Northeastern vs BU decisions!

Hey everyone, I got accepted to both Northeastern and Boston University, and I'm having a tough time deciding between the two. Can someone provide any pros and cons for each school to help make my decision easier? I'm planning to major in engineering, if that helps. Thanks for any input!

Congratulations on your acceptances! Both Northeastern and Boston University are great schools, but they offer different experiences for students. Here are some pros and cons for each:

Northeastern University:

Pros:

1. Co-op Program — Northeastern is known for its cooperative education program, which allows you to gain real-world work experience within your major. This can help you build your resume and establish industry connections early on.

2. Campus — Northeastern has a more defined campus than BU that's centrally located in Boston. Despite being in a large city, you will still get a traditional campus feel.

3. Engineering — Northeastern offers strong engineering programs, and you'll find many resources tailored to your major, such as the Engineering Design Studio.

Cons:

1. Large Size — With around 20,000 undergraduates, you might feel like a small fish in a big pond at Northeastern. This means larger class sizes, especially for introductory courses.

2. Competition — The co-op program can be highly competitive, and you might face challenges in securing your preferred position.

Boston University:

Pros:

1. Prestige — BU tends to have a slightly more prestigious reputation compared to Northeastern, which might impact networking opportunities and job prospects after graduation.

2. Engineering — Boston University offers a strong College of Engineering, known for its research opportunities, highly ranked faculty, and resources for students.

3. Urban Campus — BU is located in the heart of Boston, giving you direct access to everything the city has to offer – cultural events, internship opportunities, and more.

Cons:

1. Campus — BU has a linear, urban campus that stretches along Commonwealth Avenue. Some students might find it lacking a traditional college campus feel.

2. Large Size — Similar to Northeastern, BU has around 18,000 undergraduates, which may lead to larger classes and sometimes limited opportunities for personal connections with faculty.

Ultimately, you'll need to consider which factors are most important to you. If you value real-world work experience, Northeastern's co-op program might be a major selling point. However, if you prioritize engineering research and a more prestigious reputation, BU could be the better choice.

I recommend visiting both campuses (if possible) and talking to current students to get a feel for each school's atmosphere. Good luck with your decision!