! Do you mind expanding upon the stigma and other reasons it’s not exactly worth it?
I had my daughter apply to CGS on purpose ed2, I don’t get all negativity associated with this program. I watched several students YouTube videos sharing their London experience and it looked like an amazing time with the ability to explore all of Europe in your free time. Most of these same cgs students also say, that students at the university are unaware the program even exists and tend to be jealous about it when learning about the study abroad component. In CGS, you take all your electives towards your major your first 2 years and are guaranteed acceptance into all colleges after the 2 years. Your degree when you graduate won’t have an asterisk on it noting CGS, only the name of the university and your major. The rest of college is what you make of your time there.
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i was looking into the program last night and many call CGS “crayons, glue, and scissors” because “less qualified” students attend there. people also refer to the school has High School 2.0 and CGS students tend to be looked down upon and not considered part of BU. but i also heard that students really don’t care if you’re in CGS or CAS, that it’s all what you make of it. but IMO, i didn’t receive any merit and i don’t qualify for aid so i just think spending 160k is not worth it, especially since i’m not doing anything with my major anyways.
yes, i totally agree. the studying abroad sounds amazing, i just feel like i would be treated lesser than other students and don’t think its worth the money. i’m not hating on anyone for going to CGS, i just did some research and found that. but i feel like for more intensive majors like engineering (which i might be interested in doing), CGS students will be behind the 8 ball and have to do a lot of catch up.
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Sounds like you did your research on reddit. Some people have to find someone to belittle. So they focus on CGS. Reddit is known to attract chronic complainers and malcontents.
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My daughter is not less qualified, and if the courses are easier for the hub requirements than she will enjoy her experience even more because she has had nothing but upper level classes her entire life. But if you can’t handle the embarrassment of attending BU while being in CGS, you are probably right about BU not being a good fit.
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to reiterate, i never called your daughter less qualified lol, i was just restating what i read. everyone who got accepted into BU are amazing students and of course qualified! and im not afraid of embarrassment, everyone has different circumstances! for me money is a factor. so i wish you luck with your daughter at CGS and maybe i might see her in January!
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Honestly CGS seems like the dream - sit out the Fall reopening while volunteering or pursuing something which one didn’t have time for. And without “losing” the full gap year. And smaller class sizes with a talented faculty!
Thank you - this is helpful.
You were going to be full pay regardless of CGS, you will still pay the same amount of money at BU as if you had been admitted directly into the college of your choice. Money can’t be the factor because the money part of the equation was going to be constant. You are guaranteed acceptance into your major with CGS and if Questrom business school was your choice, your degree will say just that and all the relationships you will build will be there along with the alumni network.
Tom, any insight into why they have to go to London? I can understand beginning second semester due to limited housing. But sending kids abroad, why? Never mind during summer.
They aren’t forced going to London, there’s an option of staying in New England.
Son accepted to BU Engineering yesterday, but w/no aid at all. He thought it was a reach but got in - and grateful. Also accepted at UMass Amherst (w/$$) and RPI, WPI, Cal Poly and a couple others. Struggling with ‘value’ (cost) of BU and considering trying an appeal based on merit awards from other schools? Do they award based on appeals?
again, i’m not here to start an argument! please be kind and respect my circumstances! money plays a big factor for me, especially when it’s 160k! (80k/year) i don’t like the idea of the 2 year binding agreement, and i prefer spending that kind of money when i can start taking business classes in my freshman and sophomore year. so essentially what i’m saying is that i want my money and time to be well spent. taking irrelevant classes not towards my major will become missed opportunities some where else! and like i said, this is not for every student, it’ just how i feel and how i want to spend my time. thanks again 
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You still would take those business classes your first two years while in CGS. It doesn’t cost more money by being in CGS for classes you would be forced to take no matter what school you were accepted into. CGS required curriculum is basically the same required curriculum for all university students just taught in a slightly different format. A humanities course taken in CGS will be just as useful to a business major forced to take a similar humanities course outside of CGS.
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Initially the revised CGS program required summer in London. When not enough students chose the offer and enrolment fell they offered the summer in Boston option.
Until about 5 years ago CGS was a regular fall enrolment program with four semesters on the Boston campus.
My son was admitted to the CGS / London program for Jan 2022. BU is his very top choice - but right now I am struggling with the 40K for 6 weeks in London…I mean I knew college would be expensive but DAMN. Anyone else have sticker shock?
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yes i understand that, i’m just concerned about how much money i’m spending and how it would correlate to what i want to do specifically. i just don’t want to be behind compared to other questrom students and be in debt as well.
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The sticker price for the university was advertised. They still get the credits for the 6 weeks and the airfare is included round trip in the price. You still pay the same amount 4 years if you’re lucky and plan accordingly.