Boston College Top Questions

Describe the students at your school.

katie

Definitely a lack of "artsy" people which has been disappointing. Most kids are pretty wealthy but BC gives very good financial aid so there are lots of exceptions to this. BC is pretty white but the percentage of AHANA students grows every year. For the most part students hang out with those who look like them - especially the Asian crowd. The one unique thing about the student body is how concerned we are with volunteering and participating in service/immersion trips. Many of the volunteering clubs are even competitive to get into since they are so popular.

Andy

BC is filled with very nice people. It is almost as if the nicest students on earth come here.

Regina

A lot of the students are very preppy, and if not then they at least dress nicely to class. In the spring I make an effort to look decent, but in the winter I wear nothing but sweatpants. There is a large number of sweatpant wearers in the winter. 4 tables in the dinning hall- jocks, preps, racial groups, and everyone else. For the most part once you have found your niche you stick to it, but there are floaters. I would most people are either wealthy or well off, but there also a lot on financial aide. I think there is a place for everyone at BC, it may not seem like it at first, but once you look for people you realize they are there, the hardest part is finding your niche.

Jess

there are definitely some students that are more religious than others, but no one pushes religion on anyone, per my experience so far. the students are very much a community, and having all freshman dorms helps that a lot. i think that most students are from the upper middle class at least and many have gone to private school, and many of those to catholic or jesuit school. the school is mostly liberal, but there are conservatives on campus that make their presence known during certain events.

Charlie

BC student body is not as diverse as my hometown, but there are many different types of people.

Frances

BC seems as if it's striving to become a more diverse place than it already is, and I think that's very commendable. I think once you find a group of friends when you initially get comfortable on campus, it's very easy to just stick with them, and doing so you don't always keep yourself open to different types of people. You really appreciate people's differences in smaller group things like extracurriculars and small classes, but it's really easy to forget to put yourself out there and try to meet different people.

Carson

Most ppl dress up for class which is sometimes awkward for the ppl who are involved with sports and don't have the time to look nice and shower before class. I think that someone who is poor would feel very out of place here. I am by no means wealthy and have to pay for all my own things and i feel out of place much of the time.

Martha

I think that the student body at BC is very diverse, in all senses of the word. I have met some amazing, fun and interesting people, yet I have also met some that I wouldn't mind not seeing again. I think that the people that have the hardest time at BC are those that do not embrace the school's athletics. That is not to say that you need to like sports to enjoy BC, but because the school tends to really come together to support the big sports teams, you miss a lot if you chose not to be a part of that. My biggest issue is that the there is a portion of the student body that is still very much in high school mode in terms of gossip, and the need to be cool and popular, etc. This is of course a very small part of the student body, but in my personal experience I have seen a lot of people get sucked into it all, and I was hoping that by junior year of college people would grow up (but some have just not gotten there). This part of the student body, however, is pretty easy to ignore.

Harry

Unless you're a serious business school student, you wear whatever you want to class. At the beginning of the year, and then again once it starts to be nice out, do people noticeably dress nice for class. Other than that, it's sweats and baseball hats. While the majority of the student body sticks to its own group, if you are open and friendly, it is real easy to get along with just about anyone. The student body is predominantly white, middle to upper-class kids. Its the truth.

Chris

the general BC students parents come from a decent amount of money. It obvious that BC is a privately funded school thus would like to give out as little financial aid as possible. The majority of the kids here are spoiled and superficial. The school tries way to hard to iron out racial differences and there fore ends up annoying students.

Elizabeth

BC is a fairly un-diverse place. If you want diversity, don't go here, cause you will get weird looks and feel out of place. People here say they are open minded and say they are liberal or left, but they still shoot dirty looks at the kids who dress in anything thats name brand or a polo. I wouldn't different types of students interact. To class, girls tend to wear spandex and uggs, every day. The more ambitious will actually dress up to go class. I prefer jeans and a t-shirt, but thats just me, I don't own a polo or uggs for that matter. Students are politically away and some are active but for all the things that go on, on campus, I feel that more students could actually participate. People get lazy or think its the "uncool" thing to do. At BC, people care way too much about what others are thinking about them.

Andrew

The student body is definitely a mixed bag. There is no shortage of guys and girls that seem to be stuck in high school. You have your fair share of massholes too. With BC appealing to more people nationally, the variety of students is growing. It's hard to be out of place at BC because no matter what you are like, there is definitely a group of friends that you can identify with.

Ally

BC is not very diverse, but there is a lot of school spirit.

