Fordham vs Boston College

<p>Its pretty much come down to either of these schools.</p>

<p>I got a $20k scholarship per yr to Fordham, which is like an hr from home. Its also in NYC (the bronx) and I've lived in the suburbs my whole life, so it would be a change.</p>

<p>BC is ranked higher, but no money (aka almost $50k a year) and its still suburban, or so I think.</p>

<p>I dont wanna say money is a huge deal, but I refuse to believe its irreleveant (regardless of what my parents say).</p>

<p>Which is the better choice? Cheaper, tho lower ranked, Fordham in NYC or the more suburban, higher ranked, but more expensive, BC?</p>

<p>Would you say BC is defintly a better school than Fordham, or are they essentially in the same tier, just different ends of it?</p>

<p>Which would you pick pretty much, and also think I should, based on the above info?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>They are both great schools. It sounds like you may not have visted BC yet. Have you been to Fordham? You really should visit both schools before you decide. An hour or so at each and you'll have a pretty good feeling about which one is the best fit.</p>

<p>Honestly? I'd be hard pressed to turn down a $20K scholarship. That certainly makes Fordham the better value. </p>

<p>What's your intended major? Not sure what BC's strengths are, but Fordham is strong in communications, business, pre-law (history, poli sci, etc.) That's just off the top of my head. A current student might be able to add more.</p>

<p>My son is a freshman at Fordham (trying to decide between a major in journalism or poli sci or a double major in both) and is very happy. He loves Boston, but he decided not to apply to BC (I suggested he should, knowing how much he likes Boston). So he chose Fordham, and NYC (he's in the city just about every weekend; in fact, he called me from The Village this morning after he took the subway down to get concert tix), but he also hopes he can live in Boston after he graduates. So just remember there are still choices to be made after you graduate. :)</p>

<p>BTW...he's at the Rose Hill campus and he's a suburban kid. I think he really likes living in The Bronx.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>the ranking system is so arbitrary and "fixed" drop that from your equation</p>

<p>this whole prestige thing is a foolish way to look at two school who both are great</p>

<p>I actually havent visited either school yet. I plan to go to each school during there Admitted Students days or whatever they're called this month. Also, I'm not sure what I wanna major in, so i dont know how to properly factor that into my choice.</p>

<p>I would have to say choose Fordham. It's a great school in it's own right and it you'd be paying a lot less. And it's in NYC.</p>

<p>Although BC is ranked "better", the Jesuits in both schools will tell you that if there were ever two Jesuits schools with comparable offerings and student bodies, they are Fordham and BC. For historical reasons, BC has a 10 year jump on Fordham when it comes to marketing, which explains a substantial part of its better position.
I know Fordham well: I went there. I know BC well as an outsider as I grew up in New England and many of my high school friends attended BC. Twenty-five years ago, I didn't see a difference academically between either school and suspect the same is true today -- except for the sports.
BC is a fine school but so is Fordham. Bright students attend both schools. The BC students tends to be preppier while the Fordham student takes on a New York City "hip" attitude.
It boils down much less to an arbitrary ranking but the type of experience you'd like -- New York City versus Boston. They are two extremely different cities. One is trendy and "in your face", while, the other preppier and collegiate.
If you're looking to work in NY City after graduation, I would attend Fordham: the alumni connections are great.
Don't, however, let the US News ratings guide you, many non academic factors go into those rankings. And if it will make you feel better, I would suspect that Fordham is going to make a major leap in the 2008 rankings.
My own daughter is off to Fordham in September. She was also accepted to Tulane and BC.
Fordham has been, is, but should not be for much longer, underrated and often misranked by many people.
Best of luck in choosing and in the end, follow your instincts. You'll feel what fits right.</p>

<p>in my opinion, i liked fordham better. I did see both BC and fordham during the summer, but i felt that the students are BC were a little snobby. fordham is also in NYC [but i'm biased - i'm a new yorker born & raised lol].</p>