I was admitted early action to both Villanova and Boston College and I’m completely torn between the two. I visited both schools this month and I LOVED both of them. I’m planning on majoring in accounting. I know CSOM is ranked higher than VSB, but I also got in to Villanova’s honors program. Does anyone know how prestigious the honors program is or just what it’s like in general? Also, if anyone has any knowledge about how Villanova and BC compare academically, socially, etc, your input would be much appreciated!
I faced a similar decision to you many years ago. I was accepted to Villanova, BC and Holy Cross. I decided on Villanova and also majored in accounting. It was one of the best decisions of my life. I made great friends, got a great job (public accounting and the BB I-banking), passed all of my certifications and got into and graduated from Columbia (MBA). I now work in asset management on the West Coast and couldn’t be happier. I don’t know how much stock I would put into the rankings but I would say that many would regard Villanova and BC to be very similar. As a matter of fact, one of my study group partners at Columbia was a BC grad and many of her family members were Nova grads. We remain close friends to this day.
When I made my decision to go to Nova I broke my analysis down to several buckets. As a high school senior I didn’t have the information of someone who had spent four years at a school. This is how I regard these buckets now:
Academics - I found the academics to be excellent. The professors clearly cared, not only, about the student’s development, but also, about how they were progressing and dealing with the stresses of school. I think the heavy focus on liberal arts is critical and it really helped me with my career and prepping for tests (i.e. certifications, GMATs etc), writing, presenting and stoking an intellectual curiosity that persists today.
Athletics - The athletics are unparalleled at Villanova. The basketball team and football teams are dominant and the track and field teams have a storied history. Most people play sports and Villanova and are in really good shape.
Social life - I break this into two buckets (friendships and partying). I made the best friends of my life at Nova. On our first day of orientation the president of the school said, “look to your left and to your right…these will be your best friends, your best man, your maid of honor, the members of your wedding party, the god parents to your children and the friends you have for the rest of your life.” This statement is completely true. My best man and most of my groomsmen were my friends from Nova. All turned out to be great guys (senior military officers, PMs of large funds and executives). I couldn’t be prouder. The second aspect is partying. I had a a really good time at Nova and was never bored. There is always something going on but we do not have a true fraternity row like you would at a large state school. I found the parties to be fun. The local bars are also good. We spent a lot of time during my senior year in Philly.
Campus - Gorgeous - I wouldn’t change a thing
Job prospects - Excellent - I had two great jobs (back to back). The alumni network was helpful and there are many MDs in I-banking and partners at Big Four that are Nova grads.
Grad school - Excellent - I got into several top B-schools. Columbia was just the best fit.
I think you have an enviable decision. You cannot go wrong with either school. I would say that the Honors program is very well regarded and, if you can do both, I would certainly lean towards Honors and VSB.
Just my two cents.
@mackattack2006 Thank you so much! Your response is super helpful!!
I go to nova but not as a business major, and I just wanted to add a couple of things to what @mackattack2006 said.
I’m not very well acquainted with BC, but in general it seems like both programs would be very similar: medium sized, suburban, private, catholic, east coast schools that are well regarded in multiple areas. I think if that’s what you’re looking for then you will be happy at either.
Job Prospects: It may help to think about where you want to be after graduation. Obviously it’s easier to get a job in Philly with a Villanova degree than with a BC degree, and visa versa for Boston. If you do well in either program, then you shouldn’t have a problem finding a job anywhere, but if your dream is to work in Boston or Philly, then go to BC or Nova respectively.
Social Life: While I completely agree with @mackattack2006 that you’ll make incredible friends at Villanova, I would temper his thoughts on partying a bit. I’ve always been able to find things to do on the weekends, but I think that I’ve had to look a little harder than my friends at some other schools. I have no idea about BC for partying.
Athletics: Unless your favorite sport is hockey, it’s not even close. Villanova is so much better than BC. Our bball team has been amazing the past two years and we have some really great recruits coming in over the next few years. Great time to be a wildcat.
Good luck making your decision!!
I can give you my thoughts on Villanova because my son is a student there. I can’t say much about BC, except that I have heard that the academics are comparable. The honors program at Villanova does not seem “prestigious” compared to other programs that my son looked into. My son said he hardly ever hears anyone mention it on campus. The social scene is non existent on campus. If that is important to you, then I would investigate the BC social scene further. There is a strong sports community on campus and, if you participate in a sport, your social group will usually revolve around that group because of scheduling and practices.