Current BC Freshman Answering Any and All Questions

<p>97.4% of people on campus have MacBooks. In any class where the professor allows laptops, you’ll be lucky if you see more than 3-4 non-MacBooks in use. This seems to be the trend at most colleges these days though. In any case, there are no pros or cons on using any specific brand/model of laptop. As long as it can access the internet and use the Microsoft Office suite, you’ll be perfectly fine. </p>

<p>I can’t really comment on women’s fashion accessories, the only thing I really notice is that when it rains, EVERY GIRL has Hunter rain boots on. But yes, overall most students dress somewhat preppy. </p>

<p>Boston is easy and cheap to get into, how often you go highly depends on what you’re interested in doing in your free time and the friends you make.</p>

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<p>Source, please? (I’m a big mac fan, but most colleges are closer to 50/50. (hardcore gamers have historically gone with pc.)</p>

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<p>Uhh, no.</p>

<p>@bluebayou</p>

<p>Pure observation. The percentage was obviously a gross and inexact exaggeration. In every class I had freshman year, there were never more than 3-5 kids using a non Apple laptop. This ranged from small Freshman Year Writing seminar classes to larger Stat and Perspectives classes. Also out of all my friends at BC, I can probably name less than 10 kids without a MacBook. I myself do not own one, but from what I’ve seen, the very vast majority do. And many of my friends at other schools report the same thing. Like I said, it doesn’t matter at all what you have. It just seems to be the “cool” thing to have nowadays.</p>

<p>Does the BC administration recommend one or the other (regarding laptops)? Like… will it be more beneficial to have a Mac or PC in certain CSOM classes that involve computer programs?</p>

<p>When my BC student did her orientation (parents are welcome but kept separate from the students), there were lots of information tables set up in the dining hall. Each table was run by a couple of students with information, if I recall, about clubs, sports, housing, etc. One section had information about computers. There were two tables next to each other. One was for Apple and the other, I think Dell. I spent a lot of time at both tables. I also asked about the preferred computer and when I left, my take was that Apple was the way to go. Anyway, I received pamphlets and booklets which I gave my D, who had already decided what she wanted during orientation. She chose the Mac and loves it. We purchased it through BC in a bundle (which is cost effective). Regardless of the students’ preferences, at orientation you’ll be supplied with information and during your three days you can ask your group leader and others about which computer to buy. BC has a tech center and if anything goes wrong, you just take your computer there so it is very convenient. Just for info, I have another child attending a different college who also bought a Mac through the college bundle program. But no worries because you can ask away at orientation and you will receive lots of help. I hope this is somewhat helpful.</p>

<p>The BC laptop purchase program used to have a 4-year insurance option for the laptops. Unlike normal extended warranty policies, this one seemed to be well written for college students and their lifestyles. It may still be offered.</p>

<p>Under heavy advice from parents before us, we chose to buy that insurance ($169 for 4 years). It came in very handy twice while our son was an undergrad - once when beer was spilled all over the keyboard. Both times it was fixed through the BC tech support office - no questions asked.</p>

<p>If it’s still offered, do consider it.</p>

<p>Does BC allow students to take summer classes at Community Colleges and transfer the credit? As an incoming freshman, can I take a class at a local CC over this summer and transfer the credit?</p>

<p>I’m a student at a Massachusetts community college who went back to school after about two years of working full time after high school. I got a 2000 in the SAT, 800 cr, 560 m, 640 w, my cc GPA is 3.9, my high school GPA was not good around 2.0 I believe. Any idea what my chances of transferring to BC for the spring might be?</p>

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<p>There are two types of “credit”. One type is major/Core requirement fulfillment (aka “Enrichment Credit”). For example, you take a University-transferable English class at your local juco this summer prior to setting foot on BC’s campus. BC will give you credit towards your English Core requirement.</p>

<p>For entering Frosh, BC requires that you take 38 courses/120 units at BC. So BC will not give you Graduation Credit for that Eng course. Thus, taking a summer course now will only allow you to take something else later, by freeing up your schedule for an elective.</p>

