PROS & CONS: boston university

[@justinqytang]

thanks for watching! feel free to leave your questions below or dm me on ig @justxng and i'll try to get back to u! section time-codes: 0:00 - INTRO 1:38 - PROS 1:39 - urban campus 5:24 - international 6:03 - culture & student life 8:21 - advising/counseling services 9:04 - faculty 9:26 - bu cares 10:18 - CONS 10:20 - expensive 11:38 - reliance on self-motivation 13:15 - grade deflation rumors 14:17 - housing 15:11 - lack of school spirit 15:55 - no open quad 16:24 - EHH?? 16:26 - food 18:22 - transportation 19:30 - Y BU? 20:01 - CONCLUSION

[@isaacsung503]

Ayee thank you for the video! I’m from CA too and I’ve been accepted, but it’s pretty expensive as you said. Do you know any options outside of the appeal that can get me more financial aid directly from BU?

[@justinqytang]

great question isaac! i'd say an appeal is your best bet since you've already been accepted because the only merit-based scholarship bu offers (as far as i know) is the one due during the application process. good luck!

[@rishilsodha]

In the uk looking at Boston and northeastern uni. Thanks for the vid

[@shwetabhanshali4455]

What about the winters at Boston?

[@brooksmaddox1706]

instaBlaster...

[@sc-gu5rq]

this video solidified my choice to apply ED to BU and glad to say I got in! So excited to be a terrier, thanks for your help:)

[@cindyhuang1109]

congrads!!!

[@justinqytang]

that's awesome, congrats! let me know if you have any questions!

[@chloes1308]

I really appreciate this video. I'm a rising senior and I'm looking at some out-of-state schools to apply to (basically dream schools haha)

[@gwengrimes9053]

Wowowow!! This was super helpful, you got into the "unspoken" details that aren't really found anywhere else but the college. Cheers dude!!

[@uchechukwumary3705]

Thank you so much for putting all of this valid and vital information together for me. I am motivated and I hope to be in BU by next year. Thanks alot.

[@knowehme]

Going to BU this fall for grad school (from California) and I really appreciated the detail of this video. Thanks for putting this video together!

[@jacobrose5243]

I'm going to be a freshman next year and this helped a lot. Thank you!

[@lorenzocastro5709]

Hey man! Really appreciate this honest perspective over BU. I've recently been accepted, and it's my dream school (despite never visiting it). I would be going as an out-of-state students from Texas, so this video really gives me straight up info.

[@justinqytang]

congrats christopher! let me know if you have any questions!

[@clawton16]

Yo thanks for the video! It was super helpful for me to learn more about a student's opinion of BU as I'm currently working on my essay for early decision! I reeeally hope I get in 🙏

[@dontmindme732]

Just committed to BU SOT this morning- I’m so excited!!

[@ChristopherHugginsAndCompany]

I think you did a really great job of presenting your opinion in a balanced and fair manner. As an alumnus of BU, I was interested to hear a current students opinion of BU today. Well done!

[@justinqytang]

Wow, that means a lot! Thank you!

[@chumbaamalelthedoc8816]

Really looking into BU, grad school next Fall. Ty for the insight, very helpful

[@bernadelle6308]

Thanks soo much for this! I’m trying to choose between BU and Northeastern right now for Northeastern and since you got into both, what made you choose BU over Northeastern ?

[@justinqytang]

hey! personally i got into northeastern via NUin and i wasn't rly about that, and when i went to visit northeastern i didn't like the campus as much as bu. northeastern's campus is more "downtown" and feels/looks more like a traditional college campus but i like how bu feels actually like part of the city rather than just a hole in the middle of it. i also just got along really well with the few students i talked to when i visited bu! good luck!

[@sirslippage]

great video man, appreciate the effort!

[@joohyunglee8133]

YES JUSTIN!!!!!! I LOVE THIS AND YOU

[@justinqytang]

I LOVE YOU MORE JOOHYUNG

[@jessiec.7223]

The video is very helpful!! Thanks

[@morgankandrac4114]

Hi Justin! Thanks so much for this video. This years application year was so tough and BU was one of the only schools that actually wanted me (I know awkward…). This really helped BU seem a little more realistic! See you there in September! (CLASS OF 2025 whoop)

[@justinqytang]

hey morgan! no shame in that at all, bu's a great school! glad i could help :)

[@_alicia__]

Thank you!! I’m going to be a freshman later this year 🗿👌👌

[@alexis-if1rf]

thank u for making this video! really helpful and comforting. let’s be friends when i get there next year!! 😇

[@spicywheatbread6769]

super nice vid dude :D thanks

[@roses9733]

Thank you, this was super helpful!

[@TJTP18]

Thank you so much for this!

