Boston University Class of 2015 Forum

[landla]

Hey, everyone!

We've mentioned making one of these in the BU Admissions thread. I thought that I'd make one for those of us who have been accepted to BU to discuss the school, city, and whatever else. It'd probably be easier for us and those still waiting if we separated out from the admittance thread!

Important Dates & Deadlines:
03/01/12 - BU Alumni Scholarship (get your financial aid info in asap, but definitely by this date)
03/23/12 - Preview Day 1
03/29/12 - Boston Admitted Students and Alumni Reception
03/30/12 - Preview Day 2
04/15/12 - First Deposit Due ($500)
06/01/12 - Second Deposit Due ($500)
06/01/12 - Dean's Certificate Due (coordinate with your undergrad to be sure it arrives by June 1st)

Links:

BU Admitted Students Page: http://www.bu.edu/law/2015
BU 2015 Admissions Thread: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 7&t=166988

TLS School Profile (looks like it was updated for last cycle): http://www.top-law-schools.com/boston-u ... f-law.html
TLS Interview with Alissa Leonard, Director of Admissions & Financial Aid at BU (not sure when this was, sorry!): http://www.top-law-schools.com/alissa-l ... rview.html

BU Law Students Taking Questions, along with BU versus, and Past Classes Threads:

BU 1L and 2L Questions: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 4&t=130751
BU 1L Questions (kind of died after just a few questions): http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 4&t=130835

BU/BC/Fordham: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 1&t=162772
BU/BC: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 1&t=153485
Turning Down $$ At T14 For BU: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 1&t=114518

BU 2011: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 17&t=30618
BU Applicants 2009-2010: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... =7&t=93800
BU C/O 2012: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 20&t=57151
BU C/O 2013: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 5&t=100144
BU C/O 2014: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 8&t=146827

BC Questions (discussion of BU versus BC and a continued use of UB instead of BU): http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 4&t=129348
BC 1L Questions (obviously BC, but looks like it may discuss Boston hiring in general in the future): http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 4&t=176628
Another BC 1L Questions (same): http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 4&t=106457
BC2L Questions (again, BC, but has some general Boston info and BU/BC): http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 4&t=148248

Useful Threads Regarding Negotiating, Boston, Hiring, 0L Summer, Housing, Books, etc.:

Boston BigLaw Discussion: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 3&t=166681

Negotiating Merit Aid: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 22&t=79373
Negotiating Scholarship Works! (Resurrected this year, recent negotiating discussions): http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... =7&t=27221

Grad Plus Loans Guide: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 5&t=154130
Guide to Law School Loans: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 2&t=124530

NALP Search: --LinkRemoved--
The 1L Job Hunt Guide for 0Ls: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 2&t=107596
Short 1L Summer Guide: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 2&t=119896

2L/3Ls What Would You Tell The Class of 2015? (some great advice and information here!): http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 4&t=172609
If You Did It Again, Ranking Or Full Scholarship?: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 7&t=113620

Success in Your First Year of Law School: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 2&t=123699
Common 0L Questions: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... =4&t=26949
0L Prep: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... w=viewpoll

Cheap Textbooks Guide: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 2&t=162127
New Versus Used Books: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 20&t=80525

Self-Care in Law School: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 2&t=123288

Who To Live With 1L: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 20&t=64476
Roommates?: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 8&t=155129

Laptop: http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... =2&t=69703

Let me know if there is anything else you think should be included here!

[cstan]

thanks so much this looks great! I am still wondering if scholarship information is EVER going to come. I'm pretty dead set on BU i'm just dying for scholly information at the very least!

[BigBlueLaw]

Great job on that post landla. Unless the rest of my cycle surprises me I should be set on BU. You guys have any idea which Preview Day you'll be attending? I'm leaning towards 3/30 so I can also attend the reception the day before.

[bceagles182]

FYI, after taking questions in the applicants thread for a while, I've now moved over here. I think I hit on everything asked over there, so feel free to ask anything else. - BU 2L

[cstan]

FYI, after taking questions in the applicants thread for a while, I've now moved over here. I think I hit on everything asked over there, so feel free to ask anything else. - BU 2L

thanks, that would be great! I guess my main question is how long should I wait for possible merit scholarship information before throwing in the towel? I want to go to BU definitely so its just a matter of accepting my fate haha. People with the same numbers as me that got in really early received scholarship info back in december but after that very few people have heard anything. any thoughts?

