<p>Q: By the way what does “I was also interested in the Heights, since I was EIC in high school” mean?
A: Sorry, I was editor in chief for my high school paper…wanted to continue my interest in journalism by joining the Heights (BC’s paper). </p>
<p>Q:I also wanted to know about financial aid for transfer students. Would you happen to know if transfer students generally recieve good/decent financial aid?
A: Hm. I’m not 100% sure, but I would imagine the package would be the same as any other BC student with the same background. I dont think it would be any more generous/less generous, but rather based on your background & family’s need. I havent heard of any transfer student getting more money in scholarship awards compared to a student who started at BC as a freshman. :)</p>
<p>i read you were accepted to the IS major! congrats! i really hope i get to major in that. i wasnt sure what classes to take based on IS so i threw some history in there… europe in the modern world. do you suggest taking anything else that would i guess “look good” when you apply for the IS major? and would it help doing any clubs related to the major like model un or international service trips? thanks!</p>
<p>Hey thanks for all of these responses they have been so helpful. My question is a little out there but definitely something I know a lot of people are thinking about.</p>
<p>What goes on at orientation at night? My friend goes to UT-Austin and his orientation a few weeks ago was filled with Greek parties and crazy nights. Obviously Boston College is much different and that’s why I chose it, but what can I expect the two nights I’m there? I am hoping that there is much more than a lame “mixer”.</p>
<p>I went to orientation a few weeks ago so I can give you a heads up on it. A lot of it is a “mixer”, but its not that bad. The first day is half with parents, dinner with a speaker, mass, etc. Then they leave and you go into your group of 10 and basically do stuff like name games and stuff like that.</p>
<p>The next day you get talks from your colleges dean, meet with your adviser, and get a bunch of talks followed by group discussion. That night however, you all get to chill in the rec center, and theres a massive 300+ kids vs 35 orientation leaders dodgeball match.</p>
<p>The next day is more talks, picking class, and you leave.</p>
<p>As for the parties, there aren’t really any. All the kids stay in 2 dorm buildings, in the one I was in everyone would just congregate at night in the common areas chatting. Its a good way to meet people and I found myself talking to like 2 in the morning, but theres no real parties. I heard some kids say that they don’t think that one night of fun would be worth the ramifications of being caught partying at orientation, and I think thats the general consensus.</p>
<p>Overall its not amazingly fun, and can be awkward as icebreakers generally are, but I had a decent time meeting people and just hanging out.</p>
<p>Q: do you suggest taking anything else that would i guess “look good” when you apply for the IS major? and would it help doing any clubs related to the major like model un or international service trips?
A: Thank you! I would start thinking about what concentration you would consider majoring in and then tailor your extracurricular and classes around it. However, it’s good to have some diversity so dont make everything related to that subject. I think they like to see that you have a great interest in whatever concentration, but that you’re still open to other ideas/subjects. THIS IS THE CORE FOR IS: IN 500/PO 500 Introduction to International Studies
EC 131 Microeconomics
EC 132 Macroeconomics
PO 4xx One of the designated Comparative Politics courses
TH 563 Ethics, Religion, and International Politics
Two courses from the following list of History, Culture, and Society course options, or other courses approved by the International Studies Director or Academic Advisor:
HS 005-006 Asia in the World I and II
HS 019-020 Democracy, Rights and Empire I and II
HS 023-024 Eurasia in the World I and II
HS 055-056 Globalization I and II
HS 059-060 Islam and Global Modernities I and II
HS 067-068 Latin America in the World I and II
HS 572 U.S. Foreign Policy II/1945-present
SC 003 Introductory Anthropology
SC 040 Global Sociology
TH 161-162 The Religious Quest
TH 386 Ethics in a Comparative Perspective
TH 507 Introduction to Comparative Theology
*Try to take classes that overlap with your backup major. For example, I was an econ major before and so Principles of Macro/Micro overlap for both majors. But also try and take classes that interest you. Globalization is a popular class as is US foreign policy (such a hard class to get into!) It’s best to get the basic classes out of the way like principles and one of the comparative politics classes.
*In terms of extracurriculars, I think they’re looking for leaders. So if you’re going to be in a club, try and get freshman leadership positions. Model UN probably looks good, Heights looks good, maybe a sport if you’re interested in that? I think the important thing is your personal statement rather than what kinds of things you’re involved in at school. </p>
<p>Q: What goes on at orientation at night? My friend goes to UT-Austin and his orientation a few weeks ago was filled with Greek parties and crazy nights. Obviously Boston College is much different and that’s why I chose it, but what can I expect the two nights I’m there?
