Hi, everyone. I was accepted to both BU and American University, and I’m having trouble making a decision.
I was accepted into the honors program at AU, and although I didn’t get into Kilachand, BU gave me a larger financial aid package–but with more loans involved. I believe BU is a better school academically, but American’s location for my major (political science) would be beneficial to me for internships and such.
I haven’t visited BU yet, but I’m attending a overnight stay program in April, which I think will give me a pretty good feel for the campus. I lived on the campus of American for a week last summer during a conference, and I really liked it. School size is not a factor, but I prefer a more urban setting.
Can anyone shed some light on my dilemma? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. If anyone has any questions that would help them get a better idea of my situation, feel free to ask.
Hopefully, you’ll have more clarity after visiting BU but absent that visit, I’d go with AU. If your into politics, AU and DC are a great place to be. In college, you are not just learning in the classroom, but also through your engagement with your peers and surroundings, plus internship opportunities. Building a resume of work experience before graduation is key. DC is a fun place to be for your college year! I also think the AU campus is better than what BU has to offer. (and warmer)
I’m not sure if you know but BU is constantly ranked high on most employable college graduates GLOBALLY, a list that American University isn’t even on. The diversity that BU has will most definitely expose you to a new world whether’s it’s the people, professors, or even opportunities. Getting so much aid is also a big privilege at BU, so they obviously want you there.
@keleylay19 I didn’t know that, thanks for letting me know! That definitely puts BU higher, because considering my major, getting a job will be more challenging. Is BU worth the money? I’d have to pay 6-9k to go, with about 8k in loans this year.
I also got into AU & BU, many moons ago. BU offered me WAY more money, so I went. And I can offer you with the benefit of hindsight what I came to discover: BU is way, way, way, way better than AU. It’s a better education, has a better reputation (in terms of rank & otherwise), and will give you better resources in terms of study abroad, networking & career resources. There’s a thing we call the BU Mafia, and it is real–job connections, etc. I’ve not heard of anything comparable for AU. I grew up in D.C. so I had a sweet spot for AU, but I’m so, so glad BU offered me more money and I went there.
Go to BU, and do your “study abroad” with the Washington D.C. program. BU has really internship hook-ups on the D.C. program, plus cool political science opportunities on other study abroad programs, as well. I had friends on the London Programme who interned at Parliament.
Also congrats! From eye-balling your answer, re: money, you got a REALLY good aid package from BU. You must be a stellar student
@proudterrier Thank you. And wow, great reply! That definitely swayed me more toward BU. There’s lots of valuable insight in your post. I’ve been doing more research, and if I like the campus of BU, I’ve decided that I will probably matriculate there. Thanks everyone!
