Boston College Top Questions

Professors are either excellent or terrible, there is very little "middle ground."

Professors know your name as long as it isn't a huge lecture. My favorite class is hard to pick because of the nature of my major I'm in classes with my friends a lot so a lot of them are fun. Academically speaking my most interesting class was a class called Composition Performance Workshop. We were able to do something I'd never thought of before in creating art performances from phrases or we did a lot of work on a trial that happened a few years ago. My least favorite class was Survey of Biology because I just couldn't grasp how much material there was and i struggled to keep my GPA up as a result. It was just frustrating because I attended every class and paid attention and took good notes and it just didn't pay off however the teacher was great it was just the nature of the class and the way that it was organized that was difficult for me. Students study a fair amount, of course there is procrastination like you'll find everywhere but when it comes down to it people do study when they need to. Class participation is common, it definitely depends on the nature of the class and the teacher. I like discussion based classes and I've had a couple of those and the teachers are always willing to answer questions and frequently ask us questions in class. BC students definitely have intellectually based conversations outside of class. Sometimes its a continuation of something that you discussed in class or telling your friends about it or some kind of discussion when thinking of an essay topic. Students are competitive but its not a hindering competition. I think that students are competitive with themselves as much as they are with others so they push themselves rather than having the competition push them. The most unique class I've taken I already described. I am a Theatre and a History Major. The theatre major is a very tight knit community I can go to the professors with any problem I have and they are very willing to talk to you about anything, help you find out anything you need to about jobs etc and just sit and listen. The nature of the major is very hands on so the people in the major are also very likely to all know each other quite well and become good friends. The professors in the history department aren't as easy going by nature of the subject but are all very welcoming and willing to go over things with you and answer any questions that you may have about the material or any given grade. I spend time with my theatre professors outside of class in rehearsal and in meetings. They come out to dinner with us sometimes to celebrate a show's opening or after a final exam we all may go get coffee. I think the academic requirements are fair I mean its a hard school to get into so the classes aren't going to be easy and the grading is definitely fair. The requirements in terms of core are sometimes hard to willingly fulfill. I think most students have one core that they really wish they could just get out of but I do think that it is important to have a well-rounded knowledge of different subjects and to explore to see what you are truly interested in. I think that you can decide for yourself whether its geared towards a job or learning. You can make it either depending on your own drive and what you're looking for. You're education will prepare you for a number of jobs but that doesn't mean that those are the jobs that you're looking for?

Professors always know your name in small classes, and if you go out of your way in a big class to meet them, they'll know your name as well (just go to an office hour or two or talk to them after class). Some students have intellectual conversations outside of class, but I try to avoid them as often as possible. Students are competitive in that they want to succeed, but they aren't cut-throat, they'll usually give you a hand with a problem or something like that if you need it. The core curriculum kinda sucks, it takes a lot of electives away from you, but at the same time it does make you pretty well rounded, which isn't a bad thing. The education is not directly aimed at getting a job, but you definitely are learning things you'll need for a job at some point.

Professors generally know you and care about you. Opportunities exist to take small classes and large ones, and most of the big lecture classes are supplemented with weekly discussion groups. Students are very competitive. Prof's do spend time with students outside of class.

I actually have a midterm in a few hours so I will have to stop here I hope you appreciate the answers I have given, good luck with your survey.

The only advice I have for choosing classes, is check the PEPs on the teacher first. Students can log on and rate their teacher and tell you their strengths, weaknesses, how hard the class is and how much work you usually have to do. It's a great tool, and I use it every time I have to choose my classes. They can be found at http://ugbc.org/peps.php .

Professors are genuinely interested in the welfare of their students, they want you to succeed. BC students are generally very academically focused, and there is a wide range of unique classes to choose from. The core curriculum is a great way to ensure that each student experiences an array of academic interests and options.

some professors know my name, you have to make an effort. least favorite - history of evolution how often do students study - very often, but bc students also procrastinate class participation - yes but sometimes the people who participate can dominate a class and not allow the rest of the students to answer intellectual conversations outside of class - from what ive seen, yes competitive - YES. unique class - peace or war major - sociology department has been very helpful with my declaration professors outside of class- no bc's academic requirements - i'm okay with the core curriculum education is for learning for its own sake

Most professors know your name, study times vary on a student to student basis, class participation is a must, music department is small but quaint.

The Theater department at Boston College is like a close-knit family. Everyone works together on a daily basis. A lot of people think that BC students are just at this school to get a good job in the future. Worse however, is the idea that BC professors and its curriculum aid that desire. All I can say is that the first day of one of my classes, my professer said, "who the hell cares about getting a job? Just do what you love. Find your calling here."