Hi! I’m really stuck right now deciding between these two colleges. I live 20 min away from BC and 5.5 hours from Villanova so I’m not sure how easy it would be to get home. I know both are really similar schools, Villanova may seem to have more school spirit but I’m just really not sure what other differences might be! Any thoughts on either or both of these schools would be super helpful!! Thank youuuu!
I graduated from Villanova relatively recently, so I’d be bias to pick it. In this scenario, I think Villanova would give you a chance to explore life elsewhere, since BC is super close, unless you wanted to save money and commute. Villanova almost definitely has more school spirit, they’re pretty similar, so maybe consider picking the cheaper option.
BC science is an intense workload. So not sure if your science goals are premed or something more academia related. But that could be a positive or negative depending on your goals.
If it’s more about school spirit for on campus energy and options, your impression may not be accurate.
But the academic focus and more muted freshman and sophomore on-campus at BC might be a concern for some. than
nova based on some anecdotal info only.
If you are thinking sports on campus and activities it’s probably not what you perceive.
Sports wise nova and basketball currently.
It’s not really close in the fall with football. BC is awesome. The ND game on the heights is going to be a highight weekend on the heights.
But I do agree they are similar enough.
BC has a more of a study first, party later atmosphere. Don’t know much about Villanova in that regard. But it’s a beautiful school too and usually an option to for top student like yourself high end students applying to the big three of Nd gtown or BC.
But not a consolation prize in any way. It’s an awesome school too. I would look at cost.
If you weren’t from just down the road, I would say BC might be your better option.
But getting away does matter too for some people.
Good luck and success.
Cost of Attendance? Did 'Nova provide you with any merit money?
For the same cost, I’d vote for the Jesuit education. They know how to do it right.
What is the net cost? If costs are significantly different, I would go with the cheaper option.
they are both awesome schools.
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Thanks! They’re super similar in price, Villanovas a little cheaper but when adding in cost to get home for breaks and stuff they’re pretty much the same!
BC eliminated the honors college a few years ago because they felt their was uniform excellence in its undergrad class. So I don’t think that should be an issue academically.
They still have invitation only honors track in bio and chem. Not sure in other areas.
BC honors major is about courses and guaranteed research. Not housing and that sort of thing.
The housing advantage could be to nova. Early access course selection is generally a good thing but you won’t have any problem getting classes at bc. It’s not a problem like it can be at an oversubscribed major at a big school.
The academics will be challenging and rewarding at both schools. Comparing notes with d and her friends seems to indicate a little bit more intensity at BC.
I think Villanova might be a bit more fun socially the first few years. BC has better overall on campus sports and energy aside from basketball. Football, men and women’s ice hockey ,women’s lacrosse, beanpot.
Boston is a better college city imho.
And for running there’s no better spot than bc. Running the reservoir, the beautiful side streets of chestnut hill etc. super safe and beautiful.
I would personally choose bc at the same price but it’s a great choice to have. Congrats!
I had the same final decision a long time ago. My (wise) older brothers suggested I get on the phone with +/- 5 current students from each school that you, your parents or your siblings know, preferably in your major. Take advantage of the fact that these people are probably home right now for Easter.
I know. Getting on the phone is intimidating and it certainly was for me but it is worth it.
Just ask each a few general questions such as how do you like it; how was freshman year; what’s the social life like; what do you like most or dislike most; what do you wish you had know ahead of time while making your decision?
I was amazed at how much this helped me.
In general, similar schools with similar student bodies. Boston a little more accessible than Philly but both great towns (I went to BC from NJ but got a grad degree in Philly). Biggest question is just whether you want to be close to home or go away.
Op: this is the third thread on the same topic. Multiple threads are a no-no.
So I got into Villanova honors, and it’s 5.5 hours from where I live. BC doesn’t have honors anymore but it already has great academics, and it’s 20 min from my house. Both offered a little financial aid and Villanovas slightly cheaper but factoring in the cost to get home for breaks they’re basically the same. I applied as a biology major but could be interested in psychology and criminal justice. I’m interested in their club field hockey teams, love going for runs/staying active, hanging out with friends and I’m pretty close with my family. I haven’t been a huge party person in high school although I’ve definitely been to some, I like helping others while also prioritizing my courses to get the most out of the college experience. Any thoughts at all would be super helpful since I’m sooo stuck on which is a better for for me!!! THANKS!!
So I got into Villanova honors, and it’s 5.5 hours from where I live. BC doesn’t have honors anymore but it already has great academics, and it’s 20 min from my house. Both offered a little financial aid and Villanovas slightly cheaper but factoring in the cost to get home for breaks they’re basically the same. I applied as a biology major but could be interested in psychology and criminal justice. I’m interested in their club field hockey teams, love going for runs/staying active, hanging out with friends and I’m pretty close with my family. I haven’t been a huge party person in high school although I’ve definitely been to some, I like helping others while also prioritizing my courses to get the most out of the college experience. Any thoughts at all would be super helpful since I’m sooo stuck on which is a better for for me!!! THANKS!!