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.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
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.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
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.
Do you have any 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!
Which types of students will excel at your college?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.