BU vs Villanova vs UR

Colleges and Universities A-Z Boston University
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<p>I was accepted to BU’s School of Management, Villanova School of Business, and University of Richmond’s Robin School of Business. I was also waitlisted at BC’s Carroll School of Management and NYU Stern. After visiting all three, I am slightly leaning towards Villanova, but still really likes BU. Each has their strong suits, so I try to compare them according to different categories. It would be great if anyone can comment on the below points and provide some insight.</p>

<p>Info about myself: Asian female living in CT, originally from Taiwan. Have various academic interests, namely Marketing, International Business, IT, Accounting, Psychology, and Operations Management, so I’m looking to double major and minor in a few of those areas. Passionate about sports, especially basketball. Not a big fan of alcohol and partying, but enjoys hanging out with friends. Plans to pursue an MBA after a few years of work. Also, $ isn’t necessary an issue here since it would be roughly the same cost (~$8000) for me to attend these schools. </p>

<ul>
<li>Academic quality - Villanova > Richmond > BU</li>
<li>National/international Recognition/Prestige - BU > Villanova = Richmond (this one I’m not so sure, but I might eventually work in Taiwan after MBA so international recognition is kind of important)</li>
<li>Location - BU > Villanova > Richmond</li>
<li>Study abroad program - BU > Villanova = Richmond (important since I really want to have study abroad experience, especially in London, Beijing/Shanghai, and Japan)</li>
<li>Diversity - BU > Richmond > Villanova (this is the one that holds me back from paying my deposit at Villanova. Its lack of cultural and economic diversity kind of bother me… especially since I’m Asian and come from a low-income family)
Sports - Villanova > BU > Richmond</li>
<li>Campus - Richmond > Villanova > BU</li>
<li>Career placement / alumni network - BU > Villanova > Richmond (not sure, but very important to me.)</li>
<li>Campus/social life - BU > Richmond = Villanova</li>
<li>Fit (feels belonged when visiting, regardless of academic quality, prestige, etc) - BU > Richmond = Villanova</li>
<li>Ranking (Businessweek) - Villanova > Richmond > BU (how much does this count?)</li>
</ul>

<p>What do you think? Current students, parents, alumni, prospective students, anyone, please share your thoughts! Also if there are any insights on NYU Stern or BC Carroll, feel free to share. Thanks!</p>

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<p>BUMP Anyone?</p>

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<p>Seems to me like you’ve already made your decision. BU is definitely the place to be for great study abroad programs, diverse student body, and city environment.</p>

<p>A few friends of mine went to Villanova, and I’ll tell you that it’s a pretty white-washed environment, party and frat-oriented environment. I will say that its business program is very strong, but not more than a stone throw away from BU and Richmond. Also, if you’re the type that really wants to mix with racially different students across the world, BU looks to be the right choice.</p>

<p>If you’re worried about prestige, I would say you’re splitting hairs at this point. BU, Villanova, and University of Richmond are all tier 1 schools below the Ivy Leagues and Stern. At this point, they’re all about the same. Its really about where you feel the most comfortable and where you can see yourself living for four years. In my opinion, college is more about maturation, building friends and networks, and building a good, well-rounded skill set. </p>

<p>I get the impression from your post that you feel the most comfortable with BU, so I would say go for it.</p>

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<p>if you don’t end up doing business, BU has tons of majors that you can switch into. the diversity here is unparalleled! and people definitely will understand and not judge you for being from a lower income family. all kinds of people here!</p>

<p>gladken makes a very valid point. i also believe that college is about learning to communicate with others, learning to learn, maturation, and adjusting to the “real world.”</p>

<p>hope you come to a decision! you’ll end up where you want to be!</p>