BU vs. Dartmouth: What's the difference?

Hey everyone, I'm currently considering applying to both Boston University and Dartmouth, but I want to know more about the differences between them. What are the main differences in terms of campus life, academics, and overall student experience? Any input would be much appreciated!

Hi! Great question. Boston University (BU) and Dartmouth may seem quite different at first glance, but they both offer excellent academic opportunities. Here are some key points to consider when comparing the two:

Campus and Location:

- BU is located in Boston, a large and vibrant city, making it a great urban campus experience. The campus is spread out along Commonwealth Avenue, which creates a more public and open atmosphere.

- Dartmouth, on the other hand, is located in Hanover, a small college town in rural New Hampshire. The campus is charming, with a traditional Ivy League feel, and it offers more of a close-knit community experience. It's surrounded by nature and opportunities for outdoor activities.

Size and Student-Faculty Ratio:

- BU is a larger university with around 34,000 students (both undergraduate and graduate), while Dartmouth has a smaller student population of around 6,500 (including graduate students). This impacts class sizes and the overall feel of the campus community.

- Dartmouth's student-faculty ratio is 7:1, meaning that students can benefit from more individualized attention from professors and smaller class sizes. BU's student-faculty ratio is 10:1, which is still relatively low, but classes may generally be slightly larger.

Academics:

- Both BU and Dartmouth have strong academic programs, but their strengths may vary depending on your interests. Dartmouth is known for its excellent liberal arts education and strong undergraduate focus, while BU offers a wide range of programs, including strong STEM, communications, and business programs.

- Keep in mind that Dartmouth is part of the prestigious Ivy League, which might be a consideration for some students based on prestige and networking opportunities.

Campus Life and Extracurriculars:

- BU has a diverse and international student body, while Dartmouth has a more traditional student profile. This will impact the campus culture and social life.

- Dartmouth has a more significant Greek life presence compared to BU, with about 60% of eligible students participating in fraternities and sororities. Greek life at BU is a much smaller part of the social scene.

- Both schools offer plenty of clubs, organizations, and sports for students to get involved in. However, athletic culture might be more prominent at Dartmouth, being a Division I, Ivy League school.

Given these differences, you should consider the aspects that are most important to you when choosing between BU and Dartmouth. It really comes down to personal preferences—whether you're looking for an urban or rural environment, large or small student population, and the specific academic programs that cater to your interests. If possible, I recommend visiting both campuses to get a feel for the atmosphere and talking to current students to help you decide which school aligns best with your goals and preferences. Good luck!