A: Orientation consists of long days and long nights. The programs end pretty late. So, the second night we were there there was a toga party that one of hte suites hosted. A lot of people spent late nights talking to their suitemates and getting to know each other. It was a lot of fun. No cray cray parties. They make you wait for that.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for answering all these questions =] I’m an Elementary Education major, which requires me to take on a second major. I’m considering pursuing the Perspectives on Spanish America interdisciplinary major, but I’m not absolutely sure. I got a 580 on the placement test, which led me to contact a professor who told me that I could potentially enter CCR. Do you think it would be better to start with intermediate Spanish to see if I really want to pursue this second major? (I’ve taken Spanish through AP, but didn’t take the AP exam.) Also, which literature classes do you recommend to fulfill the core? Thanks!</p>
<p>Crackerjack, I’ve seen that video before myself in my browsing of BC related videos on youtube haha, what parts of the video do you think are exaggerated or not exactly true?</p>
<p>Q: Do you think it would be better to start with intermediate Spanish to see if I really want to pursue this second major?
A: Take CCR. It’s a lot of work and it’s hard, but definitely gives you a MUCH BETTER idea of what it would be like to be to have a second major in language. </p>
<p>Q: which literature classes do you recommend to fulfill the core?
A: Ah, I have no idea! I’m sorry. Definitely check out PEPS and see what people have said about the class you’re looking into. </p>
<p>Q: what parts of the video do you think are exaggerated or not exactly true?
A: A lot of it is true…like 90% of it. I wouldn’t agree with “A lot of girls struggle with their body image.” Most girls make sure they go to the gym and make sure they stay fit, but they really dont have problems like bulimia or anorexia. Goes the same with guys. They dont work out a gazillion hours a day, but the student body does like to stay fit and go to the Plex. The thing about girls having to hook up instead of expecting a real relationship is mostly true as well even though it seems a little exaggerated. keep in mind, this holds true for mainly freshman. I’ve been told that as one progresses, girls & guys become more interested in serious relationships. The thing about diversity–asians sit next to white students, etc. also true. There isn’t a lot of diversity, and when there is, the minorities tend to stick to one another. Definitely not a bad thing, just not really ‘diverse’.</p>
<p>I’m not sure if you can really answer this, but I’ll go on anyway. I visited BC last year and loved it, and it became one of my favorite schools. I did better on tests than I anticipated (2300 superscore, 35 ACT) and my gpa is high (4.53 W). Can I consider BC a safety?</p>
<p>I am interested in economics, math, and foreign languages. I have heard CSOM is more highly regarded for job prospects. Would I have any issue getting a job or getting into grad school for an MBA if I majored in the School of Arts and Sciences in economics with either a double major or minor in math or a foreign language? I want to pursue 2 languages, and I’m not sure if I would have the time if I had to take all the required CSOM classes. Thanks if you can help!</p>
<p>Yeah, I had very similar scores and BC was sort of a safety–just a bit below a target school. I had a good feeling that I’d get in, I just didnt know if I’d be placed into honors or not. So, yes. Your grades/scores are very good, so I would consider it a safety. </p>
<p>The thing about CSOM is that not everyone gets jobs after graduation. Assuming the economy picks up, regardless of CSOM or CAS, you should be able to get a job 5 years from now. It’s just a bit easier for CSOM since their jobs are mainly like accounting, finance, etc where there pretty much are jobs. The majors in A&S are like history and english, so by default it is harder to get a job just in general. CSOM is also more ‘highly regarded’. it’s somewhat prestigious as a business school. if you’re sure you want to do econ, do CSOM. I think if youre in csom you can also minor in an A&S ‘major’. SO you could do econ & spanish even if you’re in csom. (i think!!) For grad schools/jobs, doesnt really matter which school you apply to, in my opinion. as long as you have a good gpa and great experience, and gmat scores, you should be fine. csom is better for the new england area. otherwise, i feel like outside of the new england area, it doesnt really matter.</p>
<p>Crackerjack, I know you yourself are a couple years away from this, but does the Honors label help with job prospects, as far as seeming more “prestigious” and exclusive? Is it something you would highlight on your resume?</p>
<p>I am a communications major trying to move to Boston. I want to transfer to a school in Boston (BU, BC, etc.) and was looking for some honest answers on which school is academically good, will provide good job/internship opportunities, and can provide me with a solid social life to party on the weekends. Thanks!</p>
<p>Q: does the Honors label help with job prospects, as far as seeming more “prestigious” and exclusive? Is it something you would highlight on your resume?
