Dare to Achieve: Boston University

igorous. Cutting-edge. Sophisticated. These are just a few of the terms our students use to describe Boston University, an urban institution of teaching and research along Boston’s Charles River. A world-class faculty awaits to challenge you in more than 250 major and minor programs of study that can be combined in many ways — including the Boston University Collaborative Degree Program, which allows students to earn degrees from two of the University’s undergraduate Schools and Colleges at once.

An Outstanding Learning Community: With three Nobel Laureates, two MacArthur Fellows, 15 members of the Academy of Arts and Sciences, a former poet laureate, several fellows of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and numerous Fulbright Scholars, the University’s faculty is both accomplished and accessible. With a student/faculty ratio of just 14:1 and a commitment to undergraduate teaching, coupled with a dedication to involving students in cutting-edge research, Boston University is an excellent place to learn both inside and outside the classroom.

Diversity Enhancing Learning: Students come from all 50 states and more than 100 countries, making our campus as diverse as it is academically stimulating. Many professional, cultural, and leadership opportunities are available on campus and in the surrounding communities. The University has more than 400 clubs and organizations.

Investing in Education: Boston University believes that students with strong academic credentials should not have to compromise their educational goals for financial reasons. Our most prestigious scholarships include the Trustee Scholarship, which covers full tuition and mandatory fees for four years of study, and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship, a renewable full-tuition award presented to academically gifted students with proven leadership skills and a strong commitment to social justice and community involvement. We also have a variety of other merit scholarships available. For a full listing, visit www.bu.edu/admissions/apply/scholarship.html.

To learn more about the countless ways to challenge yourself at Boston University, please visit www.bu.edu/admissions.

Profile: Hector G. Mendez

Hector Mendez has dreams of one day working in the health care field. He started out at Boston University as a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major but says that the wealth of courses available to him and the ease of changing his major and making an intra-university transfer really helped him to discover his passion for helping others. Transferring from the College of Arts and Sciences to the premedical track at the Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences will allow him to one day achieve his goal of attending graduate or medical school.

“Academically, Boston University has been challenging but the professors are really looking to help and make sure that you succeed in your courses.”

Hector says this personalized attention and the feeling of really belonging was something he didn’t expect to find at Boston University. “When people look at the University they think they’ll become ‘just a number’ once they get here. I was definitely surprised at the great sense of community and school spirit there is on campus. It’s hard to walk down the street or go to the student union without seeing someone I know. At the same time, I love that every day I get to meet new people and make new friendships.”

Outside the classroom, Hector indulges his passion for helping others through the Community Service Center where he works to coordinate Alternative Spring Break trips. This year he will travel to Honduras with the Boston University chapter of Global Medical Brigades where he will be part of a team of medical professionals and volunteers who offer free medical services to local residents. Hector also enjoys his job working at the Admissions Reception Center and as a President’s Host, giving tours to prospective students.

“In terms of deciding whether or not to attend Boston University, students should definitely visit us and take a campus tour. If they come during the school year, they’ll get a feel for what Boston University is really like. I think it’s important to know what a great atmosphere there is in the city of Boston as well. It really is ‘America’s College Town’ and it’s an incredibly young and intellectual place.”