Study in Boston

If you're considering studying in Boston, we've collected some must-know information below.

What is it like to study in Boston?

Boston is one of the biggest cities in the United States.  Although the city itself can seem compact and walkable, when you take into the Greater Boston area, there are almost five million residents. Among these five million residents, there are a huge number of students – about 7.3% which is one of the highest student populations per capita in the country. Unsurprisingly, Bean Town continually scores well in top spots when it comes to being the best city for students. In fact, in 2023, it ranked 11th in the QS Best Student Cities Ranking.

There are a number of factors contributing to this. First and foremost, Boston is home to some of the world's greatest universities including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Boston's academic environment also brings in top employers and the city has very good scores when it comes to employer activity. This gives new graduates better chances of employment and internships — as well as the incentive to stay in the city after they've completed their studies. The Boston area is also well known for its contemporary arts and culture scene. Plus, there is lots to do for entertainment: the city boasts an exciting restaurant scene and is home to lots of bars and pubs.

Where to study in Boston?

As we've mentioned above, Boston is home to some of the best educational establishments in the US, as well as lots that are solidly well-respected (if a little less competitive!). If you plan to apply to universities like Harvard or MIT, you will need to have exceptional grades.

Here are some of the most top universities in Boston – although Boston has the fourth most colleges in the USA, so there are definitely a number of universities that have not made it onto our list!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Coming first in the famous QS Top Universities rankings, MIT is a private university founded in 1861. It is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Alongside its distinguished science faculty, MIT also excels in the fields of architecture, economic and political science. Courses are provided by five different faculties; architecture and planning, engineering, humanities, arts and social science, management, and science. Despite suppositions to the contrary, it provides much more than science and technology training.

It's interesting to note that over 80 Nobel prize holders have graduated from MIT, not to mention 34 astronauts. Fifty-two former students have also received the National Medal of Science. It ranks number one in the QS Top Universities 2021. Being one of the most selective universities in the US, MIT only has a 6.7% intake every year. Additionally, tuition fees at the university amount to over $53,700 a year. The university's commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and advancing society's technological frontiers has earned it a well-deserved reputation as one of the world's most influential and prestigious institutions – if you've got MIT on your CV, then people will sit up and take notice. Famous alumni include Buzz Aldrin, Larry Page (co-founder of Google) and Benjamin Netanyahu, the former Prime Minister of Israel. Elon Musk also attended MIT, but did not graduate.

Harvard University

Founded in 1636 in Cambridge, a township in the Greater Boston Area, Harvard University is the oldest higher education institution in the US. Ranking fourth in the QS Top Universities 2021, it is part of the Ivy League along with seven other prestigious US universities. World-famous for its excellence in higher education, Harvard University provides nearly 4,000 courses in some 40 different fields with the most popular being law, business and medicine. Notable Harvard alumni include Mark Zuckerberg, Michelle Obama and Bill Gates.

The number of foreign students has significantly increased over the past two decades. Most recently, the university reported having close to 7,000 international students.

Harvard remains to be one of the most selective universities in the country. In 2020, the acceptance rate at the university stood at 4.7%.

Boston University

Boston University is an independent private university that was founded in 1839. It provides 17 general courses and specializes in law, management, medicine, engineering and education. Boston University ranks 93rd in the QS Top Universities 2021. The main university campus is alongside the Charles River in the Fenway-Kenmore area, while the medical campus is found in the south of Boston. The university reports that its foreign student population is close to 24%. Boston University is well known and often honored for its quality research work, which is even government subsidized. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the famous names to have attended Boston University.

Tufts University

Tufts University, located in Medford, Massachusetts, is a prestigious private research university known for its strong emphasis on civic engagement and internationalism. With a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, Tufts' students are encouraged to explore their interests and engage in experiential learning. The university's commitment to social responsibility is evident through its various community outreach initiatives. About 15% of the student body are international. Famous alumni include singer Tracy Chapman and politician Michael Bloomberg.

Emerson College

Situated in the heart of Boston's downtown Theater District, the Boston Common, Emerson College is renowned for its excellence in communication, arts, and liberal arts education. As a private institution, Emerson offers a vibrant and creative atmosphere, nurturing aspiring theater-makers, filmmakers, writers, actors, journalists, directors, and artists. Students at Emerson benefit from hands-on learning experiences, state-of-the-art facilities, and collaborations with industry professionals. Famous Emerson alumni include Jennifer Coolidge, Jay Leno, and Bill Burr. About 11% of the student body at Emerson are internationals.

