ONE DAY LEFT~ Wake or BC???

Colleges and Universities A-Z Wake Forest University
1

<p>So at the start of April I was debating between Cornell, Wake, and Boston College. Now having visited all three I was able to knock Cornell off the list (too big, didnt feel right, students didnt seem like my type of people). So my debate has been between BC and Wake. I seem to switch my preference daily. </p>

<p>Hoping you all can help me decide whats best for me. Here is some more info that plays into the decision:</p>

<p>-Business major, looking at going into finance and hopefully a big NY bank, but that may change. (will almost definitely stay with business though)</p>

<p>-Accepted to BC Business honors program (only 30ish students - top 5% of applicants)</p>

<p>-Visited both and liked both campuses. When I was at Wake it just felt <em>perfect</em> but i also enjoyed BC. Not sure if these judgments are accurate though, because I visited BC in my pre-application buzz, and Wake after I knew where I'd been accepted (different mindset).</p>

<p>-Unsure about climate at both schools: Worried Wake will be too hot and humid in spring months, but more fretting about hikes to class in Boston's snow (and BCs hills).</p>

<p>-Love to ski (Boston), but family has a beach house in SC (near Wake)</p>

<p>-Wake is 5.5 hours from home (seems ideal- reasonable drive for a weekend), BC is 8 hours from home (a little far...)</p>

<p>-Both ACC schools with great sports (this helped knock Cornell off)</p>

<p>-Wake is 4500 students (maybe too much like high school?)</p>

<p>-BC Freshmen living is on 2 campuses (so you are either taking buses all the time or separated from half of your class)</p>

<p>-Wake social scene is heavily frat based (not sure if i like or hate this... maybe I'd love being in a frat, or maybe it makes for a clichy and exclusive enviornment- i dunno...)</p>

<p>-BC has endless possibilities with Boston right there. Wake has Winston-Salem, where i could maintain my Marriott employment (5 mins away) and I loved the southern culture when i visited.</p>

<p>-Both Business schools are ranked top 20ish, and both universities are ranked around 30 (for the little bit that this matters)</p>

<p>-Similar job placement after graduation (BC is slightly better for big NY banks but i think i can get to them from either route... maybe im mistaken?)</p>

<p>-I dont qualify for any need based aid, and niether school offered any merit based aid, so my family will be footing the $46k in its entirity at either school.</p>

<p>-For what its worth, I have many friends going to southern schools, particularly UVA and Vtech, which are both just a few hours from Wake.</p>

<p>Those are all of points i can think of. It basically comes down to my gut which says Wake (but maybe falsely because I didnt see BC in the "i actually might spend 4 years of my life here" mindset) and brain which says BC...</p>

<p>PLEASE HELP - only one day left before my deposit has to be in the mail!!!</p>

2

<p>first of all, let me say: you'll be happy whereever you go. I know this because you are very optimistic in your post, you can see the positives and negatives of both situations. You also seem more interested in quality of you own personal education than prestige; given that you have decided not to attend Cornell. Both Wake and BC are highly regarded in the business/employment world but 'ordinary' people on the streets don't always know what they are.</p>

<pre><code> I am not a business major so I cannot tell you which school is the 'better hit'. The fact that you are in BC's honors program is attractive. If you weren't in the program I'd probably recommend Wake, just because the business school is small and you get personalized treatment. I know of professors with connections who got their students summer jobs, etc.
</code></pre>

<p>I don't think Wake is like my HS, but I went to an abnormally small HS (~400total). I don't know everyone here but I definetely walk by people I know almost every time I go out. I like how Wake's campus isn;t massive. I can see my friends whenever I want and if I want to make new friends, I just join a club!</p>

<pre><code> Winston Salem is much smaller than BC. However, if you travel to see your friends in VA I suppose you could have the best of two worlds. Also, Wake is one of the top universities for travel abroad... I think like 60% if the student body does it. You won't be locked on campus all four years..