[@mackenziemasters6135]

BU is my dream college! Also, amazing vid!

[@noahe7749]

A very helpful video! Thank you

[@AzimaAidarov]

this was so helpful! thank you

[@justinqytang]

thanks for watching!

[@xiyinxu3907]

Really helpful and detailed. Thanks!

[@quaintleaf1208]

this was helpful! i'll be a bu freshman in the fall. trying to choose a dining plan. what meal plan are you on/would you recommend? it might be helpful to know that my family home is...like 30 min from campus, so I'll probably be going home every other weekend or so.

[@justinqytang]

hi! congrats on bu! i'm on the 250 which i'd definitely recommend, i did the 330 first semester and had too many meals left over cuz i kept eating out/using dining points. 250 has the most dining points which is great cuz u can add some variety to your diet. esp if ur gonna b going back home on the weekends i think this is a solid choice! wouldn't recommend unlimited/14+ - unlimited is more expensive and not worth it, and 14+ means you're p much eating lunch and dinner in the dhall every day in a 7 day week.

[@alexajozuka2151]

this was very helpful thank you!

[@rangareddy2720]

Appreciate presentation

[@pragathees1]

how is Acad , internship & placement opportunities after MS in Mgt Science ? Is 9 month course worth its money?

[@luke7992]

absolutely excellent video! I want to attend a college or university in Boston and BU is definitely a top choice, but just curious - was it hard for you to get into BU? some say it's hard, and some say it was a piece of cake, and I completely understand that it does depend on extracurriculars, etc as well!

[@justinqytang]

hey luke, that's a really tough question to answer. i know it's cliche, but do your best in school and extracurriculars etc., work hard, and it'll pay off!

[@lesliepark7259]

Not sure what I want to study. If I apply to college of arts and science but decide I want to transfer to Questrom, is that possible? Is it difficult to transfer?

[@danielyoo6546]

From my own list of factors for my college decision BU hits everything, academic rigor, urban, premed, diverse. Only thing I’m worried about is tuition, is it bad cause it seems to be a lot of money. Will the financial aid, scholarships save me😩

[@justinqytang]

Hey Daniel! I can't speak to how much financial aid you individually will receive, but I would reach out to BU's financial aid office (www.bu.edu/finaid/) for a more accurate look! There should also be a cost of attendance calculator somewhere on the BU website too. Apply before the scholarship deadline if you are interested in that!

[@bernardc7467]

Hey you hit 1k views I'm leaving a comment for your viewer engagement

[@justinqytang]

appreciate it bernie

[@abeligerentllama1628]

Justin - thanks for the videos. Can you tell me about the laundry? Should I buy my own detergent? If so, are pods ok? Is detergent available for purchase?

[@justinqytang]

hi! laundry can be paid for by convenience points (you use your bu id card like a debit card) or with quarters. i believe it's about 1.75 per cycle. bring your own high efficiency detergent! i used tide pods and they work fine. you can buy detergent at the city convenience stores on campus but i'd recommend just going to target or amazon cuz it's cheaper

[@christianhoff689]

I got into the college of engineering at BU and am like 90% sure I’m going, this video was really informative and I feel like I have a lot of the same opinions as you in what I would like in a college, but I was wondering, how are office hours at BU and outside help from teachers?

[@justinqytang]

I can only speak for the experiences I've had, but the professors I've had are extremely accessible and I try to go to office hours frequently! It's a great way to get help while also getting to know your profs (and having them get to know you). That being said I don't know how office hours compare to other schools, and it also really depends on the professor. At a minimum, BU requires instructors to hold office hours and TAs also hold office hours for additional support.

[@Nyeb2002]

Did you have any tips on how to get textbooks at a cheap price? Or did you know if BU carries any of their collaborative textbooks in the libraries so students wouldn’t have to buy them and they could just check them out? Thanks!

[@justinqytang]

Hi! Never buy textbooks full price if you can. I'd recommend buying off of upperclassmen (many will start to post their listings on the Facebook group throughout the summer) but definitely make sure that you're buying the right stuff (some classes require online codes that come with new books but can only be used once). BU does carry most(?) textbooks in the libraries but I'd say that's not very reliable and I'd recommend you still get your own. Renting is always an option too!

[@christianhoff689]

Also, Ik you said it can be difficult at first to make friends at BU or any college lol but are there any spots around campus or common ways in which to interact with people to find people with similar interests?

[@justinqytang]

So this is a good question cuz so much has changed in my life since I made this video two years ago! By far imo the best way to make friends is through student orgs. 90% of my close friends were people I met when I joined clubs. Naturally when u join a club many ppl will have the same interests and/or goals as you do. You can also make friends in classes, of course! I wouldn't say there's any physical location on campus where people go to make friends besides maybe freshman dorms.

