I was accepted to both the BU and UNC chapel hill. I am instate for Carolina and so the cost would be significantly lower.
I am interested in biomedical engineering, but have no interest in pre med. UNC’s BME program seems to be mostly premed kids while Boston has an much more traditional engineering department and their BME program is rank #9. I received the study abroad option and first year fellows from UNc Excel. Now here’s where my decision gets harder.
Also I have a bunch of friends who go to UNC and they all still hang out with people they went to high school with, which is the last thing I want to do. Plus chapel hill is only 25 minutes from my house so I feel like I wouldn’t really be getting all that much of a “going a way to college feel”. I haven’t visited BU yet but I’m worried the lack of a camps might be kind of lonely, but also I’ve experienced the crazy “chapel thrill” night life-frats and all, and I think that would get old pretty quick.
Disclaimer*
I know money is a significant factor to go to UNC, but my parents are very well off and have assured me not to let that be a deciding factor. Still to not consider it would be unrealistic.
I’m interested to know what you would do
For me, the real question is which school gives the best options if you decide to switch majors. If you really want engineering of some type, UNC would be a poor choice if you decided to switch from biomedical engineering to a different engineering field. You would need to transfer to NC State or another school if you want to remain in engineering. At that point you will not be a freshman so the FA offer would not be as good.
As for the social aspects, it is your choice to hang out with former HS friends or not. As for the “going away to college feel”, if you are living on campus, I think you will get what you are looking for the most part.
Having two friends at Carolina who transferred from BU - they noted that it didn’t offer the full college experience (and there was limited community), which I believe UNC does very nicely- quintessential college town, world-class academics, top-notch athletics, and strong school spirit.
Also, I think it’s hard to turn down a better school, UNC, ranked #30 - and top 5 public - for BU which costs more and is ranked #42.
what things did they say were lacking exactly?
Two very different environments. BU is a very urban environment. I would characterize it as lacking a campus. It is basically academic buildings spread along Commonwealth Ave. Other than hockey, they are not really very big in sports (they don’t even have a football or baseball team). Much more school spirit at UNC, much nicer campus, far better weather (over 110 inches of snow this past winter in Boston). That being said, Boston is a great town overall, with tons of other schools in close proximity (several of the MIT Frats are by BU). You will have a good time, but, it will be more about the overall Boston experience and not BU.
My son is a BME freshman at BU and couldn’t be happier. Yes, the campus is urban, but you still know you are in BU territory - BU owns Comm Ave! And there is a cool urban campus vibe around West Campus/Agganis Arena and FitRec - which is the most gorgeous fitness facility I have ever seen. As mentioned, the BME prorgram is in the top ten in the nation and continues to make strides. Loads of research on and just off campus. Boston is a biotechnology mecca (as is RTP). As a freshman, he is already taking some relevant classes (tissue engineering module). Study abroad program built into the engineering department - often so hard to do for an engineer (even the plane ticket is included). And true, no football but the hockey is amazing! Very diverse campus with a big international student presence which is always interesting. Good luck with your choice!