So here’s the deal: I want to possibly major in finance. I hear Bentley’s better for that, and Babson’s better known for entrepreneurship. But there’s the possibility that I might actually get the POSSE full 4-year ride scholarship to Babson and if I do, I have to attend the school. It’s a great deal though, I’m still getting a great education at Babson for no cost. I hear the teachers are great and the students are very studious, so I might actually do well. But what irks me is that the school ONLY has a little more than 2,000 undergrads…and approximately 30% of those students are international so I’m afraid I might not relate to them. I hear a lot of things about the lack of social life too, which bothers me because I don’t want to begin reaching out to other schools in the area just to make friends because I’m not satisfied with anyone at my own school. I know Bentley has more people and students have a better social life which is why I’m more drawn to it, but I’d still have to pay some amount of the tuition.
If in case I DON’T get the POSSE scholarship, then I might actually pick Bentley over Babson. But if I do get the scholarship, should I go for Babson? Even if I get a good education, would I be happy there? Is it worth it?
I am not a fan of schools that are so specialized, it certainly diminshes the college experience and there are plenty of schools with business majors as good as these two.
Have you visited the schools? That might give you a sense of if you would get along with the people. Bottom line is that some people (like my D) thrive in the small, close-knit type of schools and others (my S) find them too small and stifling. Nobody here knows you well enough to make that assessment for you. But a full ride to Babson is a great deal and would be hard to turn down.
My S considered Bentley but did opt to go to a university that didn’t specialize in business. Again, you can get a great education and have a great experience at any school as long as it has what you are looking for.
Bottom line is there is no need to make any decision now. See how things play out, what the final cost for both schools are, maybe visit (make a second visit if you saw them once) and only then should you made a choice.
I visited both Bentley and Babson with my son, and we both preferred Bentley by a large margin. However, honestly, a full ride scholarship to the more selective of the two schools - - that’s going to be very hard to turn down. I went to college in the Boston area myself and honestly, it’s hard NOT to have fun there. Even at a small school, you’ll find some students like yourself, and you’ll make the good times happen one way or another.
I will keep my fingers crossed that maybe Bentley will offer you a comparable deal financially, and you can pick the one you feel suits you better. And while there are many schools that aren’t specialized in just business, I will say that I looked at at least fifteen business programs with my son, and Bentley had some very unique aspects that you would not find elsewhere. I have an MBA, and the setup at Bentley is modelled after a high end MBA program in many many respects. They had better technology, more trading opportunities, better placement, and many relationships with companies for project work. It was very impressive. I left feeling Bentley was underrated if anything.
Babson does have an excellent reputation though so academically and career wise, I think you will be in great shape either way. Best of luck with your application process!
If you get the full ride scholarship, take it and don’t look back.
First, Babson is better at entrepreneurship, true, but it’s a relative value - it’s as good as Bentley for finance (it’s just that they’re SO strong at entrepreneurship). Second, right now you’re interested in finance, but almost all students change their minds compared to what they thought they wanted during senior year in high school. (Even if you don’t, Babson is great in all areas of business, including finance). Third, who do you think finance centers communicate with, where are emerging markets, what commodities and futures would be restricted to the US? It’s actually a GOOD thing you’ll be with lots of people from around the world and the country. Finally… nothing beats free ride at a top school.
If you don’t get the scholarship, apply to both, as well as to strong business programs (ask on CC, they’ll give you advice for your stats).
These schools are relatively the same in terms of rankings, so I would go for the better aid package too. As mentioned, Bentley is known for the Finance major. Although mine is in Computer Science. Babson is know for entrepreneurship and has the #1 Entrepreneur MBA degree.
