<p>CAN YOU STAND ONE MORE OPINION???</p>
<p>This is from a mother's prospective so it may be somewhat limiting. Miami and
BU have great reputations and your son can get a good education at either. I would weigh cost and location. By location I don't mean the weather. That should not play a factor in success or happiness at a school (although I do know that the kids at UM love the weather and the opportunity to be outside so much. The grounds are lush and beautiful all year round. No sitting outside in the cold and wind or snow to watch the football games.) By location I really mean city vs suburbs. From what I've read on the BU site, you don't have campus feel at BU. A few schools in Boston have true campuses, but I do not think BU is one of them. Miami is close enough to the city for what you want but the campus is in suburbia. There are many great areas for the kids to go with friends other than SouthBeach and bars. They can walk to Sunset Place- a large outdoor mall- for shops, restaurants, movies, etc... Coconut Grove for more of the same, but need to take the cane buses or public transportation to get there. They are accessible to malls, beaches, etc. Also, close enough to see local sports and concerts.</p>
<p>On campus there are numerous activities/clubs if your son is inclined to join.</p>
<p>Obviously, there is a club/bar scene off campus and plenty of kids who do that. While it may be upscale here, there is no doubt this same atmosphere exists at almost every other school and BU will be no different and surely lots of clubs/bars to choose from there. Even schools in rural towns will have plenty of bars (in some areas that is all they have!!!) so the kids that want to go out will do it anyway. Kids who stay back will have to find something else to do (and this is no different than when we went to school.)</p>
<p>There seems to be great advising at UM. The kids meet with their advisers at least once before registering for classes each term. They are very accessible. The kids seem to be treated well. </p>
<p>Teachers: I'm sure you'll find good and bad at every school. At least the kids have the internet site to get information on a prof when picking a section of a class. If there is only one prof teaching a required course and you have to take it, so be it. Suck it up. This is life.</p>
<p>Classes: For my son, at least, have been small- most 20 or fewer students, largest 60 or 80. Not bad. All profs. No TA's!!!!!!</p>
<p>Dorms: yes, freshman dorm rooms are small but adequate. 5 foot long closets though and great roomy bookcase over the desk and storage in and on top of the side of the bed. Not a reason to discount a school.</p>
<p>Food: No complaints from my son. Lots of fresh fruit and veges/salad. Seems to be a variety of places to eat on campus (and a huge variety off campus)</p>
<p>Wellness Center: Impressive</p>
<p>Lake and campus- very serene. Lots of places to sit outside and study or relax.</p>
<p>Weather: HOT HOT HOT from Aug to Oct/Nov??? Then it is beautiful for the rest of the school year. Bring umbrellas for daily rainfall (a pain but it keeps the grounds watered and lush.)</p>
<p>Campus parties: Doesn't sound like there are parties on campus. This may be true of lots of campuses though. When I was in school, the drinking age was 18 and parties in the dorms were the norm. Kids could register the "Keg Parties" and host a huge (and drunk and unruly) crowd. (sounds better than it was.) Most schools have dry campuses for many (good) reasons and I think the result is fewer parties.</p>
<p>Try to make a good fit for your son. I would definitely discuss his/your need for a campus feel and what the benefits of such may (or may not be) for him. No way to know where he will be happier. Good luck.</p>
<p>Cavstudent: good luck at W&M. I recently researched that school on the web for my HS son. In the past I thought it was private not a public school. (Virginians have such great IS choices.) Sounds great in every way, but seemingly just as hard as UVa for an OOS to get accepted so we will not be pursuing it. With IS tuition, this is great for you. Sounds like an ideal school in so many ways. ENJOY.</p>