@prycepu I’ll defer to @gobosox for those first three. I would personally advise against advanced standing, just to give my $.02 for that one.
For the last question, I would advise the usual stuff, and more cold weather clothes than you’d think you need, unless you want to wait a month or two to bring that stuff up, since September has been typically scraping the mid 90’s. I also could be wrong, but so I don’t waste another half hour typing it all up, I’m fairly sure I’ve addressed most of your other stuff within the body of this thread a bit earlier. If not, happy to be more thorough and help however I can. Just let me know what more you’d like to know.
Congrats on the acceptance
@gobosox Thank you. Appreciate that.
@appplicant Really appreciate your response. A further question: from your previous post, you mention that it is difficult for freshmen to find internships. What preparation work do you think freshmen should do to increase their chances of getting an internship.
@prycepu I wouldn’t necessarily say there’s a formula or recipe to a post-freshman year internship. I personally got mine through a family connection, as many others do, since the pickings are so slim. To get one without a prior personal or family relationship to the employed is admittedly really impressive, and I’d say that, to do that, you need to be extremely determined and diligent about your use of the careers portal. Granted, for my sophomore year internship, which had no “help”, I was given an interview after also applying to over 30 other firms. That said, if the pool is that thin for someone with a year’s seniority to a freshman, I can confidently say that the freshman process is no walk in the park either. Worst case scenario would be getting an internship around your town, ideally in an unrelated office, simply to get desk experience. Then you can use your post-sophomore summer to specify into finance, and junior year is where you can really specialize in your field of choice within finance, or any other nuance of your major (ideally). It’s really a stepping stone sort of approach, so selectivity is hard after freshman year, and I would just say the two things are to be determined and accepting of rejection during the application process, and then that you’d be open to any job that you’re offered, as it may not be what you’d expect.
Aside from all that, keep a high GPA, do a few things around campus, and polish your resume as much as possible. I’m assuming you could have guessed that, though.
@appplicant Thank you so much for helping us in your free time! I have got into CSOM (finance) as well and this thread is just a gold mine for me~ I do have a couple questions, however, if you don’t mind me asking:
- I am currently in a US high school graduating with potentially 39 AP credits (we shall see~), but since a decent amount of my AP falls under the "natural science" category (classic~), do they have any extra perks on top of fulfilling my natural science core requirement? If not, I might just stop reviewing AP Bio like a monk in a monastery~ ; )
- I am born and raised in mainland China, so I would consider myself bilingual (Mandarin and English), which would fulfill my language requirement. I am not particularly enthusiastic about learning another foreign language, but I am worrying that I might be left out as potentially a lot of BC students would be taking languages, right? At least that is the case in my high school and I would prefer not to miss out on making more amazing friends by dropping the language courses. What is your insight on that?
- I am currently considering having a dual concentration within the CSOM, but I haven't decided which second concentration I would be taking. My current choices are Accounting, General Management, and Corporate Reporting and Analysis (ranking not necessarily in that order), and I am currently interested in Corporate Finance, IB and Financial Planning (ranking IN that order). What is your recommendation and why?
- I was offered to take the Math-2022 (Honors Multivariable Calculus) as an entering freshman, which, I assume, is a mostly sophomore course and might disrupt some courses' selections (correct me if I am wrong). I love math and I have taken courses in high school (Honors Linear Algebra and Vector Calculus) that covers the super-majority of the material in this class, so I doubt it will be very difficult for me. But in your opinion, is it worth it to go the extra miles and take the honor one or just stick to the regular track? Is academic rigorous viewed as important as GPA by BC and future employers?
- As senioritis starting to kick in, I feel like there is less and less to learn in school (which I am sure is not true, but it's too hard for me to care~). However, I do not want the next two months and the summer goes to waste. Is there anything special you would recommend a high school graduate to do in his/her last summer? (Other than "have fun, catch up with friends, enjoying life, read a lot" those usual answers.)
Thanks again and hope all is well~
@Changarang Glad this is helping to clear some things up.
