Founded in 1863, Boston College is a private Jesuit research university in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Today, more than 9,300 undergraduates and nearly 5,000 graduate students are enrolled in the college. The university has a wide range of programs to offer, including a prestigious Masters of Arts program. However, it’s not for everyone. There are many reasons to consider Boston College for your graduate school application. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of this private college.
The college’s athletic programs are ranked highly in the country, with many student athletes achieving the highest levels of success. According to U.S. News and World Report, Boston College ranks sixth in the nation for Division 1 student-athlete graduation rates. The Jesuit Institute and Center for Ignatian Spirituality offer religious instruction and promote conversation among different faith traditions at the college. There’s something for everyone at Boston College, so check out the sports and clubs that appeal to you.
While BC does consider standardized test scores, applicants are best served focusing on essays to demonstrate a fluid writing style. BC also looks at whether or not students are fit for the culture of the school. If your scores are low, you should consider retaking the exam in order to improve your score. The chances are good that your score will increase if you can boost it. This is especially true for international students. BC also emphasizes the importance of extracurriculars and recommendations.
Founded in 1863, Boston College is a prominent institution in the city. It is located in the heart of Boston, a vibrant intellectual district. The school’s location is only six miles away from downtown Boston, allowing students to explore dynamic professional opportunities and arts and culture. The school also has the third-highest graduation rate in the country among Pell-eligible students. The diversity of its student body is also one of its many assets.
While the school’s overall undergraduate enrollment is 9,445, international students make up almost a quarter of its student body. Students from 49 countries make up the largest percentage of international students, and China, South Korea, and Spain make up the largest on-campus communities. According to College Factual, the school’s student body includes a wide range of backgrounds, with the highest concentration of international students coming from China, South Korea, and Spain. The school has three campuses, including Boston College’s newest.
While BC was founded in 1863, the school’s modern campus was largely unfinished. The Gothic project was never finished, but the central part was built according to Maginnis’ plans and now forms the iconic middle campus. The Bapst Library is an outstanding example of Collegiate Gothic architecture in America, while Devlin Hall received the Harleston Parker Medal for the best building in the city. In 1941, the college purchased the 1895 Louis K. Liggett Estate, where students lived during their time at the college. This site was developed into a Tudor-style upper campus, and the resulting filling of a portion of Chestnut Hill Reservoir formed the eclectic lower campus.
Students applying to Boston College should be aware of the school’s ACT/SAT cutoff. The average SAT composite is 1420 on a 1600-point scale, making it Strongly Competitive for SAT scores. Applicants with scores below this range will have a difficult time getting in, and their applications will look weak. Boston College’s SAT/ACT score cutoff is at the 25th and 75th percentiles. A score between these two is below average, but above average, makes the school stand out among the other candidates.
The college’s Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society supports students and faculty working across the various disciplines. Faculty working in the institute address global issues such as energy, the environment, and health. Students will gain the skills necessary to be an effective global citizen. The Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society has a strong reputation, and many prominent alumni have held positions in the business world. However, the school continues to develop its programs and add new majors to increase student success and satisfaction.
While there are other advantages to attending BC, many applicants may be put off by the school’s religious identity. Although there are some advantages to a primarily Christian school, the student body is predominantly white and from the northeast. Although there are some minority students, most of the students at BC are genuinely happy and involved in social activities. The university is a good fit for students who are not religious or who want to go to church regularly. Although BC is an elite institution, it’s important to be honest about your religious affiliation in the application process.