[@sungminlee8666]

Hey! Thank you for your informational video! You mentioned that’s it’s impossible to get a single dorm ?. Is it due to popularity? I am looking to have single room...... Thanks!

[@justinqytang]

Hey Sungmin! Singles are pretty popular at BU and there's not many of them, especially in freshman housing options. Living with a roommate is not too bad! I'd suggest you start looking for a roommate so that 1). you have a friend before college even begins and 2). so you can find someone to live with that is compatible with your living style.

[@sophiathomas2008]

hi, its gonna be a few years before i have to start worrying about higher education but i was wondering if you knew about how the international student programs work? can you only go to boston on yearly exchanges or can you spend your whole four years there? the website isn't very clear and im not sure how it works but i have been trying to research into it and i really love the sound of the school so i hope you can help or if you know any international students (especially british ones) who may know? :))

[@charlielandman2626]

Not an expert, but generally once accepted, you would be going there for the full 4 years. Hope that helps

[@justinqytang]

Charlie is correct, I think! If you're interested in only going abroad for a semester or an academic year, I think most students apply to a school in their home country (or elsewhere) and then apply for a "study abroad" program. for example, I plan on studying in Sydney for half a year next year, so I will apply to Boston University's Sydney abroad program to have that experience.

[@victoriali3360]

Hi, you mentioned the different types of dining plans. Is there a specific dining plan that you would recommend for first years?

[@justinqytang]

hey victoria! here's a link to all the options: www.bu.edu/dining/plans-points/ everybody's different as far as eating habits go, but i'd recommend the 250 plan (125 meals per semester) because you get more dining points to use around campus rather than having to go to the dining hall all the time. i started with the 330 plan fall semester and switched to 250 for spring just because i had way too many meals left on the 330 with not enough dining points to my liking. definitely would not recommend doing the unlimited plan because it's more expensive and you'd p much be eating at the dining hall for every meal in college, and that can get pretty boring.

[@victoriali3360]

justxng thank u sm!!

[@isabellaluo2712]

Very informative video! I was ready to study at BU. And then UCLA sent me an email saying I'm off the waitlist. '__' My main questions right now are: how big are BU classes? I've heard it's really hard to get the classes you want at UCLA. Is this the same at BU? Is it easy to double major at BU? Lastly, how connected are the professors with students at BU? Hope you can answer these questions for me! Thanks~

[@justinqytang]

hey congrats on both bu and ucla! -class size depends on the class. if it's a big lecture, it can be up to 400 or 500ish (ie. chemistry survey courses). however those classes are broken into discussions of 30-40. p much every other type of class is around 30-40 or some are even less than 16 (ie. writing seminars for first-years are capped at 16). i think i mentioned in the video that i really dont see class size as an issue/smth to b concerned about at bu, but compared to ucla it's much much better. - pretty easy to get classes at bu, often times when classes fill up (in my experience) they open new sections. i've also had experience on multiple occasions (all in questrom, though) where a class section is full and i email the prof and they let me join anyway. - pretty easy to double major at bu as well but of course it depends on which two majors it is (which determines how much overlap there is in courses). i'd definitely say at bu it's encouraged to study multiple subjects, whether that's dual-majoring or minoring, etc. - idk if this has much variation between schools but i'd say from personal experience i'm pretty well connected with some professors, and not with others. it really depends on the prof. last semester my chinese prof and i would text each other occasionally and i'd text him if i had to miss class or smth. lots of profs give their personal phone number so that students can text with questions (which is especially useful during exam season!). all profs have office hours and many accommodate for time conflicts, so it's easy to get in touch. hope this helps! feel free to DM me @justxng on ig if you have any more questions/just wanna discuss it more, i know this must be a tough decision. good luck!

[@monicamau1797]

hey, i'm looking into applying to bu, and do you think that hefty tuition fee is overall worth it for the experience you get there?

[@justinqytang]

hey monica! i'd say it depends on the person. tuition is high at a private institution like bu, but you're also getting value that you wouldn't get at most public schools (small class sizes, all lectures taught by professors, more personalized attention, focus on undergraduate students and undergraduate research). however, in some cases, it may even be cheaper to attend private university due to scholarships or financial aid packages.

[@jacquiharden7642]

Hi! I really like your video which is very helpful for me. I really wanna apply ED to BU, but I'm worried about the fee. What's the average living cost for students each months? I'm an international students so that I can't get financial aid. And wondering whether I can choose courses interested me without restriction. I may major in Math or something else only but I want to have Narrative Radio courses.