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I would definitely stress doing well on your AP’s. If you’re in a financial bind in any way, advanced standing is 24 credits and you graduate in 3 years. Other than that, the benefits are also numerous. I, myself came in with about that same amount and I whipped through the remainder of the core without issue, which is great. In general, while you still take your standard 15 credits per semester like everyone else, you have so much more flexibility to do what you want. You can pick up extra majors, concentrations, minors, etc. which makes your degree carry more weight when looking for jobs. You have the freedom to go abroad without credit/requirement constraints. You can also just sit back and take easy electives that pad your GPA. If you come in with the 39 you mentioned, you can even do some combination of those, as that’s a substantial amount. That said, know that the work you do for bio now is huge in determining your free time as an upperclassman.
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Extra languages in CSOM are actually rare, I would say. CSOM says if you simply take 4 or 5 years of a language (I forget which), you don’t even need to test out of the requirement with an AP or subject test. I myself took German in middle school and high school and haven’t taken a language since senior year, nor do I regret it. Many of my friends in CSOM are the same way. Therefore, no pressure at all if you don’t want to learn another language.
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If you’re thinking of corporate finance or IB, definitely prioritize finance as a concentration. Beyond that, it’s really your call, as to what you have an interest in. My second concentration is analytics, both because I was a good math student in HS and I know the general skillset of the collective industry is leaning in a direction that prioritizes that sort of specialty. Corporate Reporting and Analysis is also a good choice though. I would definitely recommend finance though, if you are considering corporate finance and IB. That said, even after getting to campus, you have plenty of time to decide. Like I think I mentioned, I came in to CSOM solely concentrating in econ. I switched after my first semester because I realized it was going to be a bit too broad for my interests. Switching is a very simple process, so don’t worry too much for right now.
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That rigor vs GPA question is a double edged sword. I personally would wait to take that class until at least your second semester, just to give yourself time to adjust and see where your GPA falls with the more basic core stuff. While you said you have experience with the subject and have faith that you’ll do well, some people take classes in college that they thought they had experience with in HS and turn out to do badly. That said, I wouldn’t risk that class being harder than expected, taking a hit to your GPA, and then fight an uphill battle for the next few semesters to make up for it. However, if you take some other stuff in the core in your first semester and do well, then you can take a swing at that course next semester. It’s totally your call, but I would be an advocate for the safer start, so you adjust more easily and you can gauge your tolerance for an unnecessary non-required class later on (the rigor does look nice though for many employers). In general, I’ve heard employers mainly lean in the favor of GPA slightly over rigor, which reinforces my point, but if you can tell your story well in an interview, you can play up your strengths and it would be a non-issue.
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The typical stuff is pretty in line with my recommendation, to be totally honest. Maybe start slowly building up your list of things to bring with you to school, and maybe start some of the fun stuff like looking for a potential roommate on the accepted students Facebook page. No need to go overboard and start doing independent research or something insane before you even set foot on campus. Everyone coming out of high school is on hyperdrive because most of their lives have been spent with a focus on getting into college. That happened (congrats, by the way). Now, relax a bit and soak it in for the summer. Until summer starts though, study for AP’s. I’m personally extremely glad that I took them as seriously as I did.
@appplicant Thank you for your response. When I said double concentration, I actually meant choosing a second concentration on top of my finance one. Sorry if it confuses you. Also, just three quick follow-ups:
- Since you mentioned doing some combinations of Major, Minor and Concentrations, is it plausible for me to take a double concentration in, let's say, Finance and Accounting, as well as a major (for example, math or econ, a relatively close discipline to Business) in A&S? (Assuming that I will not take any language requirement and no study abroad over the school years.) (I would be able to fulfill the social science, natural science, math, language, and stats core coming in.)
- Very valid point and insights about the Math placement, but I have very strong faith that I will do well in math. (which could be delusional~ considering I took that class my junior year instead of my senior year, so I prob forgot a substantial amount already.) Is there any scheduling difficulties or other consequences other than a potential unsatisfying GPA that I might overlook if I take it first semester? If not, I might just take that chance and see where it will get me~
- Not really a follow-up, just that I forgot to bring it up. Because of my schedule, I won't be able to attend the admitted eagle's day in BC. However, I DID visit campus after I was admitted with the perspective students, was able to attend the local admitted students info session and will go to the 1st orientation in early June. So what am I missing other than the fact that I cannot go to the admitted eagle's day and what should I do to "catch up"?