A: I dont know if it will significantly help, but yeah, I think it definitely will help in some sort of way. Maybe not for its prestige, but rather how you apply yourself in the real world. In honors, you learn to think creatively, write intense papers, ask questions…all things that a job hunter would look for in an applicant. I think if you’re able to ‘show’ rather than tell that you were in the hp, it would be to your advantage. So to answer your question, yes I would mention it, however, I would spend more time showing them what I’ve learned, what skill sets I’ve managed to obtain from the program. </p>
<p>Q:I am a communications major trying to move to Boston. I want to transfer to a school in Boston (BU, BC, etc.) and was looking for some honest answers on which school is academically good, will provide good job/internship opportunities, and can provide me with a solid social life to party on the weekends.
A: If you’re interested in comm, I would suggest BU. THey have an excellent communications school that’s very prestigious and well known. BC does have the comm major, but so many people are comm majors that it doesnt really ‘stand out.’ Everyone in comm gets good grades, took the same ol classes. I think at BU you would learn to apply yourself more just because BU has an entire school dedicated to it, and therefore more resources, including networking to get you a job. (BC’s comm department is good, too.) BU has a great social atmosphere. They have frats and sororities, obviously something BC doesnt have and it’s a huge school. If you want something more intimate campus-wise, but also presitious, consider BC.</p>
<p>I’m in Lynch and ended up registering for a course called Ecology and Evolution, because the required math and one of the suggested sciences were already taken. One of the OL’s told me, however, that this course I signed up for may be intended for premed/bio students. I’m trying to figure out if/how I should switch out of it. Have you heard anything about this course or the course Environmental Geosciences? As more orientations occur, will more courses at different times/days be offered? Will I be able to use UIS until classes start? I’m having trouble trying to fix this. I appreciate your help so much! Thanks!</p>
<p>Q: ended up registering for a course called Ecology and Evolution, because the required math and one of the suggested sciences were already taken. One of the OL’s told me, however, that this course I signed up for may be intended for premed/bio students. I’m trying to figure out if/how I should switch out of it. Have you heard anything about this course or the course Environmental Geosciences? As more orientations occur, will more courses at different times/days be offered? Will I be able to use UIS until classes start?
A: Eeek. Yeah, ecology and evolution I’ve heard sucks. That’s one of the bio core classes, yes? Maybe I’m wrong. I’m pretty sure it is intended for the premed and bio students. I wouldn’t take this just because the class you want to take is full already. Either put off the required math class for a semester or keep checking (we call it stalking) BCUIS. If you check it regularly everyday, it will eventually have an open spot. OR if you know which professor you want for a specific class, try emailing the professor and asking if there’s any way you can get an override. Also mention that you’re a freshman. OR you can just keep checking until add/drop period ends, so really, you have plenty of time. Also, try checking BCUIS the weekends/days of orientation. So like the Sunday and MOnday of the remaining orientation dates, usually the classes open up then.</p>
<p>BrokenSecrets, Ecology and Evolution is for premeds…and it is also the worst Biology class I’ve ever taken…no joke! I mean I’m not really into biomes and plants so that could be it. The only interesting part of the class was when we did the digestive system and some basic anatomy. Don’t take this class if you’re not planning on being a bio major or doing the premed track. I know a lot of people that have taken Environmental Geosciences, and I hear it is also pretty boring. But, it is a basic science class that a lot of people take to get the science requirement out of the way. In my opinion, wait until you’re a sophomore or junior to get your science core out of the way and take a more interesting biology class to fulfill the core! Friend or Foe is always a popular option, but mostly upperclassmen take it.</p>
<p>As Crackerjack said, definitely download UIS on your computer and stalk it.</p>
<p>Thank you! I’ll be looking for openings and will definitely be sure to get out of that class. I’m either going to switch into another science or take art this semester and then math/science second semester. I really appreciate your advice =]</p>
<p>Hey everyone. I’m just seeking advice from those who went through freshman year about a potential schedule change. First of all, I’m a biochem major going pre-med. I’m currently enrolled in HP, Honors Chem, Physiology, and Calc 2-AP. I just got back my AP scores, and I got a 5 in Calc BC (5 in the AB subscore also) as well as a 5 in Physics B. I was wondering 1) should I switch into multivariable since I’m a little worried that calc 2 will be too easy, almost a review for me? Or is that asking for a terrible semester 1 freshman year? And 2) Will my physics score affect me whatsoever in the physics requirement for both premed and biochem? I kind of hate physics so I don’t know if I really want to do the same stuff over again or try new, interesting but potentially harder stuff. For perspective, the only part of physics I liked was the quantum and nuclear sections. Any input is greatly appreciated!</p>