Questions about BC

<p>I’m interested in BC. I went to visit and it’s beautiful and the people seemed friendly and interesting/helpful. The academics look challenging, but managable. If you guys wouldn’t mind answering a couple questions though, that would be great. I’ve heard a lot about BC’s “reputation” but I’m not sure what’s true and what isn’t.</p>

<p>I don’t drink (because of health reasons, I can’t have much/any alcohol, but I wouldn’t be interested anyway), I like getting to know diverse groups of people of different backgrounds and interests, and I’m not very fit or that into sports, and I’m not a preppy person (I don’t wear sweats to school, but I do a lot of the casual jeans-and-a-tshirt look).</p>

<p>Given all of that, does BC sound like a fit for me or not much at all? Because I’ve kind of heard that it is a big drinking school, that people dress up for class, that there is a “sameness” about the campus, and that sports are really big. The sports I can happily adapt to, but the rest I’m not so sure. It kind of sounds like the bad parts of my high school all over again. But I haven’t heard a lot of this directly from the students (more from friends of the students or guidebooks, etc), so I was wondering what you guys think.</p>

<p>BC is a school of 9000 undergraduates. You will certainly find people who look and dress like you. I often hear questions about BC style choices and the reality is that I think it is par for the course for most New England liberal arts colleges. When asking about clothing on campus, keep in mind that the students who attend are significantly older than your high school peers. People's style tends to evolve in their early twenties to something more professional. This does not mean you need to look like a J.Crew model, but that for juniors and seniors who are engaged in internships after class or other pre-professional activities developing a more adult wardrobe is a part of the college maturation process.</p>

<p>With that said, BC students tend to look presentable for class at all levels. Essentially, this means that people take time to brush their hair, apply a little make up, and look in the mirror before heading out the door. This is certainly not everyone, and no one is judged based on appearance, but it is the majority of students.</p>

<p>With regard to the drinking question. Yes, BC students drink-but no more or less than students at any other college in America. Because of the extensive athletic and artistic programs, and the resources of the city, BC students have many other options besides drinking. At many schools the only thing to do is drink, at BC, it is one of many, many options that students take advantage of.</p>

<p>I know people who practically wear rags to class. Others look like they are on a runway. Either way, you will be accepted.</p>

<p>Drinking exists everywhere--just ignore it and find friends who are interested in other things.</p>

<p>I personally am not interested in sports at all and there are (a few) others at BC who feel the same way. If you can adapt, that will help you out a lot socially.</p>

<p>There is definitely a feeling of sameness, especially among the freshmen and sophmore classes. As people mature, they tend to value individuality more (at least this is what I have observed). That being said, you'll find all types at BC from nerds to jocks to devout christians to nihilists.</p>

<p>Judging from your screenname, I am going to guess that you are a humanities oriented person. The english, history, and philosophy departments are all really good.</p>

<p>Thanks for the imput!
DHRBC07--I understand what you mean about a more professional look. It's actually one of the things I liked about BC--it seemed like teens were evolving into adults and finding a new maturity. Although I think that's true at most places, there were a couple schools I visited where I felt like that element was lacking. I pay attention to my appearance and don't look like a slob, it's more that I don't have the money to be getting expensive clothing, but it sounds like that's not much of an issue. Regarding the drinking--it's good to know there's other options. I was considering a few colleges in upstate NY and it seemed like that's all there was to do. It's great that BC is so close to Boston.</p>

<p>ClassicGuitar--Thanks! I'm glad there's some diversity. And yes, I am a humanities-oriented person! I do plan to major in English or History, so that's good to know! :)</p>

<p>Ok, so where to begin. I just finished up my freshman year at BC and I loved it. I didn't drink and I found a few people on my floor that prefer not to drink either. On weekends, we went out into Boston to watch a movie, hung out in Boston, watched movies in the lounge, played sports, etc. There are plenty of things to do even if you don't drink and you'll be able to find people that don't. </p>

<p>As for being preppy, you see that a lot around campus, but I come from an urban, overly populated high school and preppy attire was non existant. I was a t-shirt and jeans kind of person and I still am here. People won't criticize you on what kind of clothes you wear or anything so subjective like that. </p>

<p>Chances are, you'll have a great time in your freshman year just like the 96% of students who decide to stay for their sophomore year at BC.</p>

<p>Hey, you kinda sound a bit like me. I'll be a freshman in the fall and although I was quite nervous about the preppy drinking thing, I came around. Everyone I met has been really nice and I've seen plenty of kids who certainly don't look like Abercrombie models. If you do get in/decide to come to BC there will be plenty of kids like us who aren't all that interested in drinking. Think about it, you're not going to be friends with 9,000 people, so if you can find about 50 who are similar to you, then you'll be all set. Good luck!</p>

<p>My Daughter just finished her freshman year at BC and after 10 miserable weeks, is very happy with her decision to attend BC. She made alot of friends, did super academically and enjoyed the Jesuit influence on campus....She does not drink or smoke pot but has friends who do ( mostly booze)...She is so glad she didn't go to a school with a sorority...shes now heard her friends pledging stories.... Shes not preppy at all...jeans , t shirts or sweatshirts, a tomboy at heart</p>