My Journey to Boston College: An Informal Tour and Decision-Making Process
My path to Boston College was a serendipitous one, filled with a mix of personal reflection, academic interest, and destiny. This journey began informally with a series of school tours before ultimately making one of the most significant decisions of my life.
Informal School Tours
During my high school years, I embarked on an informal tour of several prestigious universities. Among these, I visited Duke, NYU, and Cornell, each offering a unique experience and academic challenge. While Boston College (BC) was initially at the top of my list, my decision was not solely based on these tours. Instead, it was a combination of factors that led me to choose BC.
Initial Decision Factors
I was also accepted into Florida State University and American University in Washington DC. However, I found BC to be the best fit for my program and personal preferences. Upon being accepted to both American University and BC, my program at American University closed down, further solidifying my interest in BC. Additionally, my future wife's acceptance into a masters program at American University made it difficult to decline, and so I sought out nearby options to complete my bachelor's degree. BC's proximity and academic offerings made it the obvious choice.
For those who are curious about the process, I also considered Northeastern University, Babson College, Lehigh University, Lafayette University, and University of Maryland. Babson College was my 'safety college' for computer science, which I ultimately chose, as mechanical engineering did not align with my interests.
Tour Experiences and Realizations
I must admit that my experience at BC was quite unique. I applied and accepted my admission sight unseen. My first visit to the campus was to pay tuition fees, using credit cards, and the total amount I remembered was around thirty-three thousand dollars. Moving from San Diego, I was initially drawn to BC for its proximity and the quality of its academic programs.
Other visits included informal tours to Brown, Penn, Babson, Bentley, Boston University, Harvard, and MIT. These tours were more to satisfy curiosity, as I was aware that I didn't quite fit the profile for schools like MIT or Harvard. These tours, however, provided a firsthand experience of the academic and social environments that eventually influenced my decision.
Reflection and Destiny
The journey to BC was further guided by personal circumstances. Due to my father's health status, I was discouraged from applying to out-of-state schools like UCLA. This advice turned out to be wise, as my father passed away during my sophomore year, and I felt the need to stay closer to home. This event highlighted the little moments and signals that shape our destinies.
Ultimately, my decision to attend Boston College was a blend of academic passion, informed curiosity, and the unforeseen circumstances that brought me to the right place at the right time. It has been quite the journey, and I am grateful for every step of it.
Feel free to explore more about the insider tips, admission stories, and decision-making processes of other students or to reach out for advice from current BC students and alumni.