Don't worry...you'll be fine whereever you chose.
</code></pre>

3

<p>You don't have to kick your skiing passion to the curb at Wake... although, the 600ft vertical hills at Wake don't really compare to the mountains in the Northeast. Wake isn't too hot since it is relatively close to the Appalachian Mts.</p>

<p>The southern lifestyle at Wake is certainly a plus. Have you ever tried sweet tea? That stuff is the best!</p>

<p>As for frats, I am not in a frat and I am fine socially because I'm involved in organizations and have a close-knit group of friends. Also, the small student body gives students many opportunities to join organizations.</p>

<p>I am a Business major. The Calloway school is difficult, but as long as you work hard and don't fall behind you'll be OK. Both BC and Wake have top-20 business schools, with BC getting the slight edge due to its proximity to Boston thus leading to more recruiters and more job opportunities (as you alluded to). If you want to be a NY banker, a BC finance degree has the slight edge over a WF finance degree because of the aforementioned reason. </p>

<p>Also, Wake students are very involved in intramural sports. Over 95% of males and 60% of females participate in an intramural sport in their four years. Popular intramural sports include flag football, basketball and softball.</p>

<p>Good luck with the decision!</p>

4

<p>Also, assuming you live in the MD/VA area, the drive to Wake isn't that bad. The roads are pleasant country roads (I-81, I-77/74, I-52), and they're not usually crowded. the best part of the drive is seeing Pilot Mountain and knowing I'm only a half hour away from Wake! With BC, you probably have to take I-95, and that road can be a nightmare.</p>

5

<p>freakadeac- yes the drive to wake is MUCH nicer (not to mention shorter) than the drive to boston. you also reminded me of another one of my most serisous concerns that i somehow forgot to mention in my original post: Grade Deflation...</p>

<p>So how bad is it really? What will it take for me to get a 3.5 in the business school? </p>

<p>FluffyFluff- thanks for the encouraging words, ive been trying to look at it that way too; i really am lucky to be in such a "hard" position right now and i dont think there is a wrong decision. I do, however, think there is probably a 'better' decision, which i would like to make.</p>

<p>Thank you both for your responces.</p>

6

<p>It's hard to provide a precise answer to the grade deflation question. I'd recommend looking at the "Work Forest" thread if you haven't already.</p>

<p>Classes are very difficult at Wake. I have never experienced first-hand grade deflation, but I've heard stories of students walking in on the first day and having the professor say, "OK well you need to have flawless work to get an A in this course." With that being said, the workload is not unmanagable. Just don't fall behind and you'll be alright.</p>

<p>Now for the Calloway school... All I can say is try to get A's and B's in your intro classes and get off to a good start. With that being said, it is not impossible by any means to get a 3.5 in the business school. Accounting courses are very difficult. I had to drop my Financial Accounting course in the fall, and now I'm retaking it with an easier professor. Which brings me to my next point... professors vary in their grading policies and grade deflation tendencies, so do your research and try to get the "easier" professors. Virtualratings.com will be your best friend.</p>

<p>On a sidenote, the Calloway school does not employ the plus-minus system (only A, B, C...etc.). An A is 100-91, a B is 90-82, a C is 81-73.</p>

<p>Here's a link to the business school:
<a href="http://calloway.wfu.edu/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://calloway.wfu.edu/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Hopefully that helps.</p>

7

<p>Wake and BC are very similar schools in many respects. Similarly academically, athletically, and both have great business programs. I'll try to address some of your points:</p>

<p>The weather in Wake right now is absolutely gorgeous. It is not too hot, and luckily we miss the worst months of heat. Right now it is in the 70s usually. </p>

<p>Wake is about half the size of BC and this could go either way. The way I see it is that BC is bigger, but doesn't offer the resources to offset the size it has. Like Michigan is a huge school, but it offers so much. The size of Wake can really be taken advantage of. It makes classes small (my "lecture" classes have about 40 kids in them and most others have about 15) and professors more acessible. But for professor acessibility espcially, this is something you have to take advantage of yourself. If you need help in a class, you can get it if you go. Also I am about 30 seconds (literally) away from all of my classes, most of my other friends (and at BC I believe) you have to be bussed places.</p>

<p>As for skiing, there is skiing within driving distance (probably a few hours) of Wake. Granted it may not be as great as skiing in New England, but it is available. </p>

<p>Ehh, on the frat thing that is the only thing I don't like. To be perfectly honest, most people will say "oh you will find other social avenues, etc. etc.", but it is the <em>MAIN</em> social avenue. Sure, there is other stuff to do, and I have generally kept myself occupied, but it isn't the same. And this is coming from a person who is involved in too many activities this year. It just seems that I have too little time on the weekdays and too much time on the weekends. Frats aren't for everyone, but I would give them a chance I suppose...</p>

