I’ve been trying to decide between doing ED at Villanova or Tulane. I only have a couple weeks left to decide, and I’m struggling. I have a 1480 SAT with a perfect score on math if that helps, but reading scores somewhat low. My gpa is also kind of low, but it has had an upward projector each year. It is now at about 4.0 weighted on a four point scale I believe. I’m interested in doing business.
I’m from Chicago, so I don’t mind cold weather or anything like that. I actually love rain, and I love cold weather, but this is not a major factor for me.
I love to party, but I would like to balance it out with academics. One of my main concerns with Villanova is the social scene. Many students call it Villa “no fun” because there are no parties. I really want to have the whole college experience which is why I lean towards Tulane on that part. I love the idea of having a college town and lots of parties going on; however, I feel like I will have better opportunities for my future attending Villanova (assuming I would get into the schools). I am half asian if that changes anything. I go to a wealthy public school that is predominantly white, but I don’t really have any issues with fitting in or anything like that. This does mean that I would love to be on a campus that is very accepting of me and won’t have barriers against asians (like I’ve seen at some schools where asians are only friends with other asians). I’m interested in going into business, but I am still not sure of what area specifically. I do know that I would LOVE to live in Boston after college. For this, I feel like Nova would be better, but I also do not know too much about Tulane. I’m actually visiting Tulane soon. I would also like to be in a sorority, and I feel like it’s pretty limited at Nova.
To sum things up, I feel like Nova will be too focused on academics, but I’m also worried that Tulane would have too much of a social scene. Also, Villanova carries a higher title in the Northeast I think, and I’m looking to live in Boston. I did visit the Villanova campus and loved it so much. The environment was so inviting, and you could feel the sense of community all around. I’m very conflicted on this please please help. If anyone goes to Villanova and could tell me what the social scene is like, that would be very helpful. I’m also wondering about the academics at both schools. I don’t want them to be too challenging to the point where it’s nearly impossible to get A’s. Thank you so much!
Yes, I do love Boston College. It was my top choice before. My high school is pretty competitive there, so the chances of me getting in are pretty slim. I really want to do ED to raise my chances of getting into both of these schools. I will definitely look at the Villanova subforum. Thank you!
I don’t agree Villanova has an advantage in name recognition in the Northeast. I personally don’t think that should be part of the equation. I would however be very wary EDing at a school you never visited.
You could also ED at Villanova & EA at Tulane, or ED Villanova and ED2 Tulane if Villanova is not successful, just as examples of options (post 3 also good option).
I wouldn’t really say Villanova is better regarded than BC (for business or in general) and to state the obvious, if Boston is where you want to end up then going to college there - and being able to intern locally during term rather than just summers, etc - is going to be an advantage. I agree that BC is probably a bit of a reach (so is Tulane) but there could be a slight advantage ED.
Villanova has enough partying–as evidenced by the number of red Solo cups outside of student apartments and the smell of beer. It’s a school that garners a lot of local pride for its teams. It might be enough to satisfy this urge of yours. Granted it’s not NO Mardi Gras in level, but … it might be enough.
If you are going to ED somewhere, it should be your clear number one choice, no regrets, no “what ifs” surfacing down the line… it’s a big commitment. Hopefully after visiting all you will have a very clear idea if you have such a clear frontrunner and if so, which one it is.
There seem to be some significant differences between the schools:
Catholic v non-sectarian
student body size
suburbs v urban
northeast v south
I would also suggest (if you haven’t already) that you get your hands on some good college guide books (ex. Fiske, Insiders Guide, Princeton Review) and read up on the schools, that you look at the school newspapers (if available) online to get a sense of campus life, that you attend online information sessions (if they don’t have in-person ones) etc.
If you want to end up in Boston and apparently have no connections to Boston (grew up in Chicago, etc.), why aren’t you applying to a school in Mass.? Just curious.
Also, both these schools have big party scenes…at villanova, the parties will be based at off-campus parties (as opposed to an on-campus frat house). Also, Tulane has a more national and diverse student population.