Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA, USA

Reviews

Boston College

Andrea from Lake Forest, CA

a current student here
25 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
BC lives up to its Jesuit ideal in offering a well rounded, liberal arts experience. Small class sizes and engaging professors are essential parts of all classes. BC accepts a great deal of AP and SAT II credits, exempt students from less interesting core classes and freeing space for electives. As with any college, class scheduling can be tricky, but there are numerous resources to help, from teacher advisers, to the Learning to Learn Center, and for freshmen, the Office of First Year Experience. There are also many opportunities to meet in casual settings with professors form different departments and professionals in different fields to learn about career choices. BC also frequently attracts prominent speakers who give engaging and interesting lectures.
Am enjoying being here
Located close to Boston, BC is the perfect combination of an urban and suburban school. BC is a top rated service oriented college in the nation, and students are involved both on campus and in the community. The sports culture is a social highlight, be it attending NCAA division I football or hockey games, or participating in intramurals. Performing arts groups on campus are as talented as they are varied, and there are always prominent speakers visiting the school to give lectures. It is hard to tear apart form the thriving BC culture and beautiful campus, but all students make time to explore the myriad of activities found in Boston to which transportation is cheap and easy. Many also take advantage of the study abroad opportunities BC offers, varying from immersion trips to yearlong programs. Students live on campus a minimum of three years, almost all returning senior year. There are ample dining halls and study space around campus with good food and comfortable couches. BC utilizes technology effectively; is Website is very helpful and informative, and there are numerous groups on Facebook promoting campus events and ways to get involved.
Bang for the buck
BC is a private school, but it can be affordable. Financial aid is need-based, and BC works hard to make sure it can support its students who are in financial need and gives generous scholarships to more than half the student population. The food is much better than most campuses, where fast food or buffets are the norm. Housing for freshmen can be cramped depending on the dorm, but upperclassmen housing is typically four to eight person suites. With any school, housing is usually another area of frustration, but because so many students live on campus, the campus life is engaging and fosters a close-knit student community despite the moderately large size of the school. There is always something happening every night, be it a student art gallery, A Capella showcases, cultural celebrations, sports games, guest speakers, panel discussions, dances, comedy, ice skating, etc. The sports recreation facility has long hours and free classes ranging from spinning and water jogging to yoga and many others. There are a number of computer labs around campus in addition to the library, and there are a number of quite and private study spaces around campus. The campus itself is gorgeous, and while climbing the staircases every day from lower to upper campus can be tiring, the grounds are always well maintained and worth the view.
Tips for prospective students
Strong academics are a must, of course, but BC recognizes there is more to a student than grades and tests. It is important to show extracurricular including sports and clubs, and it is especially important to show community involvement. There is not a student at BC that is not involved in the school or Boston community in some way, which is what makes the school so special and enriching. Use as essay to describe in detail a high school activity. It shows admissions that you truly cared about the activity and that you would be interested in continuing it at BC, not just because it would look good on your resume. It is also important to research the school well. What academics does BC have that you are particularly interested in? Are you looking for a certain type of community that exists at BC? For any school, it is important to address why you want that specific school in one of your essays or somewhere in your application. Once you are accepted, get involved early. Activities are the best way to make friends and feel like part of the community. Do not limit yourself to one activity either. Try new things until you find the one that is best for you. College is your time to find out what you really want in life, and it is one of the fundamental goals of BC to ensure you do just that.
Great for these types of students
If you are a student looking for a school that has it all, look no further. BC has an inviting atmosphere with a friendly, considerate, well-rounded student body, and of course top rate academics. While BC is a Jesuit university, it is not necessary to be Catholic to attend. In fact, BC is very aware that is important to have a diverse student body, and it welcomes students of all backgrounds. Apart from the core philosophy and theology courses there are no compulsory religious requirements once on campus, and it is possible to be unaware of the schools religious affiliation. On the other hand, students looking for a religious culture will not be disappointed. Campus ministry is very active and has a number or resources waiting to be tapped in to. Sports fans will not be disappointed with the variety of NCAA division I sports such as football, hockey, and basketball. Another note of interest is that BC has no Greek life. Nevertheless, students have a “work hard, play hard” mentality. Weekends are always bustling and there is never a loss for fun on campus or in Boston. Academically, BC offers a variety of majors and is well known for nursing, education, and business. Science and pre-medical classes are also very desired, as well as political science, English, and communications. Regardless of majors, however, BC students walk away with a fantastic liberal arts education.