[bceagles182]

FYI, after taking questions in the applicants thread for a while, I've now moved over here. I think I hit on everything asked over there, so feel free to ask anything else. - BU 2L

thanks, that would be great! I guess my main question is how long should I wait for possible merit scholarship information before throwing in the towel? I want to go to BU definitely so its just a matter of accepting my fate haha. People with the same numbers as me that got in really early received scholarship info back in december but after that very few people have heard anything. any thoughts?

I pay sticker, but I can ask a friend of mine about this.

[landla]

thanks so much this looks great! I am still wondering if scholarship information is EVER going to come. I'm pretty dead set on BU i'm just dying for scholly information at the very least!

I know! I would love to go here (even if I got accepted to more highly ranked schools), but... I need some money to justify it.

Great job on that post landla. Unless the rest of my cycle surprises me I should be set on BU. You guys have any idea which Preview Day you'll be attending? I'm leaning towards 3/30 so I can also attend the reception the day before.

I'm planning on attending 3/23 so that I can attend the BC Preview Day on 3/30. I'm still planning on attending the reception on Thursday the 29th. However, it's clearly a bit different for me, since I live in MA and work in Boston.

[cstan]

I emailed them again and they just said it could come at any time

as far as the preview days for BU/BC goes, the 23rd and 30th combo sounds like a good game plan, i'll do the same thing

[ThreeRivers]

I'm sorry I have a list of questions lol...

How good are the roommate matching thing? I really would a prefer one to help save on costs

Is Allston / Brighton THAT bad? Some people make it sound like a horror story, but if its just typical undergrad scene (some bars, parties, and drunk people at night) I could live there / save $$$ no problem. If its a "bad" area I would have some reservations

Also are there any reimbursements for ASW / what's the general dress for ASW?

I know you stated you pay sticker, but do you know from others how long to wait until bring up scholarship negotiations? I got 23 k from UMN and if BU offered me something similar I'd be there in a second. I don't think I'll take BU at sticker over them though..

[broncos_fan_26]

How long after getting the phone call did you all get the acceptance packet?

More constructive question: where do most law students live? I have recently moved to Boston (three months ago) and I commute by bicycle everywhere. I know BU will be super convenient wherever I live because it's right off the Charles River Bike Trial. I currently commute about 13 miles a day to work each way... something about this would be the max I would be willing to live for a commute to BU. Preferably, it would be a little less.

Anyone suggestions on where to live? Also, are there any big cyclists that currently attend, or have any advice on this issue? Is it common to have students that commute by bicycle? How convenient is it to shower somewhere (gym?) before class?

Thanks

[BigBlueLaw]

Also are there any reimbursements for ASW / what's the general dress for ASW?

I called up admissions and they said they can reimburse up to $200 in travel expenses alone, buses and trains, etc. not hotels and meals. As for ASD, it said wear what you would wear to class. I'm taking that to mean jeans and a shirt.

How long after getting the phone call did you all get the acceptance packet?

I want to say I got the call on a Tuesday and got the packet on that Friday but it could've been that Monday. I live in NYC if that helps you judge your situation.

[ThreeRivers]

Yea I just got the called yesterday so Idk, but I actually asked him when they would be placed in the mail and he said tomorrow (which is now today)...

So I'd imagine however long it takes to get mail from Boston to you

[ThreeRivers]

Also are there any reimbursements for ASW / what's the general dress for ASW?

I called up admissions and they said they can reimburse up to $200 in travel expenses alone, buses and trains, etc. not hotels and meals. As for ASD, it said wear what you would wear to class. I'm taking that to mean jeans and a shirt.

How long after getting the phone call did you all get the acceptance packet?

I want to say I got the call on a Tuesday and got the packet on that Friday but it could've been that Monday. I live in NYC if that helps you judge your situation.

Thanks, I'll be flying in from Pittsburgh so I'd imagine I'll use the $200 quite quickly lol

[BigBlueLaw]

Thanks, I'll be flying in from Pittsburgh so I'd imagine I'll use the $200 quite quickly lol

Make sure to bring your receipts with you. Any idea which ASD you'll be attending?

[ThreeRivers]

Thanks, I'll be flying in from Pittsburgh so I'd imagine I'll use the $200 quite quickly lol

Make sure to bring your receipts with you. Any idea which ASD you'll be attending?