<p>Also keep in mind that BC isn't like BU or NYU in that it is integrated into the city. </p>

<p>Calloway is very difficult, but if you look at MBA acceptances, the GPAs aren't necessarily top GPAs. Work experience is much more important, and Wake has very good job placement. </p>

<p>But as other people have said, you really can not go wrong with either route. I would go with your gut, but either decision you make will be a good one, just decide for yourself which is the better one. Good luck!</p>

8

<p>I didn't take the time to read everyone elses responses [though I am sure they were helpful] but I wanted to throw in my two cents because I made a very similar decision. Additionally I visited Wake Forest...So here are a couple things to think about...</p>

<ol>
<li>Are you liberal? Wake Forest is notably conservative and long been noted for its not so tolerant policies</li>
<li>Are you opposed to a Catholic community? Obviously you know BC is Jesuit, it's important to think about</li>
<li>BC is far enough away from Boston to feel like a smaller community...which I think is very important</li>
</ol>

<p>Most importantly...</p>

<ol>
<li>You will benefit most from college if it changes you for the better - it sounds like BC would be a new region to live in - everyone needs that change to challenge them. The weather in Boston really isn't that bad anyway.</li>
</ol>

9

<p>"
1. Are you liberal? Wake Forest is notably conservative and long been noted for its not so tolerant policies"</p>

<p>i realize it's more conservative than most places...but it really intolerant?</p>

<p>(really just asking)</p>

10

<p>From what I understand, yes, it is notably intolerant. Wake Forest has been constantly noted for being one of the most gay unfriendly schools in the country and also being strongly divided on racial lines. No school is perfect in terms of diversity and tolerance, but from what I have read [and remember from staying overnight on campus] I really got a strong feeling that this was the sentiment on campus. I hope that I am wrong, but I am not so sure that I am.</p>

11

<p>
[quote]

From what I understand, yes, it is notably intolerant. Wake Forest has been constantly noted for being one of the most gay unfriendly schools in the country and also being strongly divided on racial lines. No school is perfect in terms of diversity and tolerance, but from what I have read [and remember from staying overnight on campus] I really got a strong feeling that this was the sentiment on campus. I hope that I am wrong, but I am not so sure that I am.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I'd really, really, appreciate it if you didn't talk about things you don't know about for my sake and for anyone else who has to read this. Sure Wake is not as diverse as a school like Rutgers and it is more conservative. Conservative does not mean you just hate blacks and gays, that is an ignorant person's definition of it. Personally, I am pretty damn liberal and I don't feel constricted in any way. Sure there are some kids who are bigots, but this is anywhere. I encountered more racist and prejudiced sentiments in my home in NJ, which is supposed to be a very liberal state. Most kids are conservative in the sense that they are republicans and go to church, but are those horrible things? Our GSSA and our College Democrats are farily large organizations on campus. I'm in College Dems and I know we do way more than the College Republicans. Furthermore, there is a DRAG SHOW of all things sponsered by the GSSA on campus every year.<br>
No college campus aside form perhaps BYU or BJU is very conservative, because young people are generally more liberal. Compared to other schools, sure it is not as diverse (but still have 20% racial diversity), and we know that diversity can come with other things like state of origin, socioeconomics, etc. </p>

<p>Your sentiment in your post, GateNY09, just sounded pretty negative and you obviously don't go to Wake and are basing your assumptions on a short stay and from other people's opinions.</p>

12

<p>I'd like to agree with willmington. I haven't seen or heard of any bashing at wake.
There is a gay straight alliance club at Wake and as aforementioned a Drag Show (which is a pretty big deal from what I gather).
I'm sure there are old school traditional people at Wake but I haven't really encountered them.<br>
As for the whole "wake being too conservative' thing. John Edwards spoke here last semester and Wait Chapel was overfull. I think this speaks for itself.</p>

<pre><code> About guest speakers. I have seen the following people speak this year alone: Sandra Day O'connor, John Edwards, Maya Angelou, Emily Griffin, Susan Ivey, and Jim Grobe. I have also gone to serveral other events that featured notable researchers ... recently the guy who cloaned dolly came.
</code></pre>

