<p>Hi there,
My d is very torn. Here's her dilemma: she deposited at Smith but just got off the waitlist at BU. The schools are extremely different from one another. We won't have time to check out BU again before she has to make her decision (she has to know this Friday at noon) although we did a quick tour over the summer. She's done an over night at Smith and although she loved the campus and the academics she's a little nervous about the all women’s college aspect and is worried about her social life. BU, on the other hand, seems like a very fun school, but I'm not sure if the school has updated its facilities to match its quality of applicants. Also, I’m not sure if she would be too overwhelmed by such a large school. She loves both Boston and Northampton. She’s a pretty outgoing girl, but also takes her studies seriously. Any opinions and advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!</p>
<p>"I'm not sure if the school has updated its facilities to match its quality of applicants."</p>
<p>What??? What's wrong with the facilities? I found essentially everything to be of quality. Dont understand the complaint there.</p>
<p>Social life--BU>>>>>>>Smith
I couldnt imagine Smith's social life to be amazing. It's a good school, but I would imagine the students to def. be more focused on academics.</p>
<p>The size at BU isn't a big deal. I would call it far from overwhelming.</p>
<p>I would say it depends on major, financials and what kind of social experience she's looking for.</p>
<p>Anyway, i'll be a freshman at BU and I can't wait :)</p>
<p>On academic reputation, Smith far outstrips Boston U. (Top 20 liberal arts college vs. equivalent of middling state university (Texas A & M, U of Pitt, Ohio State). Social life can be very fulfilling in area where Amherst, Mt. Holyoke, UMass and other schools nearby. Boston an easy hour and a half and Springfield twenty minutes away. I am surprised that someone got into Smith and only waitlisted at BU but it shows how competitive and uncertain admissions can be.</p>
<p>Equivalent of a middling state university? Wow--that's insulting. I'm sure your compadres coming from Dallas feel the same way too (and there's a good amount too). wow....Elitist.</p>
<p>Boston is a great city but Northampton is the best town ever. Smith has better academics; I don't think BU is worth the private tuition dollars.</p>
<p>FYI, BU is about 5-6K more...Smith is $43K+</p>
<p>Though, I should say that proximity should never be a selling point. I wouldn't even consider BU over Smith.</p>
<p>I'm an alumna of Smith.</p>