I think I’ll follow your advice about the AP and “monk” my way through it. Thanks again~
@changalang Ha my bad, read through a bit too quickly.
As for the follow ups:
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You’d definitely be cutting it pretty close but I imagine it might be possible. You’d be shooting yourself in the foot by not giving yourself any wiggle room but there’s a definite shot. For example, I entered with 39 or 42 credits (I forget which), I’m double concentrating and minoring in Environmental studies, and I’ve afforded myself the ability to take 7 free electives in total (between now and graduation). Some majors differ in class requirements, so that’s something you could parse through with your advisor. For example, a B.A. has fewer classes required than a B.S. in math or econ.
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Yeah by all means, I just err on the side of caution with advice I give to others so it doesn’t come back and bite me haha. If you’re confident, by all means, take the class. I can’t think of any other reason why you shouldn’t. If your course section for the class is essentially locked in, then there’s not much else to worry about. Just lock that class in and schedule your other four classes around it. No big deal.
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You didn’t miss anything huge. It’s more just to convince those on the fence that they should put in their deposit and get hyped about being an Eagle. Some “sessions” are catered to the individual schools and what you can expect, but there was nothing vital that you’re missing, especially if you’re already committed to coming. The other “student life” specifics and some scheduling help will happen during your orientation, where you can really sink your teeth into the fact that you’re about to officially be a college freshman.
Glad I swayed you with the AP studying. It sucks in the short term but, assuming you get the scores that enable you to place out, it pays huge long term dividends.
@appplicant Got it, I’ll touch base with my advisor ASAP as the orientation comes to figure out scheduling technicalities. Thank you again for doing this. Hope you will enjoy your remaining time at BC~
@appplicant I see. Thanks again. It helps a lot. Now I know what to expect in BC.
@appplicant I was recently admitted to CSOM and I plan on studying finance. I was wondering what I should expect my schedule to look like next year. I would love to not have any classes on Friday, would that be possible?
@eagleess1712 Congrats on the acceptance.
Freshman year first semester is extremely difficult to get no Friday classes, because most of the classes you’ll take in the univ. core and for CSOM start off on the MWF or the T/TH schedule, since that’s consistent with most of the broad prerequisites that are shared with kids from the other schools (econ, for example, which satisfies social science). My first no-Friday semesters started last semester (1st sem junior year), and I haven’t had one since. It’s not hard after sophomore year, because that’s when you start to move out of the cores and into the concentrations, where classes are usually either 1 hour 15 minutes on MW or T/TH, or 2.5 hours once a week. I never quite understood why, but that’s the norm. If you realllly want a no-Friday schedule, it’s probably workable as soon as sophomore year, if you’re clever with scheduling. However, you still have two entire grad classes ahead of you that are picking classes, so the ones that aren’t on Friday are usually the first to go, leaving underclassmen with the leftovers.
I would say the standard first semester freshman would take Portico (business ethics, which is mandatory in your first semester), usually philosophy/theology OR perspectives, which is a 6 credit full year class that satisfies both, then usually one or two of the intro CSOM core classes like business statistics, computers in management, or business law. Also, a bunch of people take micro and then macroecon in their first year, usually in that order. This all depends on how many credits you enter with, and what you place out of as you enter college. However, that’s usually the standard setup for the first semester schedule for CSOM.
Let me know if there’s anything I can go into further.
Hi, just wondering what entrepreneurship is like in CSOM and if there are any clubs or organisations helping aspiring young start-ups?
Do we pick classes at orientation?
What advice would you give going into class selection?
@hhgghhgg I spoke a bit on the concentration on page 5, post 69. To answer the latter part of your question, there are a number of clubs and resources that I am confident are at the disposal of entrepreneurship concentrators. There is also a student fund on angel investing and several other related organizations which require an associated application for entry. Additionally, there are a few competitions I’m aware of that have significant cash prizes, which are given as a means of funding for early startups, to the best student business presentations. As I believe I said in the prior response I referenced, I’m not directly familiar with the intricacies of the concentration, as it was never a major interest of mine, but I can assure you that the help you seemed to want is definitely offered here, which is something I’ve gathered from the CSOM weekly emails and simply by word of mouth from friends.
