Trying to decide between New York University and Boston College for potential sciences/pre-med future than include applying to grad school. Any thoughts on which school would be better?
Looking at this strictly from what helps get to the next step standpoint so ignore the student life intangibles – campus vs city because I consider both great locations. Applied as a chemistry major and looking looking at staying in New York City area but if it happens graduate school could be anywhere. A couple years ago many people would lean towards BC but seems that NYU undergrad has improved significantly in terms of academic reputation and alumni network.
Thanks!
Even if you like both locations, your experience would be so varied. Even thought they’re both in big cities (although NYU is much more urban than BC) one is much more of a traditional collegiate experience in terms of community, sports, etc. They were be completely different experiences, even if academics were completely equal. Not that one is better than the other, but it’s really what you want out of your four years.
I agree. To ignore the campus feel would be odd in this case, I think, because they are so different and because of the relatively challenging academic program you’re choosing.
One thing about NYU is that it seems to be a great school for people who don’t care that much about a rah-rah campus community. There is no space for community gatherings–no football stadium, not even Washington Square Park. People who go there do so for other reasons beyond finding a community, maybe the arts scene, maybe the downtown feel of excitement. Add to that issue, people who go to NYC tend to experience a sort of culture shock for one year at least. Take it from someone who moved to NYC and loved it–still loves it. My first year in NYC was a genuine shock: noise, dirt, chaos, street stuff in your face, excitement, difficulty understanding how things functioned, and I was a world traveler at the time. After a year a found those things exhilarating and energizing. Year 1, I found it took so much energy from me, rather than giving it to me. It’s a big step up coming to NYC especially for pre-med and how stressful that program can be.
BC has great academics, an enclosed campus, and much more of a community feel to it. Maybe do your research into what sort of orientation the campuses have, what sort of traditions they have (traditions can take the place of community building at schools that are low on sports IMHO.) I’d also ask students in premed what sort of support students receive from the program and at the departmental level.
Best of luck to you!
Both are excellent. Neither would be “better” for premed. Both offer excellent support. Besides some differences that the others have already mentioned, the Jesuits do education right, regardless of your religion or no religion.
If you really don’t have a preference, I’d lean towards BC to avoid NYC, which I believe will continue to be a hot spot. And when the second wave comes, NYC may have to shut down again. (Kinda defeats teh purpose of living in the City.)