Tough Decision

<p>Hey everyone, I have a very tough decision ahead of me. I have recently been accepted to some good colleges and I’m not really sure where I want to go yet, I’m really torn. Out of all the colleges I applied to, I was accepted to Boston College, Villanova University, Colby College, Holy Cross, and Colgate University. I really like all of these schools but I want to make my decision soon. What I’m really looking for is a college that has all of these:
*Strong academics (specifically sciences such as Biology and Environmental Sciences)
*A curriculum that will let me explore my options
*A very strong social scene (with some good parties)
*Good athletics
*A beautiful campus with a good location
*A wide variety of service opportunities readily available to Freshman
*A college that will prepare me for the business world and whose graduates have a lot of success after graduation</p>

<p>Overall, I just want a really awesome college experience. A little more about me, I live about 40 minutes outside of Boston in North-Eastern Massachusetts. So far, I’m leaning towards BC, but I’m still not sure about where I want to go. I’ve been to both the BC and Villanova accepted student day, but that didn’t really change my opinion about either of the schools. I just would really like someone to give me their input, since I want to make my decision sometime this week or next week.</p>

<p>First of all congratulations on all your acceptances. These are all great schools with negligible differences in quality.</p>

<p>Given this is the BC board I’m going to obviously argue as such. </p>

<p>-Academics + Sciences:
What distinguishes BC from the rest of these schools is that it’s a research university with an undergraduate focus. Basically it’s the best of both worlds since you have the academic resources that exceed most LACs, yet you’re also getting the undergraduate quality/attention that is lacking among many state schools.</p>

<p>Biology at BC is solid and one of the top 5 most popular majors here. I hear something about a revamp of the department aiming to make it even stronger.</p>

<ul>
<li>Social Scene:
As with most ACC schools, BC has a pretty vibrant party scene.</li>
</ul>

<p>-Curriculum:
BC has a core so it might not grant you the flexibility that you may gain at other schools. However it gives you plenty of exposure to each academic field, and provides plenty of room to go in-depth with your areas of interest.</p>

<p>-Sports:
ACC sports participation (admittedly underachieving in football and basketball lately) and defending championship hockey team. You’re covered here.</p>

<p>-Campus and location:
Generally seen as one of the prettiest campuses in the northeast. Location is a solid hybrid: close enough for convenient access into the city, and still manages to maintain its own sense of community at Chestnut Hill.</p>

<p>-Service:
It’s a big deal here especially since the administration places a pretty big emphasis on ethics and Jesuit ideals. The student community is really into it.</p>

<p>-Post-graduation:
Very strong alumni network, with more of a northeastern focus.</p>

<p>Overall I think the edge goes to BC for each of the criteria you listed.</p>

<p>IMO, BC has a big “edge” on every one of your criteria. You didn’t mention costs, so I assume that is not a factor…</p>

<p>Yeah cost isn’t much of a factor because I didn’t get financial aid to any of those schools.</p>