My child is a current soph in the CGS program (and also in Questrom). Your son will have to take the required CGS classes but note that he will fulfill all (or almost all, maybe one or two short) of the required BU Hub classes at the school by being in the CGS program. For example, he cannot take a different science class to replace CGS bio or ecology. My child did not have to take CGS biology since credit was received from the AP biology exam. My child choose to take another Questrom class instead. The whole point of the CGS program is to take the CGS classes. If you could replace them with other BU Hub classes, then you wouldn’t be in CGS! My child has fulfilled all of the BU Hub requirements bc of CGS and APs - allowing other “interesting” classes to be taken (or more Questrom classes).
My child found the CGS classes interesting and helpful. Got to know professors VERY well since they have them for two semesters (spring and summer in London) in VERY small classes and break out classes - all taught by professors (no TAs). These professors have written letters of recommendation for other programs, etc. Loved the professors! Appreciates that CGS helps meet all of the Hub requirements and that there isn’t any “fight” to get into a Hub class.
They are kind of a semester behind in Questrom classes but also fully on track to graduate on time. That’s because regular Questrom students don’t fulfill their Hub classes as quickly as CGS students. Hasn’t had any trouble getting the Questrom classes.
There is no disadvantage at all by being in CGS. No one cares if you are CGS or not - honestly. It is a big school and my child has friends from CGS (very easy to make friends from your 600 CGS co-students), Questrom, all other majors, dorms, and from extracurriculars. They are friends with students from all grade levels too. Since my child didn’t find CGS classes to be difficult, it allowed plenty of time for lots of other activities.
London was AMAZING!!! Can’t stress that enough.
There is absolutely no class divide. No one cares - it’s college; not middle school. Anyone who says that there is, has a child who is mentally “stuck” in high school. Who would want that person as a friend anyway?
My child has taken Questrom classes since first semester so there is no divide that way either. Your son will too even if he doesn’t have AP credit, like mine did.
Career opportunities for incoming juniors are tough right now for students at all schools due to the economic situation in our country right now. My child has an internship but it was through a connection - as most are these days. Questrom advisors are easy to get in touch with and amazing - but your son will have to reach out to them. My child has Questrom and CGS advisors - double the help!
My child worked, traveled and took a class (to replace a Questrom class) over the gap semester. I recommend this path - better to be ahead no matter what your major turns out to be.
I don’t think any students at BU are able to take junior and senior Questrom elective classes their freshman year. They use AP credits to get ahead on their core Questrom classes, BU Hub or CGS classes.
The CGS and Questrom websites are VERY helpful for explaining pathways at BU. The Questrom pathway is strict but for good reasons.
Let me know if you have any other questions! My child LOVES BU - it has been an amazing experience.
Good luck!