Student scholarships to study in Boston

Studying in the US can be very costly, but different scholarships are also available. It is possible to apply for a scholarship for all or part of your studies in Boston. Foreign students are also eligible for merit and social scholarships, regardless of their nationality.

Once you have decided which Boston-based university is for you, you should check whether you are entitled to financial assistance. In general, scholarships are granted on a quota basis, except in the case of some universities where the need-blind admission system applies. Every year, nearly 58% of MIT and 55% of Harvard students receive a scholarship of some type.

It's worthy to note that Harvard and MIT are among the top seven US universities and the only ones in Boston where the need-blind admission system applies. In other words, they do not take into account the students' financial situation, not even that of international students. Students are therefore selected according to the merit of their applications and once admitted, they may be offered partial or full scholarships. However, it is important to bear in mind that while a student may be admitted via the need-blind system, the university may not cover all the necessary financial needs that the student requires to attend.

Enrollment in a US university: When and how?

It is best to enroll in a university immediately after high school to avoid wasting one or more years to study elsewhere, as there may be no equivalence between American and some foreign degrees. Moreover, scholarships are generally awarded to undergraduate students who want to study in Boston. Enrollment procedures can be quite long and tedious, so it might be wise to start well before completing high school. Most American universities require international students to pass the TOEFL English test and the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) which you will also have to do once you have chosen your university. All this can take a couple of months, taking into account that documents required can vary from one university to another. Recommendation letters, application forms and a letter of interest may be needed by some. Applications should be sent on January 1st at the latest for the September intake. You should receive a confirmation letter by April, should you have been selected.

Courses and diplomas in a US university

Like in many countries, courses are taught in small groups in an amphitheater, depending on the chosen field. You can do your homework on campus or at home, while the classroom is mainly animated by lively debates and discussions. Marks are first assigned in percentage and then converted into letters from A to F according to the Grade Point Average system.

In the United States, the education system is structured into various degree levels, each serving a specific stage of academic advancement. Here are the main types of degrees in the USA:

How to apply for a student visa to the US?

It can be quite a lengthy process to obtain a US student visa. You can apply only after you have enrolled in a Boston university and have accepted an offer of study. International students are generally entitled to the F1 visa, while those enrolling for technical or vocational courses are eligible for the M1 visa. You will have to complete the related formalities yourself, as well as providing fees for visa processing.

A student visa usually allows you to work on campus with the approval of your university and employer. Unless you have this agreement, the US government will not assign you a social security number, which is essential for working in the country. Additionally, all students must get health insurance. Feel free to seek information from your university which might have its own affiliation.

Find more information on related formalities and visas in the US Expat Guide.

Student accommodation in Boston

Most students in Boston prefer to stay on the university campus. Not only is it cheaper and more convenient, it is also a great way to make new friends.

Some students, however, prefer to look for independent accommodation. Note, however, that Boston is the second most expensive city for renters in the US. Students who don't want to live on campus but don't have the budget for individual apartments can also consider having roommates. This can help not only manage costs, but also save time by sharing house chores, grocery shopping, etc.

Living in Boston like a local

You're definitely not likely to get bored in a vibrant cosmopolitan city such as Boston, where you can enjoy a wide range of cultural activities. As the cradle of the US, Massachusetts will take you on a lively journey into American history.

The Freedom Trail is a 4km walk in the heart of Boston, and it is one of the most popular activities, with no less than 16 famous historical sites along the way. If you're more into museums, you will probably be delighted by a trip to the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum or the Harvard Art Museum.

Also, Boston is a city where you can stroll around and get lost in its charms, unlike other major bustling US cities such as New York or Washington, which have grid layouts and numbered streets. Did you know that Boston has been nicknamed “the most confusing city in America” - Thanks to its efficient transport system, you won't even need a car.

However, if you are in the mood for a pleasant drive, Bostonians enjoy renting a car and spending a weekend in New England on sunny days. Autumn in Boston is quite memorable, with beautiful parks and huge trees in most areas making it a colorful time of year.

Article written by expat.com
Last update on 04 October 2023 06:55:14
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