[@justinqytang]

Here's BU's official cost of attendance page: www.bu.edu/finaid/aid-basics/cost-of-attendance/undergraduate/ You can pretty freely choose to take classes in other majors/fields of study, so long as you complete the prerequisite classes for the class! I've enjoyed the privilege of taking classes in 4 different schools at BU. Hope this helps!

[@jacquiharden7642]

@@justinqytang Thank you!!

[@sakidkhan5881]

When will new academics start bro. I am from India 🇮🇳. I want to pursue my masters from BU. Help please man

[@bibliophile7557]

I know this is dependent on individual circumstances but does BU generally give good need based and merit based financial aid??

[@ligia6139]

They have a new financial aid program and they now give good need based aid

[@justinqytang]

BU meets 100% of demonstrated need! I would recommend reaching out to the financial aid office at BU: www.bu.edu/finaid/ They'll be able to give you a better picture at your personal financial aid package and what that might look like.

[@shwetabhanshali4455]

What about the weather esp winter in Boston?

[@justinqytang]

Depends on the context of your background! I am from an area of California where it rarely drops below freezing temperature and it never snows. My friends from California all think I'm crazy for going to such a cold snowy place like Boston, but I honestly like the cold a lot! It is all based on personal preference. I don't mind it at all.

[@jngmom4105]

Thank u for the vlog. Very helpful and insightful. My son is a junior considering BU for math & finance. Since u major & minor in different colleges, would u recommend him to apply to CAS for math or Questrom for finance ?

[@justinqytang]

Hello, thanks for the support! BU admissions (as far as I know) doesn't do impacted school admissions. That is, it is not harder to get into Questrom than CAS. I'd say it definitely does matter what his strengths have been in throughout high school, ie. if you have more experience in math related clubs/activities, that would be more relevant to being a math major. I remember my "Why BU" essay touched on why I was interested in business specifically, but of course, many BU students enter undecided as well. It is also relatively easy to transfer between schools/majors, but I'd say it's definitely easier for Questrom students to transfer out of business into CAS than vice-versa. Hope this helps!

[@jngmom4105]

justxng thank u for your reply. Will let my son know. Yes he’s definitely stronger in math so I guess CAS it will be.

[@danireyes8812]

Hey I’m a senior in high school and I’m thinking of going into BU. What gpa would you say I need to get in

[@justinqytang]

I'm afraid I can't really answer that question. BU Admissions will judge your stats based on the data from your high school, and every high school does grading differently. The average GPA for a student that is admitted is I think around a 3.7 unweighted, but I wouldn't pay attention to this. A 3.7 could be considered super high for some high schools and low for others.

[@zavispugs419]

Do they have a volleyball club

[@justinqytang]

yes! both mens and womens volleyball have club teams

[@marcoriva2721]

Nice man! :)

[@ZHe-bu4tm]

Hi! What’s the beef between BU and BC? I’ve seen so many BU students bringing up this issue and I don’t quite get it. With that said, loved the video and I really appreciate your help!

[@justinqytang]

good question! it's just a sports rivalry. both institutions are great prestigious academic universities that have a lot to offer. it's not a real beef, it's mostly just for fun! i definitely know friends at bu that have bc friends as well.

[@ZHe-bu4tm]

@@justinqytang thank you so much for your reply! Keep up the great work I wish you all the best!

[@jordangoldstein7909]

Do you know anyone in the Deaf Studies program? I am trying to get info about that! Thanks!

[@justinqytang]

hey jordan! i'm sorry, i personally don't know anyone in deaf studies but here are some great resources: www.bu.edu/academics/wheelock/programs/deaf-studies/ www.bu.edu/wheelock/academics/undergraduate/majors/bs-in-deaf-studies/ bu's deaf studies program is in the wheelock college of education and human development, which is one of our smaller schools. i'd highly recommend reaching out to wheelock for more info! they may have their own admissions programming so that you can learn about what they have to offer.

[@jordangoldstein7909]

@@justinqytang hi! Ok thank you so much! I have reached out to them numerous times over the past 2 months with only one response back, so I was hoping to get a student's perspective but thats alright haha. Thank you!!

[@avenue7490]

@@jordangoldstein7909 Hey, I know this is a very late response and I'm sure you don't need this information but there's a KZbinr named Joshua Pei who makes tours and videos about BU who is involved in the deaf studies program. I'm sure you could find a way to get connected with him and ask questions through his comment section.

[@artichoke333]

noice

[@chizaramizima3871]

How’s the weather in Boston?

[@justinqytang]

It's alright! I'm from California which is relatively warm but I had no problem adjusting to the Boston weather. You'll definitely need a big winter coat and a rain jacket. My favorite thing about Boston weather is that it fluctuates a ton. Within one week it could go from being 80 and sunny to 30 and snowing.