@TomSrOfBoston @PengsPhils Thank you so much for the quick answers! The link helped a lot, actually. The visual is a good way to explain how everything is planned out. I’m planning on majoring in poli sci or journalism, but I think that the co-ops seem like a great way to figure out if either of those are what I want to do for sure. I’m still not positive that the co-op program is an idea that I could get used to just because it’s so unusual (at least, compared to the other schools I’ve looked at), but I’m definitely going to seriously consider it. Thanks!
Co-op may be unusual for other schools, but it is important to remember that all of NEU is of that mindset, and that makes a difference once you get to campus for sure. Good luck in your college search!
@pengsphils @nanotechnology My son will be a first year CCIS Honors student. What do kids there use to carry books and stuff around? Will he need a backpack, or maybe a laptop case with extra pockets, or just run back to IV between classes for whatever he needs for his next class?
@apccpa Backpacks are very common, as are messenger bags. Personal preference. I would not recommend running back to IV between classes, as the time between the class blocks is only 10 minutes. I probably wouldn’t get just a laptop case with extra pockets either, as it would make walking around campus pretty difficult. If he goes to get lunch at Rebecca’s, he’d need one hand for his food, probably the other for his drink or at least to take out his Husky card to swipe. Or, if it’s a Friday and he’s stocking up on food at Rebecca’s/Outtakes, he’ll be able to carry significantly less with one hand holding the laptop.
Guys typically carry their stuff in backpacks (the girls have those vera bradley totes)
Do the classes require the students to carry a lot ot textbooks?
My daughter likes to carry her textbooks - she will park herself somewhere on campus and since she has her textbook with her do her homework (rather than doing it in her room). Some teachers will require you bring a textbook and some won’t. Remember this is not like High school - you won’t have all your classes every day and need to lug around a ton of books for them. Just pack your bag for the 2 or 3 classes you have that day and be set for the day.
Eh, I’ve noticed most girls have backpacks, and very few Very Bradley ones at that. A lot of Northface, Nike, cutesy little boutique ones.
It entirely depends on the professor, most don’t require bringing the textbooks but some might. Most classes at least will require a notebook/folder/binder for notes, handouts, etc.
In the course of 10 classes at NEU, only one have I ever brought a book to class. Most don’t even have books. I personally use an athletic strap bag, though that is the minimum IMO. I bring a folder and notebook per class, usually no more than two at a time. So my bag is pretty light. The outside pocket has a pen or two and headphones / phone / wallet etc, and I’m good to go.
For CS, just have something you can carry your laptop if needed. A small backpack would be my recommendation if you don’t go as light as I do. You won’t need a ton of textbooks for CS at all. A laptop case with pockets would work well so long as you have room for a notebook or two.
I personally have yet to need to bring my laptop to class regularly. I hand write my notes (including code) so I don’t have any need for it as a note taking device, so if you take notes on a computer this is obviously different. I bring it occasionally to play games / browse if I know the class will be boring or is review or something I don’t feel needs my full attention. I think my laptop has been in class maybe 10 days total.
Also, I am a TA for Fundies 1 this semester so good luck to your son! 
Feel free to contact me for any help or advice!
Thanks @kiddie @novafan1225 @PengsPhils. I’ll tell my son to look out for you @PengsPhils. He’ll be in Lerner’s Honors Fundies class.
@PengsPhils - woot fundies tutoring! I spent 3 semesters as a tutor and 2 as a TA. I thought it was a lot of fun. Mostly. Until someone got upset about their homework grade or their partner.
What were the stats you got that got you into the honors program?
Also, when I visited I loved the campus and the feel of it, but once you leave campus the immediate area around NEU almost seemed ghetto. Thoughts on this? Is it an issue at all?
collegegirl,
NEU is in a very good location. If you consider anything near NEU ghetto I am not sure where you come from. Area to the north of NEU is particularly nice with Newburry street not too far away.
Northeastern’s immediate neighbors include the Museum of Fine Arts, Symphony Hall and the Christian Science Center. You may feel more comfortable at a suburban college.
If you go directly south, you will be going into Roxbury, a neighborhood certainly not as rich as most neighborhoods in Boston. However, Most of the rest of the areas around NEU, the ones you will go out into, are anything but “ghetto”.
North, you have Fenway Park and the Fenway / Kenmore neighborhood which has a ton to offer, from good local restaurants to chains to a movie theatre and an entire shopping complex, not to mention the ballpark itself. North of that of course is BU and then eventually Cambridge. Oh, and don’t forget you have the MFA down the block and all NEU students get in free.
A little bit more North-east of NEU you have Newbury and the back bay area, both very vibrant and has a ton of shopping (next to the prudential center as well)
If you head into the city (east) you have all the major attractions: the North End, Faneuil Hall, the Aquarium, and Boston Commons.
I couldn’t ask for a better neighborhood to be around IMO in terms of location and what you can do without much travel. In the past 3 days I have been in practically all of those places. So while it does have Roxbury to the south, the other neighborhoods around NEU are really quite amazing. Even Roxbury isn’t avoid at all costs: I go through there on occasion for a few things now and then. The only “issue” I could think of is the social issue of gentrification that Roxbury is undergoing slightly by NEU being so close. In terms of your daily life, students won’t be affected by it.
Hope that helps!
Thank you, I think the only reason Roxbury stood out to me was because when my brother and I visited we got lost for 20 min. and it felt a little scary because it seemed a little bit rundown. I’m glad it is not an issue! So do you mind sharing the stats you have that got you into the honors program?
I am not in the honors program personally. I had a 34 ACT and a 3.8W GPA. One trend I’ve noticed is that while NEU heavily weights test scores for admission, they base honors on GPA and other academic involvement more than scores. So, if you are looking for someone to guess a line, I would say 3.8+UW and 2175/32+ would give you a shot.
Does Northeastern consider SAT2 scores alot?
SAT II scores are only required for home schooled applicants. Otherwise if you have taken them and did well (700+) you may want to submit them.