Mike

There are a lot of rich white kids. A lot of them are really stuck up and care way too much about material things. They are also very quick to judge people based on appearance. I got very caught up in this as well freshman/sophomore year. However, I have now realized how stupid that and base my opinions of others on their actions and not their appearance. I think it is important for students coming into BC to not get caught up in this sort of thing. My roommate is the president of SASA (South Asian Student Association) and also a homosexual. He's a great kid and one of my best friends at school. There is plenty of diversity on BC's campus; you just have to find it. I know at a lot of schools, most students just wear sweats to class everyday. This is not the case at BC. A lot of athletes wear their team sweats to class, but besides that, most students wear jeans and a clean t-shirt to class. Many also throw on a shirt with collar in the morning as well. BC students come from all over the country because it is such a well respected school. Of my six roommates, 2 are from MD (didn't know each other before college), 1 from MA, 1 from CT, 1 from NH, and 1 from TX. Different types of students really don't interact that much. The Asians tend to hang out with the Asians; the blacks hang out with the blacks, and the whites with the whites. There is no dislike or anything between these groups. It's just kind of the way things work out. I have couple of Asian friends and a couple of black friends, but for the most part, each race tends to hang out predominately with members of the same race. The majority of students in CSOM (Carroll School of Management) are very, very interested in money and making lots of it after graduation. Most CSOM seniors know how much each of the "Big Four" firms' has as a starting salary and signing bonus. Before this year, I thought signing bonuses were just for professional athletes...

Cody

Most students wear the latest fashion trends and designer clothing and products are prevalent around campus. Most students come from the upper-middle class. A majority of students are Republicans and politics is prevalent around campus.

Andrew

There are rich white kids. That's just about it.

Kyle

I haven't really had any experience with different groups on campus. I went on a religious retreat that I loved and I have heard about other groups going on just I haven't been involved. I think a student that is stuck in his or her own ways may feel out of place if they are not the "typical BC student from an upper middle class white suburban family". Many of the students are not from that particular situation but to someone who isn't and resents those that are it would be hard for them to come to BC. It varies, students can be seen in sweatpants and pajama pants some days but not everyday. There are those who look proper and wear a polo or a button down, jeans or kakhis or a sweater or a nice t-shirt or athletic wear. Different types of students do interact but there is a kind of boundary between full integration of all different types of students because people tend to stick with others that are like them. Well one of the tables would be a group of football players sitting at the same table everyday and there might be a few girls sitting with them. Then there would be a table of mostly asian kids as well. Then the other two tables would be different groups of friends, there might be some people stopping at one table or another from time to time to talk but then going back down with their closer friends. Most BC students are from Boston area, New York, Connecticut, and Northern New Jersey. There a few from outside Philadelphia and a few from California and the Mid-West. Upper-middle class backgrounds are the most prevalent. Students I think are more likely to be politically aware than politically active. The impression I get from most students are that they are left winged but that seems to be a trend of college age kids and I wouldn't say is unique to BC. Some students do I guess? My friends joke about how they'll be living on the street as a struggling actor or actress so I don't hear as much about it.

Taylor

A lot of racial groups seem to stick together. There's not a lot of socio-economic division, nor religious division. Most students wear preppy clothes to class. The four tables in the dining hall are the table the varsity athletes are sitting at, and the other three tables everyone else is sitting at. It's pretty funny to see actually, they're always at the same table. Most students are from New England and New York/New Jersey, though there are certainly plenty of people who are from other places. Some students are politically aware and active, some aren't. More are politically right than you'd traditionally expect on a college campus, but that probably goes back to the fact that a lot are coming from wealthy families. People talk about how much they hope they'll earn one day, but it's not like it's a contest or anything.

Tristan

More diverse than it's given credit for, but not by much. Student body is pretty racially segregated.

Claire

BC is home to all sorts of ethnic groups, as well as religions. People often write off BC as a "Catholic" college, but in reality all faiths/or all beliefs are welcome. BC is also a politically active school, with frequent seminars and discussions led by political figures.

Kristin

different groups on campus -- actually havent had that much interaction with them who would feel out of place? - one from a less wealthy family, not into lacoste and partying. wear to class - polos, people dress up more than i expect. no one wears Pjs to class which i feel should be part of the college experience different types of students interact - there is definitely s sense of students sticking to what they know four tables - white kids, asians, AHANA, jocks from - the new england area financial backgrounds - very well off politically aware/active - some are, i would say majority isnt. most are left? talk about how much they'll earn? - maybe CSOM kids do

Casey

Most students dress to go to class. On those cold, snowy days though, comfortable clothes and Ugg Boots are neccessities.

Kyle

Im too bored to fill this in

Andrew

They are homogeneous and closed-minded, for the most part. Many students feel out of place, especially if they are not from a wealthy east coast family. However, the amount of intelligence on campus fosters political activism, awareness, and diversity of opinion.

Andy

There is a little

Paul

While BC certainly strives to be an all-inclusive melting pot, there is definitely some segregation among different ethnicities. While many people are open to those of all walks of life, one can see people sticking with those that are like them (and why wouldn't they?). Most BC students are from New England and the NY/NJ area, but there are plenty of people from across the country, though it seems that a disproportionate number come from fairly privileged economic backgrounds.

Kaitlin

I was part of FACES and I attended some ALC activities, fun and interesting. Someone who didn't speak english or was handicapped. Totally varies, some dress really nice, I'd say most wear sweatpants. Yes, different types of students interact, not as frequently as I'd like though. Four tables: Athletes, Asians, Freshman, everyone else. Most BC students are from US (Cali, Mass, Texas, NY, and NJ I think are big ones. But there are plenty from around the world, my friends alone consist of Virgin Islands, England, Austria, etc. Financial backgrounds-lots of students come from wealthy homes. There are lots of students politically aware, I for one am not though.