13

<p>Ahh Grobe? Was that for LEAD?</p>

14

<p>LEAD represent!!! What group were you in? I am a proud member of the Jedi Knights!</p>

15

<p>haha I was in the Milky Ways</p>

16

<p>It's cloudy and 46 in Boston.</p>

<p>It's 76 and sunny in Winston-Salem.</p>

<p>Any other questions?</p>

17

<p>No, Wake isn't intolerant in general (I've heard of one instance in three years here, which are pretty good odds). I'll admit that I know next to nothing about BC, but there're some rumors on this thread that need to be put to rest. As I've said time and time again on CC, not everyone at Wake is conservative. In fact, the largest part of the students would probably be most likely to tell you that they don't really have an opinion one way or the other (as most 20-somethings around the rest of the country would). Of the people who are politically active, there are probably more Republicans than Democrats, but as a result, I think that the College Dems push their events harder and get a greater attendance.</p>

<p>As for grading, make no mistake, Wake is hard, but if you're willing to work, a 3.5 is by no means out of the realm of possibilities, especially since the buisness school doesn't do plusses and minuses (something that I personally, as a science major who is trying to get into med school, have some issues with, but that's beside the point). A 3.5 isn't going to be given to you, so you've got to do good work, but you wouldn't have to kill yourself to manage it.</p>

18

<p>Having spent 2 seasons @ WFU, I can speak with great enthusiasm of the Demon Deacons. It is a wonderful place, imo. Many bright students and strong faculty members. As a displaced yank, I found it to be tolerant yet Southern. I know where my vote would be cast.</p>

<p>But you must decide. I'm not sure where you're from, but W-S is a bustling, good community. Boston is Boston. A great place, for sure. Were I you, contemplating this good decisioin, I'd lean heavily on that experience where you believe you'll be stretched in many ways. Where you can experience a different culture than what you've been accustomed to. </p>

<p>Lastly, good luck, and wherever you choose, don't 2nd guess it. Both are terrific and will offer up good lifetime friends and memories. But ... there is NOTHING like tobacco road hoops in January (even if there's little or no tobacco there anymore). BC is terrific,and ACC, but not TR. And you know, "y'all" is a very useful term, and those beautiful girls in their spring dresses are like none other ...</p>

<p>Let us know and we'll cheer you on. Blessings.</p>

19

<p>Obviously, the uniformed poster,GateNY09, is very proud of his NORTHERNESS, as it is evident in his posting name. I think everyone gets my point.....I know I am NJmom, but I don't have the anti-any place but N.J. attitude. (God help me if I did!) I think it is sad to not be 100% sure of your feelings before you post them, anyway.</p>

20

<p>lol i'll tell you right now i'm wake biased (and i didn't read any of the replies yet so sorry if i'm being redundent) but....</p>

<p>4500 is plenty of kids, i think. it's not so small that you'll know everyone, yet not so large you won't be able to keep up with all the new faces.</p>

<p>Wake does not offer you placement into the honors program when you apply; you have to earn it while you're at the school. I believe they offer you placement at the end of your sophomore year after you declare your major, so keep this in mind.</p>

<p>I wouldn't worry about the attractions nearby too much. I'm sure BC has a ski club so you might be able to take advantage of that, but with Wake, it's not like those are right down the road so you have to think about how many times you'll have the time to/even want to travel that far.</p>

<p>As for BC, Boston is definitely the place to be for college. I'm from around the area so take my word for it, it's a wonderful city and an even better college town. Not gonna lie, i was a little disappointed with Winston-Salem but after talking to some students I found that Wake tends to make their own fun on campus. (Plenty of intramurals, the football and basketball teams, i think they have several different festivals on campus, including a carnival where they bring rides right into Wake, etc.) So unless you're an intravert, I think you'll have a hard time being bored at either school.</p>

<p>As for the Newton Campus at BC, that didn't seem to be a huge problem for anyone i talked to. Both have their advantages and both have their downfalls. The people at Newton love it and the people on the main campus love it as well. And that's only freshmen year anyway, you'll all be together for your soph year.</p>

<p>Alright well, I hope this helps. Sorry if i confused you even more since I kinda took both sides of the argument lol. Good luck.</p>