BU COM or Syracuse's Newhouse for Advertising?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Boston University
1

<p>Hi everyone, </p>

<p>I’m really stuck in a hard position and I was wondering if anyone has any insight to offer.</p>

<p>Basically, I was admitted to both BU’s COM school and SU’s Newhouse school. I’m from nearby LA, and I visited both schools in these past few days, and I realized they really are completely different atmospheres. I really, really liked Boston itself, and everyone at the school seemed to be happy and friendly, and it just seemed to be a very vibrant community overall. I feel I’d fit in very well there. It was a very diverse community and on general, everyone seemed to get along with each other.</p>

<p>In contrast, when I visited SU, I felt that most of my assumptions about Syracuse students seemed fairly true, with most students rich, seemingly snobbish, and very clique-y, and at the student panel, it seems as if there is very little to do in the area of Syracuse besides party and drink. I probably would party once in a while at whichever school I decide, but Syracuse seemed to offer not much other than that in terms of student life. </p>

<p>I know BU’s COM school is up to par, and is pretty good, but being admitted to Newhouse, I’m not sure whether it’s wise to turn down a school with such a great reputation, known as being in the top 3 communication schools nationally. Everytime I hear about newhouse from both students and professors, they talk extensively about the alumni support and connections as well as amazing guest speakers they offer at the school. BU seems to have great alumni connections as well, but Syracuse seems to have even more to offer. Additionally SU talks about the prestige of being a newhouse graduate, and how in the industry, that’s a highly regarded in the industry, and how some corporations (like NBC) sometimes offer positions only to Newhouse students, adding that newhouse students often outperform other students from other schools when they enter the workplace. Overall, I have the impression that Newhouse will better prepare me for the future.</p>

<p>I’m torn between going to a school where I feel I’d fit in well, and would have lots to do at, or a school that might very well open more doors for my future career that likely lies a short 4 years ahead of me.</p>

<p>Thanks so much for any advice. :)</p>

2

<p>Just to make myself a little clearer, this is what I felt about each school:</p>

<p>BU
Pros:
-Great environment
-City of Boston seems vibrant
-Happy, social, friendly looking students
-Diverse student body
-Lots to do
-Pretty good COM program; there is good alumni support, just not as much as Newhouse
Cons:
-Comm Ave runs through the campus
-Very busy atmosphere at times.
-Com program isn’t as renowned as SU</p>

<p>Syracuse
Pros:
-Very prestigious
-Amazing alumni connections
-Great preparation for future career
-Campus is beautiful and buildings are much more grand.
Cons:
-Student life is extremely party and Greek focused
-Not very diverse, clique-y
-Colder than Boston, 3x the snow, often snows from Oct-May
-Walking longer distances in the snow for more of the year
-Smaller surrounding town.</p>

3

<p>You are the only one who can make this decision, but from what I am reading into your thoughts, BU seems to be a better fit for you. In the end you have to ask yourself, where would I be the happiest? Yes SU Newhouse is extremely prestigious, but being in Boston might mean better internships for you. Also, if money is an issue at either place you must take that into consideration.</p>

4

<p>I had this dilemma too, and I ended up choosing BU. COM is also a top ranked school, and from applying to internships (including at NBC!) it has been very well-regarded. The city of Boston has a ton to offer, in terms of things to do, internships, and city life. </p>

<p>Yes, Newhouse is a great school, but think of the environment you’ll be in versus Boston. I have friends at SU and they love it, but most of them are pretty hard partiers because there isn’t much to do. </p>

<p>Obviously I’m a little biased because I go to BU, haha. But I ended up choosing here because I know I get bored on just one campus. I’m in the Advertising program here, and I’ve found it very rewarding!</p>

5

<p>I’m looking to transfer to BU and I have no doubt I could’ve been admitted to Syracuse as well but chose to only apply to BU because I feel the city atmosphere opens up so many more opportunities. Upstate new york is…upstate new york. I’m from long island and so many people from my area go to syracuse and I just don’t see it’s appeal. BU has all to offer as syracuse does in terms of programs and alumni connections. Syracuse sold you on syracuse because they wanted you to go there.</p>

6

<p>I am a parent of a 2012 SYracuse Newhouse grad…she had applied to BU as well…</p>

<p>If it is equal in $$ and you prefer BU, that is where you should go; the difference in reputation is not enough to have you spend four years in a school where you found the people not to your taste…</p>

<p>Newhouse gave my daughter a large merit scholarship; it took BU off the table so I cannot comment on which school she would have chosen…</p>

7

<p>YOLO go where you want. (:</p>

8

<p>Thanks for all of you’re advice! I’m about 90% sure now that I’m going to BU-- I think I’ll like it there, and the faculty does seem really great! I think I’ll personally be able to succeed better in an environment that I’m more comfortable in, even if Newhouse does have more prestige.</p>

9

<p>congrats! good decision :)</p>

10

<p>I can’t speak for BU, but I didn’t like my visit to Syracuse; and you nailed all the reasons why (rich kids, snooty, etc). </p>

<p>I was recently accepted into the Television, Radio, and Film master’s program at Syracuse University, and boy was I ecstatic. I mean its not everyday someone gets accepted into arguably the best Communication’s school’s in the United States (although I feel nowadays, institutions will accept anyone into their grad programs, as long as they’re willing to dish out the money). After I was accepted, I immediately locked myself in for one of the two open house dates they were having at Newhouse. One thing I immediately noticed about the area, was that it wasn’t all that nice. The university is essentially spread out, but nestled on top of a hill overlooking the city of Syracuse. The university itself has some beautiful architecture, and the Newhouse buildings (Newhouse 1, 2, and 3) are all very nice, especially Newhouse 3. After having met with my department heads, and some professors, one of the first things I took away was their snooty attitude; feeling and acting as if they were on top of the world. I was immediately drawn away from this. Secondly, you come to realize that Syracuse is a private university, and tuition, whether for graduate or undergrad, is very, very expensive. Since its a private institution, scholarships, grants, etc. are very hard to come by, because they are soo limited, and are usually minority based. The last thing I hated was how much the cost of living is in New York. Paying thousands of dollars to go to school, and then having to pay a minimum of around $640 a month for an apartment is insane (this was my case, although on campus housing is still very expensive as well). Basically, the money, parking, and severe attitudes I felt from professors, were my driving factors in staying away from here. </p>

<p>Yes its a great Communications school, and you’ll come to realize that the Newhouse network of people is immense. There are respectable Newhouse grad’s everywhere, and they will push this notion down your throat. If you can get past the money, and you decide you like the professors, then sure, it would be amazing. However, its all in what you make it, and first impressions are key.</p>

<p>Needless to say, I turned down the offer, and chose to go to the University Of Utah, to pursue a masters in electronic arts, and engineering (basically game design), because its a fast growing industry.</p>

<p>Good Luck, and I hope I can be of some help to you.</p>

<p>EDIT: I also had a very hard time turning down Syracuse, because after all, it is very prestigious. However, Universities and degree programs are in a different place in todays day in age, then they were years ago. The standards for admittance into most school’s has been lowered, and most universities will accept anyone, who has the money and is willing to pay. I was excited to get accepted into Syracuse, but then i realized, that it isn’t that hard to get in after all. If you have the money, and can prove it, they would most certainly accept anyone.</p>