<p>So currently I debating between BU and SMU for journalism. BU is the slightly better and bigger program, but it is too close to home (30 mins. away), doesn't really have a campus, some of the facilities aren't great, it's cold, and it's 60% female 40% male (it's not that big of deal, but I don't want to deal with girl drama.) SMU is warmer, nicer facilities, more community-based and traditional college feel, but it's a bit preppy and a smaller program.</p>
<p>SMU doesn’t compare to BU and the access to east coast internship opportunities with the plethora of news outlets is also another great reason to choose BU. In my book this is a no brainer.</p>
<p>BU:
USNWR #51
SAT: CR 570-670, M 610-720, W 600-690
Princeton Review:</p>
<h1>15 Most Popular Study Abroad Program</h1>
<h1>4 College City Gets High Marks</h1>
<p>SMU:
USNWR #58
SAT: CR 590-680, M 600-690, W 570-680
Princeton Review:</p>
<h1>7 Best Career Services</h1>
<h1>16 College City Gets High Marks</h1>
<h1>15 Happiest Students</h1>
<h1>12 Lots of Greek Life</h1>
<h1>2 Most Accessible Professors</h1>
<h1>17 Most Conservative Students</h1>
<h1>10 Best Athletic Facilities</h1>
<p>I have no dog in this fight (no affiliation with either); however, I think these two schools are academically comparable albeit very different. BU has the urban, diverse vibe whereas SMU is more of the typical campus with grounds and has a preppy vibe. I am not familiar with the journalism school’s reputation at either; however, I would suggest you look at cost and choose based upon that and fit.</p>
<p>Cost isn’t an issue for me, thankfully. I’m leaning toward SMU, but I actually have to visit one more school (not a big fan of it though, unless it turns out to be super amazing.)</p>
<p>I’m a sophomore journalism student at SMU and I can tell you from personal experience that Dallas is an amazing city for journalism internships and networking! Almost every day I get emails from the chair’s assistant sending out internship/job opportunities that Dallas alum or professionals have sent with the specific intent of hiring an SMU journalism student. </p>
<p>I am interning this summer at D Magazine and plan to intern in London next summer with SMU’S communication internship program. </p>
<p>The small program has been a great advantage for me because I have really gotten to know my teachers, and their professional colleagues, who have helped me source stories and advance my reporting skills. </p>
<p>When looking at other colleges, I chose SMU over east coast programs simply because Dallas is such an amazing city with such a proud SMU alumni base. They know that SMU shapes its students for work in the real world (I started my first day of freshman year working the camera for the Daily Update with no previous broadcast experience), and hire us because of it!</p>
<p>I know next to nothing about SMU’s journalism program (so I’ll defer to people who do, like meadowsjour) but BU is one of the top programs on the country, especially for the east coast. However, if you’d be more happy at SMU, go there. It’s not as if SMU is in some tiny city and you’ll never get a job or internship.</p>
<p>The great thing about both BU and SMU is that they’re both in big cities, so you won’t be lacking for internship/journalism opportunities. It all comes down to personal preference, honestly. Go where you think you’ll be the most happy.</p>
<p>Hi!
I hope you are enjoying college! My son is a senior and wants to study journalism. We are exploring all his options. He is very interested in the University of Missouri because of the reputation of its program and the opportunities available to its students. But we live in the DFW and are intrigued about SMU’s journalism program. We had not heard anything about it until today. Please let us know how your experience has been so far.
Thank you! Wishing you lots of success in your studies!</p>
Pony up!</p>