BU vs NEU vs UCI for business

Hey guys! I got accepted in undergraduate programs at…

Boston U Questrom Business School
Northeastern U D’amore Mc’Kim Business School - N.U in program
UCI Social Science School

I am from California, so definitely looking at the price I would choose UCI (I also love the city and the campus of UCI the most) However, the thing is that I have to put effort to change my major to business, and I heard it is really hard to do so (If I am wrong plz tell me - Then I can just go to UCI) Also, my family do have the money to fully support and pay for 4-year tuition in BU and NEU.

For Boston University, I love the program and how prestigous the school is. As I want to do business internationally, the name values a lot in this case. However, the cons are that the student life and housings are terrible and that it is so hard to get an A in classes (which is what I checked through articles)

For Northeastern University, I mean international business is so good, the co-op can help me get a MBA easily, and the student life is ok. The thing is that, I don’t want to waste $36,000 and more for a semester in Germany or somewhere else bc of N.U in program. In one hand, I would love to go to NEU because the programs are good, the student life is good, and I can save money for doing co-op. In the other hand, N.U in program just makes me hesitate and the fact that Northeastern is considered as a low ranking school internationally (I’m talking about Asian countries — they barely know Northeastern as the school is kind of new than others) stops me to commit.

Can you all give me advice? I might be thinking wrong and some of what I wrote might just be stereotypes of the school. I know they are all great schools and ending up in one of them will never let me down, but I hope I can make the most out of my 4-year college experience.

NU parent here. The NUin students seem to love their experiences. It’s required that they make a video about their NUin experience and you can find a lot of videos on YouTube. If you are thinking about it though, I would urge you to decide and deposit quickly because the international locations fill up quickly and otherwise you could go to the Mills location in CA (unless you would prefer that). As for the concern about international prestige, you can do your co-ops anywhere, including globally and future employers should be impressed with the work experience you obtained while at NU, which is more than an internship at other schools. One nice perk is no tuition while on co-op and you get paid.

The co-op program is not a traditional college experience so if you would prefer that, I would choose one of the others. That’s not to say students don’t have fun. My son enjoys exploring Boston, ski club and the Beanpot hockey tournament. Good luck!

If money is an issue, you can do econ and bus minor worst case at Merage School of UCI.

BU - just a whole different level of campus (not) and NEU a new and unique experience.

I think saying - it’s hard to get an A - so what? Why does everyone think they should be handed out like a lollipop in the doctors office - like they are in high school. Yes, college, for many, is hard - but seems to me plenty of BU students succeed in life.

As for getting an MBA easy, you can major in - well name your major. Anthropology, sociology, underwater basket weaving. I’m a journalism/history dual major with an MBA. What matters is you get a few years work experience and a strong GMAT score…not what you major in or necessarily where you go. Yes, some majors lead to easier success - meaning engineers seem to handle the schoolwork easily because they’re brilliant to begin with. An MBA without experience is essentially worthless and a business undergrad with MBA - not adding a lot of value - but more the credential.

I’d ask this because there are no guarantees in life - while your family can afford BU and NEU, do they want to?? Just because they can doesn’t mean they want to.

What’s the price difference per year? Multiply that x4 and add inflation.

I’m not sure UCI is the best four year experience per se - but the savings will be - I’m guessing maybe nearly 200K? That’s a lot of jack - but if you think the others are worth it, then go for it.

Only you can decide.

Have you been to all three? Where do you feel at home?

I will only comment on UCI and changing majors into Business Admin.

This statement is directly from the UCI change of major website:
Applications for change of majors will be processed quarterly. Please be advised that completion of the prerequisite courses does not guarantee admission into the major; space is very limited. Please consult the Merage School directly with additional questions:ugprograms@merage.uci.edu, 949.824.9426; SB2 Suite 202.

I recommend attend a school where you have gotten a direct admit into your desired Business major or at least does not have a competitive secondary process to declare.