Boston College

To the previous Reviewer, you for got to list "New Ivy" as another term used by US News and World Report to describe Boston College. This was applied last year when the publication listed 25 Elite Schools as worthy alternatives to the existing Ivy League and their traditional safety schools.

Well, the Academics and BC's famous Quad certainly has a distinct Ivy League feel but I don't think this is a fair label since the School offers so much more.

The Athletics for one trumps any Ivy League School as BC plays in Division 1 in all major sports. The Social Life is simply fantastic! You often hear Alums like Chris O'Donnell, Elizabeth Hasselbeck, Amy Poehler, Peter Lynch and Doug Flutie talk about how much they cherish their days wandering through the Dust Bowl with their Friends. The School Spirit is insane. You can't sneeze without hitting a BC logo anywhere on Campus. The extracurriculars are loaded with diverse, fun and intelligent options. My personal favorite is Pops on the Heights, where the Boston Symphony Orchestra plays at Conte Forum for a formal event designed for the BC Community.

So I think BC is much much more than what any marketing label people like to put on it. BC is an experience that's highly unique and very spiritual. How many secular "Elite Schools" can make the same claim?

3rd Year Female -- Class 2009

Education Quality: A+,

As the previous poster (and fellow Alum) noted, BC isn't for everyone. In particular, the School appeals to the quintessential Preppy Rich Student from a prominent Catholic Family in the Northeast.

Is this bad? Yes and No.
For one, you find this typical of most elite schools in the Northeast where the dichotomy between 'haves' and 'have nots' are apparent based on mere superficial observation. This can cause a level of resentment and bitterness and hence, the inevitable outcome of campus cliques.

As a Jesuit Institution, the School encourages Students to examine their lives through discourse and debate in various subjects. It should be noted that BC boast one of the strongest number of History and Philosophy Majors in the country. Through these animated discussions, Students learned to appreciate differences and understand social challenges with moral responsibility as a galvanizing force.

Every School will have a few bad apples. Critics will like to use these bad apples as the object of the complaints and consequently, drawing a false and unfair assumption the rest of the Student Body acts in a similiar manner.

BC is one of the most popular Schools in the country. These is a reason for that. Take a trip to Chestnut Hill and examine it for yourself.

For the fortunate few admitted to BC, you should know that BC is expanding its Campus with massive project.

4th Year Female -- Class 2003

Education Quality: A+, Friendliness: B+

After reading some of the major criticisms about BC, I would agree that most of it is suprisingly accurate. And that is why Boston College is one of the most popular choices for Students across the country--they know what they're getting into.

Is it inflexible? I think the Administration could do a better job in terms of offering broader, more diverse programs but for the most part, they are well-intentioned and pretty accessible.

Is it clique-y? Yes, very. Unless you have fellow HS friends at BC (think Fairfield Prep or Don Bosco Prep), you will likely stay within your own circle which starts from hall mates in your Freshmen Dorm.

If you can get past this premise, there are many socially intriguing options on campus such as a capella groups, comedy troupes, cultural organizations, political activist clubs, athletics, intramural, etc, etc, etc...

You get the point. The social aspect is there for the asking. Unfortunately, I got the impression that those who complained about BC's rigid student body were likely the ones who never made an effort to reach out. I visisted many colleges before selecting BC. This school had the most impressive campus layout.

4th Year Male -- Class 1998

Education Quality: A+, Innovation: B+