WashU vs BC (vs Northwestern)

Transfer Students
1

<p>I know I started another thread yesterday about housing but hopefully this will be a bit more comprehensive in trying to get advice in making my decision. Also, I haven't been admitted to NU yet but I need to try and make a decision as soon as possible and I don't want to rule the school out and then find out I got in. It's been an awkward situation to try and balance. Anyways, some background...</p>

<p>I'm planning to be an econ major but really want the opportunity to take some classes in other areas, too. Performing arts were a big part of my transfer application, so ideally wherever I end up would have a lot of opportunities to be performing (I play an instrument, sing, and act) without having to be a major, and there would be a lot of other activities to get involved with on campus (this is something I'm pretty sure each school has). I also want to live on campus, something WashU cannot guarantee at the moment, but they each feel like a fit so coming up with a decision has been tough. I haven't been able to think of questions to ask myself that would help in trying to figure out where I would be most happy.</p>

<p>Originally I was pretty sure that WashU was where I was headed next year because I didn't get anything in financial aid from BC and still haven't heard from NU. This past week, BC did release my financial aid package and it was comparable to WashU's, and now I'm torn. While I could get housing at BC and love Boston, I feel like passing up WashU's academic opportunities (and flexibility) and the amount that there is to do on campus is something I would regret. Not having on-campus housing, though, would just be aggravating and I feel like it would make the transfer experience more difficult than it needs to be. I feel like Northwestern might capture some of the things I liked about BC (nearly-guaranteed housing and proximity to Chicago, which I like more than St. Louis) with the academic reputation WashU has, while also injecting a huge performing arts presence from its various programs. Obviously, this is only if I get in.</p>

<p>I know this isn't the most eloquent post I've put together but if some of you could try and decipher what it is I'm trying to figure out (what school best suits my interests) I would really appreciate it. Thanks!!</p>

2

<p>From what you have said, NU sounds like the best fit…but given your choices as of now, I personally would choose Washu. I was a freshman at BC and am actually transferring out because I didn’t feel as academically challenged as its price tag would suggest (in my opinion at least.) Not to say that BC isn’t a great school with great opportunities in a great location. My friend at Washu, on the other hand, sometimes feels bogged down with her workload but likes its competitive atmosphere without it necessarily being cutthroat. She, however, is contemplating transferring primarily because of its location (St. Louis isn’t the most appealing of cities). Ultimately, Washu does have the edge in terms of academics/reputation while BC does have a SIGNIFICANT edge in terms of location. Both schools will provide you with many opportunities relating to performing arts (though as you probably know NU is known for this). If you have visited and can see yourself at both schools (and from your post, it seems like you could), I would choose Washu without hesitation. However, if you truly like BC more, it would by no means be outrageous to choose it over Washu.</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the info, Nesh.</p>

<p>Just bumping to try and get some more feedback…</p>

4

<p>OK well I’m going to throw another question out there…</p>

<p>Would going to either of these three schools give me some kind of leg up when applying to MBA programs? Investment banking as a career is something I’ve been interested in for awhile and already have a ton of internship experience in, so I’m not incredibly concerned about getting a job. I do know that (at the moment) I am pretty sure I want to continue my education either immediately or soon after graduating. I don’t want to pigeon-hole myself now and regret it later.</p>