I think Wake Forest and Villanova are alike in that they are private universities, but they’re otherwise quite different.
I think Wake has the better academic rep (not to impugn Villanova…), it’s rural and relatively conservative, the campus is quite lush, and it is southern.
Villanova is urban and obviously has a more northern/Philly culture.
Wake might be a little bit easier to get into than BC. Before applying anywhere, though:
- Run the NPC to make reasonably sure you can afford to attend
and
- Make sure they have majors you think you might like, grad requirements and curricular style you can accept, a social vibe and physical environment you like, and dorms and food that are acceptable.