<p>I have narrowed my choices down to these two schools but cannot find a definite advantage in either one. I have been accepted into the honors program at BC and the idea of small seminar classes as well as the liberal arts feeling of BC gives me a sense of community. On the other hand, NEU I think has more opportunities for a science person (I want to major in physics) and better housing.</p>
<p>I plan to go on to graduate for a Ph D in physics so which undergraduate education would be more fitting? I plan to double major in physics and CS while playing in the orchestra / band. I want a tight knit community with students who share the same passions as I do and are serious about school. Any suggestions or recommendations would greatly be appreciated! </p>
<p>With no hesitation, I’m recommending BC - and this is coming from the mom of a Northeastern grad. </p>
<p>NEU is great for the professionally-oriented student interested in business, engineering health and sciences. It’s less great for the academically-inclined student looking for an intellectual atmosphere among students into learning-for-learning’s sake. </p>
<p>Judging by your post, I think BC will be a much better fit.</p>
<p>for a PhD wannabe, you should attend the highest-ranked college that you like and can afford. (Grad schools are prestige hounds, and a rec from a higher ranked college…) Since BC ranks significantly higher in physics than does NEU (which surprised me bcos NEU has an engineering program), AND you like the liberal arts focus of BC and marching band potential, Chestnut Hill is the easy choice.</p>
<p>So the physics department at BC outweighs that at NEU? Honestly I thought NEU had a better physics program because they had more specialization whereas BC only had condensed matter physics and a third of the faculty size. So would a degree from BC be more valuable than one from NEU? </p>
<p>According to US News Northeastern Physics program is ranked 63rd while BC’s is ranked 77th. The schools have very different feels, CS is obviously a lot better at NU especially if you want to do anything dealing with Network Science/AI (BC doesnt have a grad program for CS or any type of engineering)</p>
<p>Another piece of data if interested: The Goldwater Scholar is just about the highest award you can get as an undergrad science major. Since 2005 Northeastern has won 9, BC has won 3 </p>
<p>Wow this is a tough one. Overall I think I will enjoy the community and college scene better at BC while NEU will provide me with better science opportunities. Any final suggestions? </p>
<p>The difference in rank between BC and NEU in physics isn’t that great. I’m certain that if you’e outgoing and assertive, you can get fabulous science opportunities at BC. It’s a respected school, with good connections. I still believe in your case, BC is the way to go.</p>
<p>“NEU will provide me with better science opportunities”</p>
<p>That is not clear to me. It looks like neither is a clear leader academically, but there is a clear leader socially, which suggests you should choose BC.</p>
<p>Ok thanks for all your help. There is a good chance I will go with BC. I spoke with their assistant chair of physics and he got me real interested. Any more suggestions would still be appreciated. </p>