Brendan from Clarksburg, NJ

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
While many schools have adopted a looser curriculum, Boston College's core requirements ensure that every student receives the foundations of a liberal arts education. While courses outside of one's major may not be the most interesting, being open to different subjects fosters a fuller, more enriching experience. Having to fulfill core requirements does not preclude one from experimenting with the plethora of electives and graduate-level classes. Professors are accommodating and flexible when a student needs to make up an exam or wants extra help. Computer labs, tutoring, study groups, and online resources bolster learning from day one to finals. The only drawback lies in scheduling - though such problems exist at other institutions, BC's outdated registration system and confusing override method (where students can join a class even after it's full) hamper an otherwise sterling academic environment.
Am enjoying being here
Boston College has a fantastic student life. It's close to Boston, but not too close, bridging the gap between a quiet, suburban neighborhood and the city's energy. Transportation is inexpensive and efficient, granting students access to the city's museums, internship opportunities, and happening night-life. But leaving the campus is not necessary to relax and have fun. Dorms are spacious, clean, and are all within close proximity of a dining hall, which are open until 2 a.m. on weekends. The food is superb and most students have ample resources on their meal plan to dig in or pig out. Football, basketball, and hockey games are a blast to watch (especially when BC beats Notre Dame). NCAA Division I athletics, club and intramural sports, hundreds of student clubs and activities, plays, concerts, and visiting lectures are all great ways to stay involved. While the university does not allow fraternities or sororities, there is still an active party atmosphere for upperclassmen of the legal drinking age. With all the extracurricular activities and welcoming student body, there is little pressure or need to drink. The university's Jesuit heritage makes it an attractive campus for Catholic students, but the religious persuasion is not at all in-your-face, leaving plenty of space for the religious beliefs of every student.
Bang for the buck
Tuition stands at over $54,000 a year, making Boston College one of the pricier institutions of higher education. But the university goes to great lengths to provide ample financial assistance to students in need. This year, in light of the recession, the administration cut operating costs to give even more grants and scholarships. The invaluable learning and life-long friends made here are near priceless in comparison to the school's price-tag.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved early on and stay involved. Joining an extracurricular activity is the best way to meet friends and explore something you don't have time to in class. Take up a hobby or take up a cause, student groups help you to find your niche and have fun. And if at first something doesn't work out, try something else. You will only regret the stone you leave unturned.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for any type of student. If you're an athlete, the NCAA Division I athletics, club, and intramural sports are perfect. If you're intellectually driven, the Honors Program should challenge. If you're socially outgoing or introverted, you'll meet new people and make new friends.

