BLCU, Qinghua, BNU, others?

[gubokai]

I am an intermediate level Mandarin student looking to study in Beijing for 6-months to a year to improve my chinese for business. Studied in Taiwan previously, and I'm anticipating a move to Beijing for the Fall 2009/Spring 2010 semesters.

I've been reading a lot of posts on this forum, the majority about BLCU (the most popluar program) and some say that BLCU, while offering a great environment and relaxed atmosphere, suffers when it comes to teaching quality and class size. Also, others have said that too many Western students in class reduces the chance to speak Chinese with classmates.

I'm considering BLCU (probably upper level-A or B class), and also looking at Qinghua and BeiShiDa (BNU) as alternatives. I do not meet the 800-character minimum so that probably disqualifies me from entering BeiDa (although maybe others have studied there at a more basic level?)

Also is there anyone who has taken the BLCU intensive class who could share some insights about that? Do the students there tend to be more serious about studying compared to the normal program or is it just more accelerated in terms of progress in the book/character learning?

I haven't read too many posts about Qinghua and BeiShiDa, but most say that they are more satisfied with their class compared to BLCU. -- I'd like to know how the programs rank in terms of class size, homework given -- and is there anyone out there who has been in these programs and give some more insight? i'd like to be at one of the major universities but are there any other programs in Beijing that i should consider?

Also, i will be getting my application in on time, but it seems (not surprisingly) that these schools are flexible with application date and payment, Shi Da in Taipei was the same way, if you approach things in a chinese way and assume the rules can be bent, they usually can

Thoughts/comments appreciated.