<p>Son has been accepted to both as a sophomore transfer for Fall 2010. Realizing this is a BC thread, just wondering if I can get honest opinions regarding the academics at each. Don't want to pay the $700 deposit at 'Nova if I hear that the academics are vastly superior at BC.</p>
<p>Any and all opinions are much appreciated -- thanks!</p>
<p>Here are four previous discussions in these BC threads that may be of help.</p>
<p>"Vastly" is a pretty strong word and one I'd use only under specific circumstances, e.g., "The aeronautical engineering program at MIT is vastly superior to the one at Julliard." Besides extreme examples like that I'd be hard pressed to use it in most cases. I don't feel that a Harvard education is vastly superior to one from BC, nor do I think that the academic opportunities at BC are vastly superior to those at Villanova. Barring discussions of specific majors, I think it's unlikely that you can argue that one is "vastly" better than the other. </p>
<p>I'd pay particular attention to the differences in educational philosophies between the two schools. BC is a college in the Jesuit tradition; my education there was based on research, discussion and the rigorous questioning and defense of positions. I was not taught by rote, I was taught to question each and every assumption, to understand all sides of an argument and then make decisions accordingly. This can be an uncomfortable experience if you are used to blind acceptance of ideas and ideology. That said, I never attended Villanova so I can't comment on how those Augustinian reprobates handle their approach to teaching ;). </p>
<p>Some people feel that BC is a more secular place than Villanova and other Catholic colleges. I think that this is a misreading of the educational approach at BC. At BC I was taught to question ideas, philosophies and academic, governmental, and religious authority. People will often misconceive the questioning of Catholic authority as rebellion or even heresy when in reality it is the exact opposite. This is not about playing "gotcha", but it is about proving to yourself that a position is valid and well thought out. It is recognition that an unquestioned belief is a weak belief that will shrivel under intense scrutiny. Challenged and intelligently defended positions will stand the test of time. </p>
<p>Obviously I loved my time at BC and barring massive financial considerations, I'd encourage you to go there. But I can't tell you that choosing Villanova would be a mistake of "epic" proportions. Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>Partly it depends on your intended major. 'Nova's B-school is 31% of the undergrads whereas BC's is only 20%, for example. 'Nova does engineering but BC does not. BC seems to have a larger presence in the sciences (chem/physics/bio) and languages, which generally means more course offerings in those departments. BC has several unique programs, such as Perspectives and PULSE (which is targeted towards sophomores.)</p>
<p>But, stats-wise, BC has a slightly stronger student population, but definitely not material.</p>
<p>SAT scores CR/M/W,
BC:
75th %: 700/730/720
25th %: 610/630/640
'Nova:<br>
75th%: 680/710/nr
25th %: 580/620/nr</p>