Katelyn from Taunton, MA

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I absolutely love Boston College and everything it has to offer. The academic prestige is challenging but rewarding and the campus activities are numerous and extremely fun. The campus is beautiful and the spirit on campus is felt from a mile away.
Tips for prospective students
I would definitely advise prospective students to think hard about what they want to major in before they apply to Boston College. There are 4 schools within Boston College and when you apply, you pick one specific one to apply to. While it is okay to be undecided in the Arts and Sciences school, it is hard to switch from one school to another since some of the programs are designed to start right from freshman year. For example, I am in the Lynch School of Education and we had required classes the first and second semester of freshman year. If someone wanted to transfer into Lynch they would be slightly behind and it may be difficult to catch up depending on the schedule.
Academic Rigor
All of the classes that I have taken so far have been very informative and challenging. There are definitely no classes that I can just take lightly or blow off. Everything requires a lot of hard work and discipline, but the material is interesting and I have learned quite a lot so far.
Dorm Life
I loved living on Newton and how everyone there became really close like a family. However, the sophomore dorms leave much to be desired because it is much more difficult than I thought to live with numerous people. It was much easier having only one roommate. The RA's are also not very helpful.
Food and Dining
There are many options for food and dining and most of the choices are rather good. However, the meal plan costs a lot of money especially for people who do not eat every meal or who do not eat a lot. I had a lot of money left over both semesters of my freshman year because there are not lower amounts of money you can choose from as a freshman.
What to do for fun
BC has so many clubs to join that can all be learned about at the student activities fair. It is so easy to get involved and everyone is super involved and busy all the time. I love how enthusiastic everyone is about the clubs they participate in and they become an instant group of friends you can have something in common with. There is also a high level of spirit on campus and attending sports events is a lot of fun.
Clubs and Activities
The student activities fair shows off all of the hundreds of clubs available for people to join. It may sound cliche but there is literally something for everyone to join. Since we do not have greek life, the clubs become like your little family, but it is better because you can be doing something you love and have in common. Most clubs are also welcoming to people trying new things, so there are many growth opportunities or places where you can develop new experiences.
Campus Safety
I feel very secure on campus because there are BC police as well as the blue light system everywhere. I love that we have our own campus instead of a city school with other buildings mixed in between. BC is its own property with nothing on it other than BC buildings, so it is secure.

Claudia from McHenry, IL

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Boston College is an ideal school. With a mid-sized undergraduate body of around 9000 students, ample major options, a beautiful and navigable campus, and wonderful and accessible professors, it was an easy decision to decide to go here. Nothing else can compare to BC's atmosphere and credentials; it feels like home, AND its education standards nearly match those of the Ivy League.
Tips for prospective students
In your application, really talk about WHY you want an education (especially from an institution so thoroughly grounded in societal morals). Think about how you can positively influence the world with what you learn, and how you can improve the lives of others while doing something you are passionate about. BC wants students like that: motivated young people with a desire to contribute to society and pursue their passions.
Academic Rigor
BC is often referred to as almost an Ivy. Its academic standards increase year by year. BC has even nabbed a few Harvard professors (it's easier to get tenure here). Therefore, classes are rigorous and thorough, but not impossible. It depends on the individual, but good grades are definitely achievable...only if the student is willing to devote a significant amount of time to studying and thinking, however.
Dorm Life
This mostly depends on which building you end up in and the preferences of your RA. However, most of the dorms have plenty of fun programs for bonding with your fellow hallmates as well as letting loose when you're not in class. Most RAs are fairly lenient with evening activities; a few are a bit strict, however. It's pretty much luck of the draw.
Food and Dining
There's no denying: BC has great food. It's all freshly made and trustworthy to consume. There are plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options for those who need them. However, if you only eat at the Mac every day, the options can become pretty tiresome. Mix it up by trying different dining halls, and your palate will be pleased by the wide variety! Eagle's Nest has especially good lunch selections, the Chocolate Bar is a delicious little cafe... there are many hidden little dining areas where the best selections can be found, but the search/walk/extra time are all worth it!
What to do for fun
There are a million ways to have fun at BC! First of all, we are so close to 2 T stations that will get you into Boston in a snap. Also, there are clubs and activities for any person's interests. Whether you like music, sports, volunteering, theatre, academic clubs, or just about anything, there's a student group for you. There's even a Baking Club! You can never be bored at BC; something is always going on. There are tons of events that are either free or of little charge. The first weekend I was at BC, there was a free carnival in the stadium, complete with laser tag, fun inflatable rides, airbrush tattoo station, and carnival food. Everything was free, even the tattoos and unlimited free cotton candy, hotdogs, etc. There is never a dull moment at BC unless you sit in your room all day.
Bang for the buck
BC is pretty expensive at almost $60000 a year, and financial aid isn't always generous. However, you are getting a high quality education that you might not get at a cheaper school. Although it is pretty painful taking out those student loans, you know you will get your money's worth in an education that will lead you to accomplish great things. With a BC education under your belt, you'll be able to find work/get into grad school, which will ultimately lead to paying off those hefty loans anyway. So, overall, it is worth the money.
Great for these types of students
If you are motivated, adventurous, and love learning, BC is the place for you.
Clubs and Activities
Like I have mentioned, BC has extensive club and activity options. They are well-funded and a ton of fun to be in. There is something for everyone, and all the groups are incredibly inclusive and want you to join.
Greek Life
BC does not have Greek Life, but we more than make up for it in all the clubs and activities to get involved with. And if you're looking for a party scene, look no further than the senior Mods housing. You'll see what I mean when you get here.
Campus Safety
No matter what time of night I am out walking, I feel safe. I'm a girl with a pretty small frame, and I feel confident making that statement. There are lots of emergency telephones dispersed throughout campus, and BC PD is a very reliable source of security. You can even call Eagle Escorts to take you home if you don't feel safe for any reason, free of charge and no questions asked.

