<p>Hey y’all! I am so torn on what to do right now as far as my options for college. I was so fortunate to have BU accept me (even though I didn’t get into the Honors Program 
and I am planning on attending the open house on the 21st. My main problem is that I don’t know whether to stay here in Georgia and go to UGA under their awesome Honors Program (if I get accepted) or venture up North to Boston (which I’ve only heard great things about). I just want an excellent undergraduate education in preparation for law school, but financial aid is of some concern for me. UGA would be free because Georgia has an amazing scholarship program, and BU didn’t give me any scholarship money though I did receive some aid in the form of grants and loans. Anyway, I think that academically UGA and BU are pretty much on par with one another. UGA ranked #58 on US News and BU was #60. That was another thing I was wondering… why was BU that low? It’s a awesome school, and I thought it would have been higher. Anyway, I am completely confused at the moment as to what to do. BU is going to be holding a reception in Atlanta for accepted students so I guess I’ll be going to that and then flying up to Boston for the first time for an open house. Can any of y’all give me any advice on how the quality of education differs at BU and UGA? Is it worth the extra money to go to BU? Also, how come only 89% of students at BU come back for a second year? Do a lot of students drop out or transfer? Any word on where many of them transfer? How are the students at BU? Ultra-competitive? Blatantly liberal? How’s the grading at BU? Harsh? Lenient? Are the classes super-tough? I’m planning on majoring in Political Science. How’s the food? UGA’s food is supposedly awesome. I just know that Massachusetts is an entirely different world from down here, and I have to be sure I can make that transition. One last thing, just out of curiousity. Are Harvard and MIT literally across the street from BU? Are those three campuses in plain view of each other. Is it almost unheard of for BU students to transfer over to Harvard or MIT? Thank you all for your input. I’m trying to gather a lot of advice to make the best possible decision about this! :)</p>
<p>You are in a tough situation since there are a lot of variables. The financial difference is substantial so I guess that is an important factor. I would not get hung up on ranking since many factors that go into US News have little to do with the experience at a specific school since it takes many things into account that may be irrelevant to a student such as size of endowment. Any school in that top 10% range is a good school so its really about fit and also within a larger school many specific colleges like Comm may be ranked quite differently than others especially when you look at ranking and things other than US News. I think the visit will help you decide. Being in an urban campus will broaden your horizens and afford opportunities you cannot find in GA. At the same time it could be overwhelming for you so there is a risk. When you visit go off the beaten track, go into the campus areas off of the main road and see if it feels right. Visit areas of Boston like Newbury St and see how that feels to you. BU is huge so you'll meet all kinds of kids and a visit to the clubs section of the web site will show the range. There are liberal and conservative groups and a chapel in the middle of campus but by and large New England is less conservative than the South. BU Law School is in the top 10 nationally so it is a good school to attend if that is your goal. But it sounds like the GA Honors Program has many advantages. Are you sure you did not get into Honors at BU since other threads suggest kids are still finding that out by calling?</p>
<p>MIT is within walking distance across the river and can be seen from some dorms that overlook the Charles River and is not far from the BU Boat House. MIT Frat Houses are a several blocks from BU heading toward Boston Common. You'll see them on Commonwealth Ave. Harvard is about a 10 minute T ride I think and while some kids go to Cambridge/Harvard Square to hang out it is not "right next door". Emerson, overlooking Boston Common park, and NE are close.</p>
<p>Thanks, dogs, you gave some great advice! :) You're right, I do think I definitely need to visit and get a feel for the environment to make the best possible decision! Thanks again!</p>
<p>Haha, I can see Harvard and MIT outside my window(im on BayState)</p>
<p>If you do choose BU make some decisions that decrease the large school dimensions. For instance, choose a specialty floor or specialty housing. If you are worried it is too liberal go on the BU club's web site and email kids in the Republican or conservative clubs and see what they recommend. Bu is not for everybody.</p>