<p>My son and I just returned from Eagle Day II. Thought I’d offer a review since there was quite a kerfuffle on this BC forum after last weekend’s Eagle Day I. Unquestionably, whether an event is overwhelmingly great or “underwhelming” is in the eye of the beholder and of the particular context that he/she brings to the event. One thing the day reminded me of was the clear message that BC is a Catholic university, founded in the 450+ year tradition of the Jesuits, committed to developing, “Men and women for others.” With that in mind, I make a plea for civility and tolerance when responding to people whose “back stories” we do not know–even if the comments are not exactly in keeping with our own opinions or experiences. That said, we enjoyed Eagle Day–even in the rain and even with the 1000 steps leading to the glorious buildings, the red and gold tulips gracing the gardens, and the blooming trees. The day began with a warm welcome at check-in, and a nice gold folder for my son; full schedule for me. We were seated in the indoor stadium, following a continental breakfast of pastries and juices (coffee to wake me up). (Yes, lots of water available.) We heard from the Director of Admissions and one of the remarkable Jesuit priests who is a history professor. I would take a class from him any day. Concise, succinct messages–all around the Jesuit principles of education and life–and a clear explanation of where our sessions were to be held. Not enough time to begin squirming in your seats at all. They released us by which sessions we were attending first, and directed us to the yellow-jacketed students who were very helpful on more occasions throughout the day than I can count. Yes, they even stood in the rain. After sessions, they accompanied groups to other parts of campus if you did not want to figure out the map alone. I appreciated the fact that the first day’s events were 45 minute mini-lectures on thematic topics (many options for the 2 sessions you could choose ranged from modern language to English literature to economics to music–you name it). The professors are the bottom line for me at any university and to hear them speak and interact with us was important and essential for my son’s decision. Following the two “academic” sessions, the agenda included a broad range of topics from financial aid to international study. The FA office was open from 10-3 on a first-come, first served basis, so you got in queue and could meet personally with one of the FA counselors. We did so and were helped with great patience and attention, even though many waited outside. (Tip: if you have specific questions, make sure you have all of your documents.) Lunch ran for a long period of time–from 11:30 to 2:30, concurrent with sessions. We ate early but floated by another dining hall close to 2 and there was still LOTS of food. (Often buffets are Pigs on Parade with nothing left; clearly not the case at BC!) It was set up in three different venues so there was zero wait. Choice of 3 salads: spinach/bacon; caesar; field greens/goat cheese (feta?). Two hot entrees: pasta primavera and good ol’ mac and cheese. Fresh rolls and butter. An array of drinks, hot tea, coffee, and platters of fresh cookies (3 or 4 types: I ate the cranberry/raisin oatmeal). No charge for students, their parents, and the entire group of families that showed up with many the admitted Eagle. No wonder they had to limit the event to 750! (Did Aunt Tillie need to see BC? For many families, the answer would be, YES!) 
Tours were available throughout the day. From 1 p.m. to 3, tables with some of the campus activities were available: one on leadership (very cool program), women’s rowing, academic advising, and several others. Only disappointment: ROTC did not make it although they were on the schedule.) I understand TONS more will be available at Orientation and in the early weeks of school. By about 2 p.m., my son was on overload in a good way and we both felt there were ample opportunities and activities to fully inform his decision. (We knew a great deal already since my son had first visited BC and begun his research the summer before his JUNIOR year.) We witnessed great enthusiasm from the five or six admissions officers we met–warm welcomes and congratulations from each–personal time to chat briefly (I talked with two in particular)–and the same from the professors, students, and the FA counselor we talked to. Two words to summarize the day: personal attention. Two more: warm welcome. I’d love to hear from other possible Eagle parents or future students on their impressions. Thanks to the students who gave up their day to help us navigate the campus and to all the staff, administration, and faculty who contributed to a Super Eagle II.</p>
<p>I just realize I’m smiling for my choosing BC during reading this description. These days I read all over this forum as the impression of BC got better and better. Perfect program/education/student life. The only thing I worried about is that BC officers don’t pay much attention to students as the last Eagle I thread described, because I myself called the undergrad admission office twice and did felt the officers, shall we say a little aloof(But the people of international office are really nice). Now I feel relieved.</p>
<p>I agree with @laplatinum. For me, Eagle Day II was short on glitz and long on substance. My son and I made the trip from Nor Cal, and I have to say after reading the thread on Eagle Day I, I was a bit apprehensive as what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised. The welcoming speeches by the Dir of Admissions and the Jesuit History Prof were both eloquently delivered and inspiring; educating the whole person and developing men and women to make a better society. My son was admitted to CSOM, so during the Academic session we covered the Economics mini lecture, Finance general discussion, and CSOM General Presentation; additionally, we attended Study Abroad and the Bands Program sessions. All were very good. We had lunch at Gasson Hall and noticed that most of the tables had a BC rep. Our table had an Admission person and we chatted about college admissions and BC. Throughout the day we talked with many students and student guides all seemed upbeat and very helpful. Overall, the day was well organized and administrators, professors, staff, and students were very helpful and reflected positively on BC. At the end of the day, we stopped in the campus bookstore and my son picked various BC logo wear…he will be a BC Eagle. Our next will be for Orientation.</p>
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<p>You have to recognize that some of the initial phone answerers are just students – some volunteers and some on work study – so their telephone/professional style is still a work in process.</p>
<p>BC is big on student involvement in many aspects of the campus, even grass cutting, so some things are hit or miss, depending on the whims of the 19-year old. :D</p>
<p>Thanks laplatinum for a great summary. </p>
<p>We had exactly the same experience, although we took a lead from another family and chose to explore the surrounding neighborhood for an off-campus lunch choice - recommended to us by one of the Admissions Officers. It was ideal and gave us a chance to talk about the morning - and to see one of the “ghettos” where off-campus students live.</p>
<p>One thing I’ll add to your report. We also visited the Upper Campus dorms where students opened their rooms for visits. The students were very welcoming. </p>
<p>We didn’t have Aunt Tillie with us but we did have our recent college graduate S up from NYC tagging along. He cornered a couple of the student volunteers and got some College Prowl**-quality inside scoop on campus life. It was very candid, helpful and, for my D, reassuring.</p>
<p>She came away enthusiastically ready to become an Eagle!</p>
<p>@bluebayou
Oh right I haven’t thought of that. But I would try to be nice and friendly if I got in the study-work position which I would definitely try in my college life.
I originally suppose it’s just because these initial phone answerers have to answer hundreds of calls per day so it’s really hard to keep a nice attitude. I did find many BC officers very nice and helpful as I contacted specific dept or director of programs.</p>
<p>Glad to hear other parents and future Eagles had substantive experiences. One more point: We met with the Associate Director for Student Advising and had a great chat about the support BC provides from minute one for the students. Her words: “We don’t want the students to leave in less than four years or to stay longer than four years.” It’s why they have an 88% graduate rate after 4 years, compared with California’s beloved UC’s that hover around 57%. They really view the students as the Class of 2016–not of '17 or beyond. She discussed all of the academic structures they have in place not only to help the students chart out their 4 years (along with international study, if desired), but to support them if they have academic struggles. I could discern true counseling that takes place rather than an “oh well, go fish, see ya” attitude you get at some institutions if you are having problems.</p>