Incoming Students: Your Top Questions, Answered
Every year during the month of April, incoming CGS students join us for our Open House events to ask their questions about the CGS experience, student life at BU, the gap semester and more. We compiled some of your top questions—and their answers—so that you have all the information you need as you prepare to embark on your college experience.
Gap Semester
Can I take courses over my gap semester?
Yes, but you’ll want to get the course pre-approved to ensure you’ll get transfer credit. Your academic advisor can help you with this process. If you prefer to travel over your gap semester, we’ve compiled this list of recommended programs to help you narrow your choices.
Why is there a gap semester? How can I graduate in four years if I don’t start until January?
We believe the gap semester is a critical time that allows students to reflect on their high school experiences and think critically about what they want out of college. We find that our students start their college experiences refreshed and excited about pursuing their education at Boston University. Students use the time to travel, take courses toward their major, intern, work, or pursue hobbies. The first-year curriculum, with its summer component, is set up so that students complete a full year’s worth of credits and return to campus for their sophomore year in the same position as any other student.
January Start
Is it harder to adjust to campus life starting in January?
Actually, most of our students say they found it easy to adjust! Boston University hosts a series of events for students starting in January called Winter Weeks of Welcome, as well as Splash 2.0, a club and organization fair designed to give you opportunities to get involved on campus. And since CGS is such a tight-knit community, you’ll meet plenty of people within your classes who are also starting in January.
Where will I live on campus? Will I only be with other CGS students?
CGS students can live anywhere on campus and with students from any school or college. Before you arrive, you’ll be asked to fill out a survey of housing preferences. Many students find that with a January start, they are actually given more desirable housing options, which they can hold on to for their sophomore year and pull friends into if spaces open up.
London Experience
What does a week in London typically look like?
You’ll have four hours of classes each day in social sciences, humanities, and rhetoric. Each week also includes assignments that take you out into the city—to museums, monuments, and landmarks. You’ll also take trips with your faculty to places like Oxford, Bath, and Greenwich.
Is the workload manageable? Will I have time to explore London?
Yes! Although the classes are accelerated in the summer program, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the culture and sights of London. Many of your assignments involve getting out into the city and going to museums or historical sites. Boston University Study Abroad also provides an optional social program with trips outside of London. Past highlights: Harry Potter Studio Tour, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Tea at the Tate, Edinburgh, Kensington Palace, Windsor Castle, and the London Eye, and theater.
What if I’d rather not go to London?
The Boston-New England Experience is a great alternative for students who prefer not to travel to London! The program has a similar focus on interdisciplinary and experiential education, but instead of London, you’ll visit historical sites throughout New England.
CGS Curriculum
What does general studies mean exactly? What will I be learning?
The College of General Studies program is designed to give you a classic foundational liberal arts education. You’ll take courses in four divisions—humanities, social sciences, rhetoric, and natural sciences—while still pursuing electives toward your major. In addition to giving you an exemplary foundational education, the program also fulfills many of the BU HUB requirements needed to graduate.
When can I start taking classes toward my major?
As soon as you like! The CGS curriculum leaves space for an elective in your first semester on campus, whether you know what you want to major in or are looking to explore your options. You’ll work closely with an academic advisor to ensure that you’re registering for the classes that make the most sense for you.
My Major
Are we guaranteed a spot in our chosen college after the first two years of CGS?
Yes. The CGS curriculum is designed to lead you seamlessly into whatever major program you want to pursue in any school or college at BU. As long as you maintain the GPA required to stay at BU, you’ll be able to continue into the school or college of your choice after sophomore year. Be sure to work closely with your academic advisor to ensure you’ve planned your course schedule in a way that makes the transition as seamless as possible. Your advisors have mapped out pathways to every degree program at the university, which will be a helpful starting point. Please note that the details of these pathways change from year to year, and your advisor will always be the most up-to-date source of information.
If I have major, minor and pre-professional goals in mind, how can I accomplish them while also completing the CGS program?
By working closely with your academic advisor! CGS alumni go on to study in every school and major at BU, including our pre-professional tracks. Though you may need to plan your schedule a bit more carefully if you have multiple goals or want to pursue a highly demanding major, our academic advising team is ready to help you accomplish whatever you’ve set your mind on.
We’re so excited to welcome the CGS Class of 2027 to campus next January! If you still have questions about the program, your gap semester, student life at BU, or anything else, please email us at cgs@bu.edu, and we’ll get you the answers you’re looking for.
— Compiled by Chelsea Feinstein and Kirthana Iyer