Lawrence

i have had no encounters with such groups, good or bad. i think studious students feel out of place at bc. most students wear normal clothes to class. different types of students? different in what way? four tables: 1. white kids. 2. black kids. 3. mixed group. 4. another table of white kids (lots of these). most bc students are from new england and california. i think most bc students come from upper middle class backgrounds. students are smart enough to be aware of politics. mix of left and right and center. some pretentious students talk about their large salaries. they're clearly overcompensating for their lack of self esteem and personal pathetic-ness.

Whitney

There is racial tension on campus, but it seems to be everywhere now. Since there are all types of students here, I don't think any student would feel out of place here. Students wear all types of things- sweats, pajamas, slippers, flip-flops...I've seen it all! Different types of students do interact. However, for the most part, you will see people who look alike sitting together in the cafeteria. Occasionally, do ethnic groups intermingle or eat today. BC students come from all over the US and the world. Most of the students here are children of wealthy parents. We are a politically active school.

Ruth

Raciall, BC is actually a lot better than I thought it would be... or that could just be because I went to an all White (literally) high school. There have been issues in the past but nothing major this year. Of course you have your little tiffs between people, but, unfortunately, that is to be expected. As far as socializing goes, it is true that the racial groups sit together but don't hesitate to sit with whomever you want (I personally change it up ever so often). There is no "cheerleaders run the campus" mentality and the athletes are athletes - they stick together. Political talk is around if you want it... as with everything else. Honestly, whatever your interests are you will find it here.

AJ

Overall the student body is accepting but there are certainly exceptions. Most students dress well and that is largely because a lot of students come from money. Students from low-income families and racial minorities may feel out of place because there is not a lot of diversity here. With that said, the students themselves do a lot to make these students feel welcome. BC students are very politically active and the overwhelming majority are strongly left, to the point that can be quite annoying at times if you have different political beliefs.

Riley

The style at Boston College is predominated by preppy clothing, and the skin tone is definitely light. Students who are of different races or socioeconomic classes will not be discriminated against but may feel uncomfortable at first.

Abby

On a typical winter day, I wear sweatpants or jeans, a hoodie, Uggs, and my fleece to class. There are always a few girls who have taken the time to style their hair and coordinate their outfits, but they are out-numbered by the basic jeans-and-a-sweater look that most students have going on. Seven of the eight girls in my suite are from the Northeast, six are from New England, and three are a forty-minute drive away from campus. A lot of students are from Mass. and live no more than an hour away. Then again, I have friends who are each from Texas, Hawaii, South Dakota, and Idaho. To my surprise, there are a lot of BC students from Illinois, especially from the greater Chicago area.

Meg

Diversity is definitely increasing. There have been some racial tensions over then past couple of years, but I think that is a sign of change. The university and students have been addressing these tensions. Race, diversity, and being welcoming are openly discussed. Courses are being created that focus on different cultures' histories etc. As far as the whole LGBT thing goes, this is a Catholic school so unfortunately the administration can be a little conservative at times. They canceled their big dance a year or two ago, but students made a big to-do about it and got some media coverage. Most students are open to the LGBT community, even those who may really be homophobic or excessively conservative rarely open their mouthes to their closest friends because that mindset is not socially accepted here.

Stacey

Students shouldn't necessarily feel out of place at BC, for there are so many groups on campus to support one's race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, etc. However, that doesn't mean that everyone is going to be fully accepting. The majority of students here are very tolerant of other people's lifestyles, but acceptance isn't universal. The LGBT crowd here is so small that it is certainly difficult to just casually meet someone of similar orientation, unless GLC is sponsoring an event or holding a meeting. The University canceled a GLC dance a few years back, and there are some big-wigs at BC who fear that by including sexual orientation in the non-discriminatory clause, alumni and donors will stop giving funds to the school. But again, people shouldn't feel totally ostracized, for there are plenty of student-run resources readily available to them.

Madeline

I really think BC is doing themselves a disservice by not recognizing the LGBT group on campus, and accepting sexual tolerance into the non-discrimination clause. I think BC is wrong in that there's no way to promote unity without encouraging gay behavior, if that's the stance the Catholic Church wants to take. I would think there are some students that would feel uncomfortable here, just because BC is the type of school that pulls in a certain individual. The alternative/social-progress individuals I have met here seem to hold a grudge that the campus is not that diverse. Yet I find this is something that they should have expected, and cannot hold against the school once they are here. I would say that most students are from the east coast, but there has definitely been a move towards recruiting students from more areas of the country. Students here are politically minded, even if it's just an echo of their parents' own beliefs. To me, BC is predominantly right, but as a Catholic private institution, I think that's expected. I don't think students talk about how much they'll earn one day, but students are definitely aware that CSOM is where the money is. As the financial school, their concentration on money will usually correspond to a strong job out of college.