@1zogden1 Yep. I had no idea personally that class selection would happen during orientation; in hindsight, it sounds obvious, because when else would you do it?- but I just never put 2 and 2 together. Your OL (orientation leader, who is usually an upperclassman whose entire purpose is to make your orientation as easy/fun as possible) will walk you through your class selection, and will often go out of their way to contact friends who have had the professors whom you’re considering taking in your first semester. There is also Boston College PEPs, which is a BC-exclusive “ratemyprofessor” portal that can help you better round out your decision making. The whole experience is pretty overwhelming honestly, and a lot of your selecting is done on the fly, with your OL usually looking over your shoulder to help and adjust as classes inevitably close out when your pick time arrives. That said, the best position you can be in now is knowing about 7-8 classes you really want to take first semester (I’d say your best bet, assuming you don’t place out via AP/IB credits, would be Portico, Philosophy, Theology, Microecon, Business Statistics, Computers in Management, and anything else that may satisfy a minor or double major that you’re considering; there are tons of other classes to choose from, but that’s usually the boilerplate list). You’ll end up taking five classes, so your OL will then work their magic and help you create an acceptable schedule to work with. No real prep, other than knowing your interests, can really do much for you right now. You will also meet your academic advisor, who will help to clarify any questions you might have beforehand.
In your business ethics class (which obviously only applies to CSOMers), you will meet with your TA (usually an undergrad senior in CSOM) and they will personally schedule a time to work with you and develop your four year plan to go through the rest of your scheduling. That said, your first semester will already be underway, but you’ll definitely get a better idea after your advising session. They really pull out all the stops to make sure you understand what you have to fulfill as clearly as possible.
Other questions welcome.
@appplicant is it possible for one to transfer from Econ to business? Or double major in Econ and something in the business school?
@Emsmom1 It happens in extremely rare cases if you’re not already in the business school (I’m assuming you mean transferring from econ in the arts and sciences school, because there is also an econ offered through CSOM). This is due to CSOM being the most competitive of BC’s four schools from an admissions perspective, coupled with the businessweek rankings, which results in an extremely minimal transfer-out rate, leaving few spots for anyone trying to get in from the outside. On any given year, I don’t think CSOM takes any external transfers from other universities, and maybe a handful of transfers internally from A&S, LSOE, or CSON. I’m sure there are slight deviations in either, year over year, but that’s the broader trend. Consequently, I wouldn’t count on it unless there’s a 3.9+ GPA and a significant monetary donation involved (only partially kidding).
That said, if your daughter (I’m assuming, given your name) happens to really be swayed by business, and is currently in A&S econ, she could minor within CSOM (if she holds a 3.5 GPA after her first year). You can google Boston College CSOM Minor to fact-check me. That enables her a little bit of priority over other A&S people in getting at least a base in approximately 6 management classes (again, feel free to fact-check me). Beyond that, as she gets to be an upperclassman, she can still probably take a few more CSOM classes as well. If she’s interested in business, while a headline of “Carroll School of Management-- concentrating in whatever” sounds nice on a resume, she can easily compensate by including a “relevant coursework” line with her minor coursework and whatever else she can wiggle her way into. That would put her essentially at an equal plane with CSOM counterparts. Nobody will make too big a fuss over “Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences”, from an employment standpoint.
Hope this helps.
EDIT: here’s the link to the profile for the minor…
http://vhost4.bc.edu/schools/csom/departments/mgtorg/Minor.html
@appplicant Thanks so much!
@appplicant @Emsmom1 from what I’ve seen, it is possible to externally transfer from another university to CSOM, but it is nearly impossible to transfer from MCAS to CSOM. The transfer FAQ states that they enroll about 5-10 transfer students, and I think most of those spots are given to external transfers. I’ve personally had 2 friends transfer from an external school to CSOM.
@dontskipthemoose Thanks. My nephew got in to BC as an Econ major and I was trying to figure out what his options are. He hasn’t even mentioned wanting to transfer; I was just curious. Sounds like the minor in Leadership and Management is an option, though.