Not quite sure yet... I can get off either Friday so doesn't really matter for me. My mom has asked if she can go though, so I'm waiting for which day would work better for her

(I know TLS logic of not having parents at ASD, but screw it, I don't really have much objection to her being curious about the school I most want to attend)

[broncos_fan_26]

Thanks, I'll be flying in from Pittsburgh so I'd imagine I'll use the $200 quite quickly lol

Make sure to bring your receipts with you. Any idea which ASD you'll be attending?

Not quite sure yet... I can get off either Friday so doesn't really matter for me. My mom has asked if she can go though, so I'm waiting for which day would work better for her

(I know TLS logic of not having parents at ASD, but screw it, I don't really have much objection to her being curious about the school I most want to attend)

don't bring your mother... just not a good idea lol.

[BigBlueLaw]

Thanks, I'll be flying in from Pittsburgh so I'd imagine I'll use the $200 quite quickly lol

Make sure to bring your receipts with you. Any idea which ASD you'll be attending?

Not quite sure yet... I can get off either Friday so doesn't really matter for me. My mom has asked if she can go though, so I'm waiting for which day would work better for her

(I know TLS logic of not having parents at ASD, but screw it, I don't really have much objection to her being curious about the school I most want to attend)

don't bring your mother... just not a good idea lol.

This. BTW, the ASD info says you can't bring guests. I'm sure they can tour the school and visit but they won't be able to attend the ASD events.

[ThreeRivers]

I've read TLS threads on this so I know the general sentiment is don't bring anyone, but I figured if she wanted to go wouldn't be a big deal (Especially since ASD might be my only visit until I move there for good) and she'd have no problem just exploring the city in events catered to the students.

That being said I haven't received the packet yet... if the ASD info states no guests then I'll definitely be attending alone lol

[landla]

I've read TLS threads on this so I know the general sentiment is don't bring anyone, but I figured if she wanted to go wouldn't be a big deal (Especially since ASD might be my only visit until I move there for good) and she'd have no problem just exploring the city in events catered to the students.

That being said I haven't received the packet yet... if the ASD info states no guests then I'll definitely be attending alone lol

Yeah, there isn't an option to have anyone join you.

While I agree that nobody should attend the ASD, sit in on classes, or attend information sessions other than the potential student, I do agree with the logic of a SO, friend, or parent (if your parent is someone who you find helpful for advice on life decisions) touring the school and area with you. Considering what a huge decision where you attend school is, it makes sense to have someone that you trust give you their thoughts as well.

[ThreeRivers]

Yea.. I just looked at admitted students website on it

I was thinking these ASD / ASW were more of a tour of the place type of thing. Obviously I won't be bringing my parents after reading what it consists of lol

[BigBlueLaw]

Anyone recommend any good hotels in the area? Preferably walking distance from the school.

[ThreeRivers]

Interested in big blue's question, but also what's the best way from airport to bu? Is there a t station or some type of shuttle?

[eaper]

Does anyone know if they'll do travel stipends for non-ASW? I'll be visiting the week before, and that would be really helpful =\

[BigBlueLaw]

Does anyone know if they'll do travel stipends for non-ASW? I'll be visiting the week before, and that would be really helpful =\

I doubt it but I would give them a call just in case.

[landla]

Anyone recommend any good hotels in the area? Preferably walking distance from the school.

It depends largely on in what you are interested: simply get to the school and leave, keeping costs down, having a good time in Boston, etc.

I've never stayed in Boston, since I live in MA, but there's a pretty big diversity. The hotels in the city tend to be the really nice hotels (or maybe those are just the ones anyone ever mentions).

Something you will want to consider (aka why I actually made this post) is that you want a hotel that is convenient off of the T. Logan Airport is the silver line, if you plan to use that to get from the airport to your hotel (which I suggest unless you have a lot of baggage and/or are arriving during rush hour - do not try to travel on the T during rush hour with bags beyond the silver line). I generally would suggest not arriving during rush hour if can avoid it, because it is more difficult to get your bearings and will take you two or three times as long to get where you want, especially if you don't know the place.

To map your trip and any other places you want to visit, I suggest utilizing http://www.mbta.com/rider_tools/trip_planner/ - you can put in stops, addresses, and landmarks, so it is pretty user friendly.

Edit: found this website, no idea how good it is, but it might give you a general idea: http://www.bostonuniversityhotels.com/