NYU (LSP) vs. Boston College: Dilemma!

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hey all! I'm currently a US student at an international school in Shanghai and I've been admitted into NYU (LSP) and Boston College. Before, I'd choose BC within a heartbeat but now I'm starting to doubt. While I have no way of visiting the schools before the May 1st deadline, I did some research and saw that BC is predominantly white catholics with heavy Jesuit influence that shapes its education and programs. LSP at NYU seems to me like a sympathy program for not being good enough for CAS but being what NYU wants at the same time. </p>

<p>I've done extensive research on LSP and I have received a variety of answers. No one really gives a concrete answer to the coursework and all (not even the website). I'd really like to get to know what I'm going into before I accept the offer. On the other hand, I have accepted the offer of attending London for my freshman year. I was also wondering if anyone's been there and what their experiences were like? I've been offered a hefty sum of financial aid that covers almost all my expenses (aside from living expenses). Coming from a metropolitan city like Shanghai, I'd love the city environment and diversity.</p>

<p>Boston College, however, seems to be more academically challenging program wise. Besides the location and the overall "college feel", I'd say I'd really like it. However, it'snot as diverse as NYU and I'm not sure what to think of a Jesuit liberal arts education. Compared to LSP though, it feels more like a proper education ...</p>

<p>Overall, I'd like an academically challenging environment. While both schools are close on the US News National Uni ranking, I'd just like to know which one would be the better choice.</p>

2

<p>The city of Boston is a college town, a very different diverse, exciting opportunity, with numerous great schools (and students). My son, who is at BC, has friends at Northeastern, Tufts, Harvard, +++. My son is not Catholic, but the Jesuit vibe of helping others permeates, my son loves it (they help others in need, they do not try to change your religion). Academics, you will work hard, but you have a lot you can do in Boston, or still take a short trip to New York, or even a train to DC for a long weekend. You really need to visit the schools, speak with the students, and take in the vibe.</p>

3

<p>Jesuit education is not the oppressive ogre that you may be imagining, and it’s been around for over 400 years so it must be doing something right…</p>

<p>Also, I am curious to know why, after living in Shanghai – even more populous and congested than New York – you would want to live in a similar environment by going to NYU?</p>

4

<p>4Boston: thank you for your response! i think you’re right, i really do need to visit those schools :/</p>

<p>leanid: thanks for the clarification! i’m not trying to be offensive about jesuit education, it’s just a common stereotype online.</p>

<p>and i actually enjoy the congestion and overpopulated environment of shanghai and new york. its very metropolitan. guess it’s just not your cup of tea :)</p>