Boston University Prestigious?

proudterrier
Fri, 18 Dec 2015 03:42:14 +0000

Yes, Boston University is a top notch school. Of course, I am an alum so naturally that’s my view! (Biased! :D) But it’s supported by my experiences there and out in the world since. BU doesn’t have the same national “brand recognition” that, say, NYU has, but that has to do with some smart media savvy on NYU’s part (I know it’s facsimile on the show Felicity made me want to attend!), not them being innately superior. They started playing the prestige game before BU did, but BU is on the rise. They’ve recruited a LOT of top research scientists, Nobel Peace Prize winners, etc. etc. and are improving in the prestige game every year, from what I’ve seen. I would rank it above both Northeastern and Villanova, especially in specific areas (Communications comes to mind–both the JO and Film/TV programs are highly regarded and ranked).

I majored in journalism and work in the media: BU is a recognized and respected name in media fields. I tell people out in Hollywood where I went and they are impressed. Several alum literally run Hollywood–some of the top entertainment execs at NBC and Viacom went to BU. Everything I’ve heard from friends/acquaintances is BU has a solid rep for admission to grad programs and the like–most institutions are aware of the academic rigor at BU (and grade deflation) and evaluate students’ GPAs accordingly. Several specific schools (including COM, hence good rep in media) have very good reps in their respective fields: Sargent, CFA, Questrom, SED, ENG–and graduates from those schools can use BU on their resumes to get good jobs. I was certainly impressed where some of my friends ended up working.

In terms of raw prestige, BU is several tiers below Ivy, and below NYU (as I mentioned), but that doesn’t mean it’s not top notch—quality of academics and prestige are different things. I think generally BU’s prestige suffers because it is, honestly, easier to get into than more elite schools–especially and particularly because they aren’t sticklers for sky-high test scores. But I found the actual education you received once you’re there just as good as more prestigious schools. I know Ivy kids, and don’t feel I was at any real disadvantage going to BU. Now, there are some things where BU is no better or worse than any other school–I wouldn’t go into debt for an English degree or anything You could say the same of a LOT of schools that are in the same, or higher echelons. But ever since BU started playing the ranking game (which they didn’t when I attended), I’ve been kind of floored at how quickly their reputation has climbed. I imagine in ten years, it will have a lot more general prestige.