Andrea from Jackson Heights, NY

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Boston College is more than a school, is a supportive community. The administration and students truly care about each other and try to help each other as much as possible. I cannot image a better environment to grow mentally, personally, and spiritually.
Tips for prospective students
Although this is a Jesuit community, the college is very open to all religious backgrounds and tries to support everyone in their beliefs. Furthermore, it is very easy to get engulfed in the Boston college bubble because we have everything a person can need close by: movie theater, restaurants, shopping center, parties, etc. Therefore, even though the city is only 30 minutes away, one may not go inbound at all and still have a good social life.
Academic Rigor
It all depends on your major and the course you choose. Some are extremely demanding while others are very laid back. However, no matter what course one takes, all the professors are approachable and truly care about their students. Furthermore, there are a large amount of programs that can help you if you begin to struggle.
Dorm Life
I have had a wonderful dorm experience. The school did a wonderful job in pairing me with a roommate that was perfectly compatible with my habits. However, they do a horrible job in informing you of the freshman dorm life. When one comes for orientation, they install you in the sophomore, junior, and senior housing and do not take you close to freshmen housing. Therefore, on arrival, one expects one thing but gets another. Freshman housing is usually in another campus that is 15 minutes away by bus (which is very inconvenient because it never comes on time and it is always crowded). Moreover, every floor has a communal bathroom, so there is very little privacy. However, after freshman year, housing is pretty good. Especially since the school has a lot of new dorms which are much more clean and spacious.
Food and Dining
Boston college is known for having some of the best college food. This is because of the amount of variety. There are five dining halls and each has a specialty. Moreover, once a month, one of the dining halls has a cultural theme which makes it interesting. However, there is nothing like home-cooked food and after two years (after you have tried everything and know all the dining halls like the back of your hand) you do get tired of the food. But, I have friends in other colleges who got sick of their dining food after just 3 months.
What to do for fun
There are an assortment of clubs and associations that one participate in that are fun. We also have a movie theater at a 30 minute walking distance and Cleveland Circle (where all the restaurant and bars are) at a 15 minute walking distance. The city is only 30 minutes away by train, so there are an innumerable amount of thing to do there. It is such a dynamic, vibrant, and interesting city that you will never get bored going there. However, having fun all depends on the acquaintances one makes and Boston College has amazing people.
Clubs and Activities
There is a club for every type of person. No matter what you are interested in, there is a club here for you, even if it is unofficial.
Greek Life
There is no greek life on this campus.
Campus Safety
Boston College is located in one of the top five safest neighborhoods in the United States. You can't get safer than that. Anyway, i have gone for walks at 3am and have always felt safe, which is not normal for a girl raised in the boroughs of Queens, New York.

