Hello, May 1st is almost here and I am having difficulty deciding whether to attend NEU Honors or Boston University non-honors. I am undeclared at both universities, but I am planning to study either biology or biomedical engineering on a pre med track. Disregarding finances for this argument, which university do you guys prefer and why? I am aware that both are about equal. BU has the better reputation currently, but NEU is up and coming rapidly while BU has been stagnant for the past few years. A vibrant social life with many activities to offer and academics matter the most to me, while the campus does not really at all. Also, focusing on pre-med, will the reputation of the undergraduate school matter? The schools seem to be about equal to me besides reputation and the fact that I am in the honors college at NEU. I appreciate the help and I know it’s close to May 1st!
BU may have the better reputation anecdotally, but they’re ranked the exact same by USNWR and many are predicting NU to take the edge in the near future (BU is rising, admittedly, just not at the same rate). You can make a vibrant social life at either school if you try. I prefer NU’s campus to BU’s sidewalk, but that’s a preference thing. Reputation for pre-med matters some, but I think good grades matter more (so edge, NU because of BU’s grade deflation). Definitely consider finances too, you’ll need money for med school.
If you think you have absolutely no preference, flip a coin- you’ll probably know which school you want to go to by whether or not you feel happy or disappointed by your result.
Thanks for your reply! I really appreciate it. I’ve definitely noticed how NEU is improving every year and at a fast rate, which is why I’m leaning towards it more than BU currently. How do you think the honors program compares to not being in it?
@novafan1225 Also, I prefer the school that will pay more attention individually, such as having smaller class sizes and counsellors that will actually help you out and plan your future.
@BrooksB18 I’ve found the Honors program to be pretty helpful. They have a lot of unique opportunities for excursions, honors seminars, some events, etc. for Honors students and they send out a newsletter weekly so you always know how to get involved. The Honors classes I’ve taken haven’t been harder than the standard level like you might expect, but rather they’re just smaller which makes it easier to get to know your professor and your peers. Having Honors on your resume is also a small boost for co-op competition, nothing major, just a way to set yourself apart. The housing in IV is also suuuuper nice, and the upperclassmen housing in WVC/WVF are also really nice. Being in the Honors program at any school, not just NU, is a nice bonus too. Think of it as a big fish in a smaller pond type situation. I feel like I’ve really been able to do some of my best work here at Northeastern, and it looks more impressive than it would had I attended any of my more prestigious schools. Not to say that BU is more prestigious, but it might be harder to set yourself apart there if you’re not in Kilichand.
@novafan1225 Again, I really appreciate your time and words! I think one of the most important things is that the professors or counsellors are able to get to know you and help you out. Your experience in the Honors program really influences me to go to NEU. It is awesome that you had the opportunity to make the best out of your experience and I can definitely tell that Northeastern helped you with that. Thank You!
@brooksb18 for what it’s worth, my professors have been outstanding. I’ve taken 8 four credit classes now, or 8 standard classes, and all my professors have been at LEAST great, with the majority being outstanding. This won’t hold true for every field, and obviously you will find some duds- but for me, I can’t complain about 8/8. They have been so helpful, they go out of their way to make you succeed, and they help you learn things in a real world context, not just rote memorization. Many of my professors have told me to connect with them on LinkedIn and let them know if I ever need a reference, to be introduced to someone, etc.
While this doesn’t only happen at NU, I’ve been overwhelmed by how great my professors have been and find that to be one of the strong points of this school.
It really depends on your major. BU has a great biomedical program. Northeastern has great engineering and business programs. The NU campus is much newer and nicer overall. You shouldn’t make your decision solely based on rankings.