Boston College vs Holy Cross

[RPIguy91]

Ok, but what about large lacrosse players from Fairfield county? Can THEY be intellectual? Just trying to establish the demographic bounds.

[CAFive]

My daughter applied RD to HC. It’s my understanding that ED 1/2 have a significantly higher admit rate than RD, but coming from the West Coast, it felt risky to apply that way. She loves both BC and HC but for different reasons. Overall, the size and LAC experience at HC seems like a better fit. The sharp increase in selectivity over the past few years makes this a reach school now, but we are hopeful!

[blossom]

Only if they stroll across campus carrying a volume of Dante or Chaucer.

[prezbucky]

@blossom

I am curious about the correlation between size, being from NJ/MA, and one’s degree of intellectualism. Can you tell by looking at someone how intellectual they are?

Perhaps apropos in more than one way, I recommend this old metaphorical axiom:

Don’t judge a book by its cover

[shmom41]

Why couldn’t they? I’m not sure why you have something against athletes. Most schools have many types of kids who check off many boxes. Athletes tend to succeed academically in college due to typically excellent time management skills.

[RPIguy91]

I have nothing against athletes. Quite the contrary. It is inaccurate to stereotype them, just as it is with any other group.

[RPIguy91]

Exactly! Dante in particular. Now, on the other hand, what are we to make of the “nerdy” kid who reads Tucker Max?

[mmengel]

Hi! Prospective student for both here- admitted and they are my top two choices, planning on being in arts and sciences anyway. This has been super helpful so far! I’m worried about the two campus situation for bc but holy cross is in a smaller city, and I’m unsure if I want a larger or smaller school. I want out of the Midwest (clearly) but the city size is a major question mark for me. Any advice?

[tsbna44]

Visit both on back to back weekdays would be best…and make sure you set up meetings - with a professor, student ambassador, club leader, etc…anyone who can help inform your decision.

if you can’t get there in time (but you should really try), then you can set up on line meetings - and you can ask the students about the multiple campus situation.

While I’m not familiar, perhaps your course of study will impact this?

[green92]

I’m an HC alum and the parent of a current BC student.

Lots of great info here already! I’ll add a few other points of comparison that we’ve noticed:

Housing - HC has added many on campus suite/apartment style housing options over the last 15-20 years. Staying on campus all 4 years is the most popular choice. At BC, most students only get 3 years of on-campus housing. BC freshmen may be assigned to the Newton Campus which is fine (and technically “on-campus”), but a bit of a schlep back and forth compared to where freshmen live at HC. Not a deal breaker, but there is a certain ease to HC housing.

Tailgate scene - This is not even close. The BC tailgate scene is bigger and better than what’s going on at HC football games.

Clubs etc - Lots of clubs at BC require applications and interviews. Not as common at HC due to smaller size of student body. More opportunities to take a leadership role and join clubs at HC. As a result, there seems to be a certain level of competitiveness at BC for non-academic pursuits. Some kids thrive in this environment, others may find it frustrating.

Location - Both campuses are beautiful with nearly pristine grounds. At BC, the ability to go into Boston on the weekends is a fantastic option. Learning to navigate a city like Boston is a great skill and it is one the most fun, safe college cities I can think of. Worcester has been “up and coming” forever.

Meal Plan - HC is an all you can eat set up in the main dining hall. Once you are swiped in for your meal, you can eat what you want and as much as you want. BC itemizes the food students put on their tray and you’re charged accordingly (declining balance). At BC, my student had friends who ran out of dining dollars by Columbus Day or Thanksgiving. Less than ideal system. Kind of an annoyance to be thinking about food cost.

[sqwanderer]

When you drive 5 min every which way there are houses everywhere. If that’s rural, then we both have different definitions. Newton and surrounding towns are full of houses.