<p>After you matriculate, you can take summer courses at BC or at another 4-year institution (no jucos) but ONLY with prior permission from your Dean if you want BC credit, either Enrichment or Graduation credit.</p>

<p>@ravenclaw Macs are far and away more popular at BC. You won’t see groups of hardcore gamers with their dell or alienware bringing up the percentage of PCs on campus. Either way, I have never heard of csom students having problems with their computers in their classes. </p>

<p>Yes BC could definitely be categorized as preppy more than any other style. Kids come from all over the country so its not a completely encompassing lifestyle like it might be at smaller LACs in New England, but it’s the most obvious type of clothing.</p>

<p>Boston is not ventured to on a regular basis, especially if you’re on Newton. As a student who lived on Newton, it took two buses and a long train ride to get into the city. It’s not as short a commute you would think for a school with the name Boston in it, but I prefer the location BC has over BU or Northeastern which are definitely city schools. People absolutely go to see concerts, shop, etc., but the typical weekend for freshman will revolve around dorm parties, nearby offcampus parties, and scheduled bar events that are typically lenient with fakes. Older students (or those with a very good fake ID and better luck) have a ton of bar options in Cleveland Circle (just a couple minutes away by bus), Harvard Ave (a 15 minute or so T ride towards Boston), or, of course, the multitude of nightlife spots in the city.</p>

<p>Ravenclaw, there’s a lot of these things around campus:
J.Crew (HUge)
Hunter rainboots
Tory burch
longchamps
riding boots like fryes
lululemon
Sperry’s
Uggs, but they’re more of a lazy thing
Long puffy northfaces and also the fleeces
Patagonias</p>

<p>Some (read: a lot of) people do wear similar clothing but people do have their own style. I’ve generally found that if someone isn’t wearing nice clothes then they’re wearing workout gear coming to/from the plex. The laziest you usually see people outside of finals is in yoga pants or leggings- I’d say most girls at least dress for class. I don’t think I’ve seen many people walking around in sweats other than within my dorm, or athletes (but that’s all Underarmour).</p>

<p>Thank you bluebayou.</p>

<p>Also when can I start registering for first semester courses? Do I have to wait until orientation or should I have started already by now?</p>

<p>You register for classes at orientation. Don’t worry for those in late orientation: they hold certain spots for all classes for all orientations.</p>

<p>bcgirl2, do girls wear long north face jackets more than short ones? A nd what colors would you say they generally wear? Do girls wear ugg snowboots when it snows outside, or what kind of footwear? I’m at a complete loss of what warm weather clothes to buy :P</p>

<p>I see a lot of the long ones but people wear the short ones too. Honestly you should buy and wear what you want, not things just to fit in - brands aren’t a huge deal! Styles change anyway and things go in and out of popularity.
Uggs get soaked in snow and stain even with the protective spray. I think some people have some sort of thick boot but you probably won’t be tramping about in the snow; as long as the sidewalks and paths are clear a regular pair of boots or even Uggs would work out fine. I only have Uggs and leather boots and I’ve lived in Massachusetts all my life and been fine!</p>

<p>Make sure you have gloves/mittens, scarves, and a hat. You can probably wait until you get to Boston to buy those things, you shouldn’t need them until November.</p>

<p>How is the water to drink? Does it get hot in the dorms?</p>

<p>The tap water is plenty fine/safe to drink. Some kids use a Brita filter, but usually that’s just so they have colder water in their fridge at all times. Definitely bring a fan, or two. It is hot in the beginning and end of the year.</p>

<p>Do you think a long one is necessary for the cold? Thanks for the other tips :)</p>

<p>@anna most girls wear short ones, but I think patagonia (snap fleeces) are gaining more popularity than TNF. most girls wear white or black jackets I guess. do not wear uggs, if anything get ll bean boots.
to be honest, i wouldn’t worry about dressing for cold weather, i mean you’ll adapt once you get here</p>

<p>@3 there’s no water fountains in the dorms, you’ll have to get the brita filter like ortsac said and use sink water. in the dining halls there’s multiple water dispensers (? idk the terminology) where you can fill a water bottle as well. it only is hot in september in the dorms.</p>

<p>Ortsac, Fraire - thanks!</p>