Peter from Glastonbury, CT

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
At the beginning of my college search, I thought I'd prefer a school with an open curriculum rather than jump through the hoops of a core curriculum. I thought an open curriculum would let me study exactly what was right for me and that required courses would just bog me down. I could not have been more wrong.
The core curriculum at Boston College is helping me expand my horizons. Asian history has always been a topic I've been interested in, but never got the chance to learn much about. If I had no reason to take a history course, I might never have considered taking Asia in the World, an important study that will help me gain a fuller perspective on the modern world.
Am enjoying being here
I can't imagine a better place for me. Boston College and Newton Campus (where about 1/2 the freshmen, including me, live) are nestled in quiet suburbs of Boston, so we have a very safe, comfortable atmosphere. Still, all the city has to offer is only a short ride on the T away.
The social atmosphere is excellent, too. Boston College students are exceptionally intelligent, interesting, and friendly.
Bang for the buck
A Boston College education does come with a pretty staggering price-tag. However, I really couldn't imagine any other school being so perfect for me. The Financial Aid office does offer very attractive packages. Many of my friends supplement this aid with on-campus jobs and find no trouble balancing work with their studies.
Tips for prospective students
Though the core curriculum is full of very interesting classes, some of the best ones do not fulfill core requirements. Don't miss out on courses like Courage to Know just because you want to get all your core out of the way.
Courage to Know is a discussion-based course open exclusively to freshmen. In this class, you will discuss very profound and interesting topics with both the professor and two senior TA's. This isn't some out-there, hypothetical philosophy course; this is a class specifically tailored to your experience as a college freshman. My professor, Dr. Braman, was quite an amazing teacher and also served as an extremely helpful academic advisor. (He also teaches a course based on texts such as Plato, Aristotle, and the Bible called Perspectives that helps give students a firm basis in the formative literature and philosophies of the Western World. This is an intensive, full-year course that will fulfill four core requirements.)
So, make sure to check out the courses you might otherwise miss out on if you're too focused on just getting core out of the way, and look for a great advisor who can help set you up for a great second semester and sophomore year!
Great for these types of students
The students who will especially thrive at Boston College are those who aren't looking to become simply a better mathematician or economist or philosopher, but a more educated and profoundly fuller person. Boston College does not just train you for a job, but teaches you how to find what you love to do, and how you can use your talents and passions to make the world a better place. Any student who wants to find out how to live his or her life to the fullest need look no further than Boston College.

Anonymous from Chestnut Hill, MA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
bc is a great university that is geared for all types of students. it is a liberal arts university with schools in business, nursings, arts and sciences, and education. everyone at bc is friendly and outgoing, and it is a great choice for a college experience.
Tips for prospective students
there are a lot of stairs at bc, so be prepared for walking around campus in the rain and snow.
Academic Rigor
the classes at bc tend to be on the challenging side because it is such an accredited university with a number of highly ranked students and faculty. but, there are many classes that are less challenging and more fun, if you choose to take a class solely for interest. there are also many places on campus to go for free tutoring and academic help.
Dorm Life
there are many different dorming options here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 or 9 person options are available on campus. there are a ton of dorms and most people enrolled here live on campus. there are also several places close by where you can live off campus if you choose.
Food and Dining
the food here is better than most campuses, as far as i know. there are 11 different locations on campus where you can eat, and many others in the surrounding area. bc caters to all cultures, preferences, and needs.
What to do for fun
bc is located about 10-15 minutes from downtown boston, so there are many things to do. you can take the bc shuttle, a taxi, the subway or the bus to get anywhere and all modes of transportation are close to campus. there are a lot of events on campus, like concerts and movies, but many people like to go off campus for dinner and meeting their friends who go to other boston schools.
Bang for the buck
bc is an expensive school, but you get what you pay for: a great education. bc is pretty good about giving financial assistance to those who qualify for it.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
right before classes begin, all the freshmen line up with their dorms and walk down to the stadium for convocation. everyone dresses up and gets a free dinner outside, and it is a unique way for everyone to be welcomed to campus.
Great for these types of students
bc caters to every type of student, from every different. there is a very diverse population on campus, including faculty, so no one is excluded from the student body.
Clubs and Activities
any activity or hobby that you enjoy is likely to have an established club or group here on campus--knitting, techno music, literature, dancing--anything!
Greek Life
there is no greek life at bc, but you can travel into boston for local chapter meetings, if you choose to be involved.
Campus Safety
we have our own police department on campus that is available 24/7, so no one ever has to worry about feeling unsafe. there is also the blue light system on campus, so if you press the button on one of them, bcpd will be there in seconds, but i don't know of anyone who has ever had to resort to using it.

