<p>I am a graduating senior this year at the top of my class. I applied to many top tier schools and was wait-listed at most. With the places I did get in, I decided that Boston College was my best option. Don’t get me wrong, I know BC is an incredible and notable school and am thrilled with my acceptance; I’ve visited and love the campus. My concern is that I am uncertain whether the academics will accompany the stunning campus/location. I was not invited to the A&S Honors Program, as well, which takes away from my choosing of BC (as it states that it invites the top 5% of its applicants); this worries me a bit. Would I not benefit from the exceptional BC academics while not in the Honors Program? Would I be getting the same education and opportunities (after all, the school is on the expensive side)? I’d just like to know that the goal I’ve worked toward my entire life to go to a top school is being accomplished.</p>
<p>BC is an awesome school whether you are in the honors college or not… I’m not really sure what more you could want academically except for maybe an Ivy League…</p>
<p>BC is the #6 business school in the country, and even if you are going for a different major it isn’t exactly shabby. Being in the honors college doesn’t actually mean that much and I’m pretty sure you could transfer into it later if you wanted</p>
<p>As a recent BC grad who roomed with honors students, I can tell you that the honors program does not mean much. In fact, it is often difficult to figure out why someone is even in the program to begin with since we all have AMAZING academic backgrounds. It is great and is definitely valued, but they get no preferential treatment besides special housing if they want it. They get the same pick times as us and get no extra merit aid etc. You can take honors level courses and write an honors thesis even if you are not in the honors program. The only people who get preferential treatment are the presidential scholars, and there are less than 20 of them per class. Graduating from the top of your class isn’t anything special at BC. I was ranked 2/370 students going in and did not even think of being invited into the honors program. BC Honors is for the top of the top, meaning that you essentially need to be perfect to be a part of it.</p>
<p>I definitely agree with both of the posters. You will most definitely receive an excellent and rigorous academic education at BC. You do not receive special opportunities as a result of being in the honors program. Your professors and peers will pay special attention to those students who are hardworking, respectful, curious, and humble. You are clearly a bright student, but you will be amongst many other students who are equally, if not more, bright. Several blogs and articles have been written about the valedictorian effect on the incoming class of freshman. So many students arrive to top tier and Ivy League campuses in the fall expecting to be treated with special deference, not realizing that everyone else also graduated at the top of their classes. Congratulate yourself, but also recognize that it’s the norm at schools like this.</p>
<p>If you need more academic rigor, you can take higher level courses, grad level courses, and even independent study with a professor. It’s not like taking a bunch of AP classes though. College is tough. There will be some courses that are easier than others, but most likely you have tested out of those core requirements. If you really want to tout academic achievement, try going after an award, a fellowship, or some other recognition like getting into a merit society. You will have more than enough competition.</p>
<p>I actually found that at BC there was more competition, or at least discussion, about leadership and volunteer experience. You are expected to complete your classes as well as balance employment, volunteer work, or an internship. And you don’t do this just to fluff your resume, you actually have to try and get employed once you graduate. BC is truly a worthwhile experience if you make it one. I wouldn’t slight them for not accepting you to honors. You are in college now, a top one at that, competition is stiff. This is an opportunity to learn from your professors and peers, many of whom could put your accolades to shame. Sometimes it’s hard to realize when you are the best at your school. You don’t have a sense of what other students have accomplished. Let me assure you, it’s a lot! I thought I was phenomenal and then I heard what the Presidential Scholars had done and I paled in comparison.</p>