'A city girl in Chinese culture' - BU supplement- why boston university?

hi there! i hope you can check my grammatical errors and give some feedback on my supplement to BU (due 1/1/09). Thank you!!

PROMPT- Students consider many different factors when applying to college. Briefly discuss who or what influenced your decision to apply to Boston University:

I am a city girl. I always have other people telling me, "You are lucky to live in New York City" and I like to hear that. However, I begin to realize that New York is the city that never sleeps; there is so much action taking place there. On the other hand, Boston offers a more peaceful niche but is also fast paced. Boston, a city well known for its prestigious universities such as Boston University (BU), a surfeit of historical landmarks and diverse cultures, is a place where I can connect to and be more comfortable in than my hometown. I remember a time when I visited a college fair at New York University this summer. I was immediately drawn to the immense flag of Boston University that sprinkled with red and white colors. Then, I heard the alumni talk about the extraordinary opportunities offered at BU's study abroad program. There is no other university that have over seventy international programs other than BU. BU has a spectacular program in Shanghai, which I would definitely like to join. Since I plan to take Chinese in college, I hope to participate in the Shanghai Chinese Language and Culture Program so I can immerse myself completely in Chinese culture. Located in the heart of Boston, Boston University surrounds students with so much culture and diversity that I can socially interact and intellectually grow as a person there.

There is no other university that has over seventy international programs other than BU.

BU has a spectacular program in Shanghai, which I would definitely like to join.
-- This sounds a bit too informal. Maybe "which I would like to be a part of"?

I know there is probably a word/character limit, but if you could, then I suggest putting a small transition between talking about Shanghai and the last sentence. Overall, I like it, and it looks pretty good.