Boston College
“I can’t go here! It’s not a flat, urban environment with elevators!”
PROSPECTIVE STUDENT:
Jay-Z
Finance/Business
Currently a freshman Marketing major at Emerson College.
THE REVIEW:
First Impressions:
Location - 10
Ever since our journey to Tufts University, we have been very nervous about arriving places on time, which is why we ended up at BC 45 minutes early (even though we had to take the B Line all the way to the end!). We found the admissions office easily and determined that we had time to get a snack (not a full meal, and definitely not at the Boston Burger Company). When we picked up our edamame, Fuzes, and muffins from a student cafe, we were pleasantly surprised to be greeted cheerfully by the man working the register. We used our time seated in comfy chairs at a big table to scope out what the average BC student is like. It was around this time that we figured out that Jay-Z would not be able to plausibly pass as a potential Finance major, and we got very nervous. The office was in what appeared to be an old chapel and we really got a feel for what the rest of Boston College’s campus would be like.
Lobby Appearance - 10
Upon entering, we were greeted by a benevolent receptionist at the desk, who told us that a tour would be leaving shortly and that there was literature for us to pick up on the wall. The lobby was stunning. It matched the exterior of the building well: lots of shiny exposed wood and elaborate paneling with formal chairs and coffee tables. We could feel Boston College’s rich and illustrious history.
Tour Guide:
Stephen, a sophomore physics major and math minor from Boston. Fun fact: he likes chalk (unlike Jen from Newbury College) and his mom works as a physical therapist there.
Personality - 8
Stephen was energetic, passionate, and excited to show people around his school. We could tell that he really loved BC and wanted to make us love it just as much. He was really funny, told great jokes, and shared a lot of his personal experiences with us. The only reason we took a few points off is because we could tell he was a relatively inexperienced tour guide. With a few more big tour groups, we know that he’ll be able to get the script down right and let his personality and humor shine through. That being said, he was GREAT at walking backwards and even managed to do it down the stairs.
Appearance - 8
Stephen was dressed well. He was wearing a button-down, a nice pair of shorts, and green Adidas. He looked professional, but we could also get a good sense of his personal flair. On the hotness scale, Stephen received a 9.
Ability to answer questions - 10
Stephen answered questions throughout the entire tour, and even stayed on the lawn for about ten minutes after the tour to answer all of the questions that the families had. He answered questions ranging from test scores vs. grades, career services, and the location of the Eagle Deli as seen on Man vs. Food (that was ours).
Ability to relate - 9
Stephen may have been a physics major, but he made a point of showing the facilities for all majors at BC. He asked everyone where they were from and what they were interested in at the beginning and was sure to talk to people while moving between locations.
Tour:
Informative (1) vs Entertainment (10) - 5
This tour was the perfect balance of entertainment and information. We learned a lot about BC’s academics, student life, Division 1 sports (WAIT, THEY’RE ACTUALLY ON TV!!), and the admissions process. Stephen’s personality definitely helped: he made a lot of jokes throughout the tour, and unlike many we’ve heard, they were actually funny. Some of our favorites included the million dollar staircase, the fact that his legs were so muscular from climbing the stairs every day, and making us clap for him at the end.
Quality/Quantity of free stuff - 6
We received a map of the campus, as well as a book of information and a bookmark.
Quality of literature provided - 8
BC’s literature was simple and elegant, matching the overall feel of the school. It was very focused on the student experience at BC, which is a major selling point for most applicants.
Length of tour (1=too short, 10=too long) - 6
The tour went a little long and started a little late, but Stephen kept us on track for most of the tour. We didn’t get to see all of BC, but it’s a large campus and it’s impossible to see everything in an hour.
Quality of tour content - 8
We learned a lot about BC. Stephen used a lot of personal examples from his experiences at the school: no matter what questions were thrown at him, he always managed to answer it in a way that tied back to something he or someone he knew had personally done while at BC. We also got a lot of information about the school in general and the different programs and majors available.
Miscellaneous:
Was there Dr. Pepper? 0
Was there a sitcom TV set in the library? 0
Font choice/use? 8 - Much like everything else BC-related, the font choice was classic, yet relatable.
Favorite tour member? The Where Did You Park Your Yacht Family. Dressed from head to toe in Vineyard Vines and Nautica, all four family members (dad, mom, son, and daughter) were not only wearing coordinating outfits, but it looked like they might be on the way to Sears afterwards to take a family portrait. When Stephen asked where they were from, our illusions were quickly shattered, as it turned out they were from Buffalo. As VDB made it clear: NOBODY FROM BUFFALO HAS A YACHT. (Direct quote: “I’d like to see them walk down East Utica Street every day.”)
Meal Plan Breakdown:
BC students receive $2,234 in dining dollars to spend each semester.
As soon as we saw the landscaped BC logo, we knew we were going to enjoy this tour.
One of the many staircases we encountered on our tour and the reason why Stephen claimed that he gained the freshman negative 5.
This arena is on TV. Too real.
We were really into this statue: apparently the Pope tried to buy it and BC wouldn’t give it up.
Half of the yacht family. Note the alternating whale and sailboat print on the son’s shirt.
OVERALL BOSTON COLLEGE EXPERIENCE - 9
If you want to know actual information about possibly attending Boston College, head over to StudentAdvisor.com to find out if this is the right school for you.
