I don’t know which school I should choose between Northeastern and BU? I like them both equally so I’m having a hard time deciding which one I should ED to. I’m applying Undecided and their net price for me is almost equal.
I like Northeastern mostly because of what it offers like their first semester abroad, their combined majors, and obviously their co-ops. As for the campus, it’s nice and I don’t love or hate it.
I like BU also because of its academics as well as study abroad program but it doesn’t have the opportunities like combined majors and co-ops which are unique to Northeastern. I also like its campus vibe (if that’s what it’s called) more than Northeastern? I’ve always been an urban type of person and I like being in the middle of the city (though not entirely incorporated that I have no sense of a campus) so I like BU’s location in the city and overall the student life there.
In the end it ultimately is up to me where I want to go but any help on which I should go to?
They are like a 15 minute walk from each other, so I wouldn’t use campus vibe or location much as criteria. Students from both places mingle with students from the other school often.
I would look at your major and see if one is stronger than the other first.
I would look at major first. If NEU and BU are equal then go with your favorite. S20 applies to NEU. Loves the co-op. Location seemed nice. Quick train ride into city. Not sure location should be deciding factor. Both are urban.
Apply to both. They may make the decision for you! If not, attend accepted student days at both and make your decision then.
A few thoughts:
As others suggested, it sounds like you shouldn’t ED to either here and apply to both EA/RD and wait to see acceptances, cost, etc. ED boost won’t be incredibly critical at either of these.
NPC’s are not exact, they are estimates. One could end up being significantly more/less for a variety of reasons not in your control. Applying to both lets you get more perspective before choosing.
Remember that the program is a separate admissions decision you can’t opt into, though you can express interest on your app. It also doesn’t allow any aid or scholarship to be used with it, so it may also be a more expensive option.
Usually if you want more of a campus in a city, NEU tends to be what people recommend.
It sounds like you’d be happy at either, but I would make two notes:
- How important co-op is to you will probably be the main factor in the end outside of financials and NU.in or not IMO
- Northeastern is very good about changing between colleges and majors while coming from undeclared with BU can be a slight bit harder, though there aren't hard requirements or limits like with some public schools. On the flip side though, co-op can mean that deciding on a major sooner than later can be beneficial at Northeastern. Something to consider and weigh against just how undecided you are on major.
I’ve visited both and personally I just liked how BU felt more so that’s why I said so but I do recognize that they’re both pretty urban campuses in similar parts of Boston. I’m going to be applying Undecided for both schools so I can’t really compare between their programs under one specific major though?
Apply to both EA - ED is not something to do when you don’t know for sure which school you want. Northeastern does have something I think they now call explore (it has changed names since my daughter was in it) which is basically their undeclared program. They work with you to explore different majors to help you to make a decision on a major (while at the same time taking classes that won’t leave you behind when you do.) My daughter was in it (back in 2012 and they have definitely improved it since then.) She was able to pick a major by her second semester and went on co-op the first cycle (spring sophomore year). They do not let being undeclared hold you back on the co-op program either. My daughter actually ended up graduating in 4 years with 2 co-ops a combined major a minor and only 7 academic semesters - so she was definitely not behind by starting out undeclared.