Expert: Bruce - 4/25/2010

Question
Hi Bruce,
My name is Jackie, and I'm a 17 year old Senior in High School. I live in Massachusetts and was accepted to six different colleges, and have narrowed it down to Boston University and Connecticut College. I'm having a really hard time choosing between them. I am a fairly active person and love music, singing, playing piano, writing etc., and also love being out doors, and I'm worried if I go to BU I won't have a chance to express myself in these ways because those departments are so competitive, and there's no real nature around, plus I'm worried I'll be too tempted to go home because I live legitimately 20 minutes away. However, I also love to go out and see movies and do things, and I'm worried that if I go to Conn I'll be bored stiff, and won't grow at all because although the Music and Drama departments at Conn are very good, there aren't that many people involved in Drama. I do love to watch Hockey too, but I know that Music is definitely not as big at BU as it is at Conn. I'm just terrified of making the wrong decision. Conn is a bit small for me, but BU is HUGE and I'm worried about getting lost in the shuffle. What do you think? Thank you for anything that you can offer me.
-Jackie

Answer
Hi Jackie,

I am a big proponent of doing the bachelors degree at the smaller school - for precisely the reason you site. It is generally easier for students to get involved in things (and earlier in their college years) at the smaller school. Plus, classes will not be taught by grad students at the small school.  My guess is that you would find enough to do at CC - and you can always head home for a wknd when you get the urge for some city life.

for what it's worth.