Susan from MN

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
No doubt, BC has great academics. All of my classes that I have had here have been worth while. You need to put in the work to get good grades, but As are easily possible if you're willing to study and stay on top of you work.
Am enjoying being here
BC is located in Chestnut Hill which is a suburb right out side of Boston, which means that we have the best of both worlds. Getting into the city is extremely easy and accessible, but we are out of the of the city. BC does not have greek life which means that all partying that happens at BC is either in the senior mods or in off campus houses. BC is a big drinking school. Although some people don't chose to participate in it, it is defiantly a large part of the culture here. The school does a good job of offering events on weekends for students to participate in although usually they aren't well attended. There is a good amount of school spirit here, with football and hockey games being well attended.
Bang for the buck
BC is very expensive. I have heard mixed reviews on BC's financial aid. Some people I know received a lot from BC where as others received none. Some believe that the prestige of this college is worth +$55,000 a year, I personally don't
Tips for prospective students
The biggest tip I have for prospective students is to be involved in high school. And though grades and test scores do matter, being well rounded or dedicated to specific extra circulars will go a long way when you are being considered for admission. Tour BC, but also if you get a chance, talk with a current student outside of the admissions volunteers. That is the best way to find out the truth about BC, or any school in fact.

BC is a catholic jesuit college, but religion is only a part of BC if you make it a part. Many people practice other religions, if they practice at all, here.

The best part of BC in my opinion are the libraries, especially Bapst.

BC is stereotyped as a rich, white kid, preppy college. Although this is not true for everyone attending BC, there are many students who do fit this profile.
Great for these types of students
-Those who aren't afraid of cold winters
-partiers
-studious
-city loving
-catholic
-northface wearing

Mario from Oceanside, NY

researching this school
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Out of all of the colleges I visited in Boston, Boston College was the most beautiful and had the most to offer. Boston College has great academics that are accompanied by an amazing chance to increase your faith.
Academic Rigor
Boston College is for students who were the tops of their classes which makes the claases a lot harder than at other schools.
Dorm Life
The dorm life is almost all on campus except for some during tueir junior year. Even during that year, Boston College will help you find and rent a place to live during that year. They are currently building more dorms for these students so that 100% of students can live on campus.
Food and Dining
There are a variety of choices for food at Boston College. There are stations for different types of food that can serve practically anything you could want from a college. Along with this they also have a chocolate bar which is a definite plus.
Bang for the buck
Boston College is extremely expensive and only gives financial aid to less than 50% of the students. They also only have one scholarship that they give to about fifteen freshman each year. While it is expensive, I do believe that you will be getting more than what you paid for here.
Campus Safety
Boston College has a blue light system that allerts the campus police who will then arrive within sixty seconds.

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It's a Jesuit- Catholic university
The best decision.
Never boring - between academics and activities there is always something to do and something for EVERYONE.
Tips for prospective students
Come prepared for a heavy workload. It's extremely important to learn how to balance your life - At BC the students live the work hard, play hard mentality to the fullest. In order to fit in all of the social activities and most importantly academic requirements you have to be ready to work hard!
Academic Rigor
This school is very committed to educating the entire person - and that is done partly be loading on the work. The classes are challenging and the work load is heavy.
Dorm Life
Some dorms are MUCH better than others- but all in all most everyone ends up liking their dorm experience
Food and Dining
The specialty dining locations are where you want to head if you're looking for a quality eat. But, the dining halls here are not bad at all with a good selection.
What to do for fun
BC has a fantastic location - right outside of Boston! There's so much to do even when you're under 21. Going into the city for daily excursions or for the nightlife is common for BC students.
On campus there's never a lack of anything to do. With a plethora of clubs, organizations, and sports teams you'll always have something fun and exciting to do
Bang for the buck
Very pricey, but they truly educate the whole person which is what you're coming to BC for, right?
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
EVERYBODY works out
Great for these types of students
Great for type-A personalities, but there truly is a place for any personality here on campus
Clubs and Activities
There's a club or activity for absolutely anything that you can dream up
Campus Safety
very sage campus with blue lights and a dedicated police force