Sesquicentennial class examines BC history

1963

Credentials

In 1963, admission to BC was contingent upon a candidate's character, personality, and health, in addition to academic promise. All students completed a personal interview, and their field of specialization was based upon their high school curriculum. Students had to complete four years of English, two years of a foreign language, two years of algebra, one year of geometry, and other standard courses. Those who wanted to study science or math had to complete additional science courses. All students had to take the SAT and three Achievement Tests, or SAT IIs, in English, math, and a foreign language. Seven weeks after submitting all required materials, students were informed of the University's decision regarding their admission.

Service and Extra-curriculars

In 1963, Boston College students were involved in a number of extra curricular activities on campus. At this time, the highest body of student government on campus was the Campus Council, which consisted of two elected members per class. Although the Undergraduate Government of Boston College (UGBC)  did not exist in the early 1960's, there were a handful of organizations that still exist today at BC around campus in 1963. Some of these include the Eagle's Band, WVBC (the predecessor of WZBC) as well as a number of campus publications such as Stylus, Sub Turri, and The Heights. Other popular clubs at the time included the University Chorale, The Gold Key Society (a selective honors society), and the Fulton Debating Society. Also in 1963, a branch of the American Association of University Women, an organization that worked to promote the interests and professional status of educated American women, established itself at BC. This was  just one of a number of organizations that worked to promote the interests of women at BC in the early 60's, such as the Women's Council, the Resident Women's Council, and the Women's Recreation Association. This blossoming of opportunities for women at BC was a sign of the changing times, as the issue of women's rights was just beginning to gain momentum in the public sphere. 

Athletics

In 1963, Boston College sports teams were developing into some of the best in the country.  The football team finished with a 6-3 record and was ranked 53rd in the nation.  The basketball team received a huge boost by hiring NBA legend Bob Cousey as head coach.  Cousey helped lead the team to numerous NCAA tournament berths and put the program in the national spotlight.  The hockey team was one of the nation's best, winning the Beanpot against Harvard and making it to the Frozen Four round of the NCAA tournament.

Academics

As Boston College celebrated its illustrious one-hundredth year as a university, many academic traditions continued to prosper while others underwent reform. The Jesuit tradition was still strong in the institution, as Catholics were required to take theology courses and participate in a three-day retreat at least once in their collegiate careers.  However, these theology requirements did not apply to non-Catholic students. Class attendance was mandatory and all classes were required to maintain track of student whereabouts. Rev. Michael Walsh S.J, president of BC at the time, created a Committee on the Total Curriculum to analyze the course requirements for the university and create a better system.    Before the changes in 1963, 48 courses were required for a degree. The committee believed this was too heavy of a workload for the students, and the number was reduced to the 38 we are familiar with today.  The core curriculum still consisted of half of the total number of courses, but was more religiously based.

Social Life

Sure, they didn't have the Wii or Akon to relieve them from the pressures of academic ambitions, but the class of 1963 had the energy of dance parties, the musical entertainment of Harry Marshard and the Highwaymen as sources of diversion on any given weekend at BC.  Mixers, football victory dances, proms, twist parties, skits, and other shows were highlights of the BC social season. Football rival Holy Cross was the equivalent to today's Notre Dame game. The Holy Cross game weekend was filled with dances, Pre-Cross rallies, and often times, victory celebrations.

Culture

In terms of pop culture, 1963 was a transition year.  The 50s were old news but the swinging 60s weren't quite underway just yet.  Youth all across America, including BC students, were hearing the Beatles and the Rolling Stones for the first time as both bands dropped their first American albums, and singles like "Surfin' the USA" and "Ring of Fire" topped the charts.  Girls were just beginning to cut their hair shorter, which would be the typical "mod" look within the next few years, and hemlines rose as the shift dress started to trickle down into mainstream culture.  On the other side, boys found every occasion was an occasion to wear a cardigan or a polyester tee.   Students at BC in 1963 hit the movies to see Alfred Hitchcock's now famous film The Birds as well as Cleopatra starring Elizabeth Taylor, which was the top-grossing film of the year.  On the small screen, Astro Boy and General Hospital premiered and shot up in viewership popularity.  Additionally, if the students weren't overwhelmed by schoolwork and had a spare moment to do some leisurely reading, the New York Times Bestseller List put JD Salinger's Raise High the Roofbeams, Carpenters on top.

1913

Credentials

Like today, in 1913, Boston College looked for students of high moral character who also excelled in their high school curriculum.  However, the applicants faced a much different process than those today. In 1913, applicants had to pass an extensive exam that covered Latin and Greek authors, grammar, composition, english, writing, mathematics, a sampling of histories, French, German, and various sciences.  However, if an applicant attended Boston College Preparatory High School, he was admitted without examination as long as he competently completed his studies.  Additionally, if an applicant was a graduate of an approved high school, the applicant bypassed the exam and submitted a resume that included the areas he studied and a certificate from the headmaster proving the student had passed his courses and was prepared for college.