<p>I even made a compare contrast list, but basically I'm an Indian student who would like to have other Indians around, I want to pursue economics and more particularly development economics, I want to attend parties but not necessarily get hammered, I want to have depth in my extracurriculars and don't want academics to swallow my life, but I think I can handle academically challenging courses at any of these institutions. </p>
<p>I was leaning towards NU because I would love to do internships at Chicago but the atmosphere when I visited was a little more serious than I'd anticipated. They did not seem to be as laid-back and easy-going as some other places I'd visited (such as WashU). </p>
<p>I have Echols at UVa and it is in state for me, which makes it a really good deal, but my parents are willing to finance my education and they advised me not to factor money into my final decision. </p>
<p>So, I think I am primarily choosing between NU and Brown. Any advice?</p>
<p>Of the three schools, Northwestern has the best economics dept. In general, NU is a laidback school. Since it operates on the quarter system, students have finals three times a year. I never thought NU was serious and cutthroat (I’m an alum).</p>
<p>Here is a similar thread from a few weeks ago, except with UChicago instead of UVa: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-chicago/896631-chicago-vs-northwestern-vs-brown.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-chicago/896631-chicago-vs-northwestern-vs-brown.html</a>
NU has a great econ department, especially for micro theory, but Brown has some of the best development economists in the world ([Development</a> Economics - Economics - Graduate Schools - Education - US News and World Report](<a href=“http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-economics-schools/development-economics]Development”>http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-economics-schools/development-economics)), beating NU in this area by a large margin. However, since both schools have econ departments in the top 20, differences in specific areas are important primarily for grad students (especially since your interests can easily change). As an undergrad, I feel like issues to be concerned with are things like academic environment, opportunities to do research, teaching, etc. I know quite a few undergrads who serve as research assistants for econ profs at Brown. If you have not already heard about it, a very unique aspect of a Brown education is the open curriculum (<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/brown-university/385841-brown-curriculum-university-college-explained.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/brown-university/385841-brown-curriculum-university-college-explained.html</a>). Brown’s culture is very much cooperative and friendly as opposed to competitive. Professors are very accessible and known for caring about teaching undergraduates and not just conducting their own research (which is why Brown is known for being a great undergraduate school: [Best</a> Colleges - Education - US News and World Report](<a href=“http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/national-ut-rank]Best”>http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/national-ut-rank)). Life at Brown is lots of fun, especially since you are given so much freedom to design your own education. They’re both great schools, so best of luck with college admissions!</p>
<p>tenisghs - I’m sure it’s not “cutthroat”; I was only there for a day and the fact it was a Monday may have had something to do with it, but there was more studying involved than I’d imagined before.</p>
<p>wewet234 - I think the issues you mentioned are great criteria and thank you for the specifics you provided regarding Brown. Yes, of course I’m aware of the Open Curriculum - in fact, that was why I was attracted to Brown in the first place. </p>
<p>I guess another thing I want to add is that I’ve been attending a magnet school and I’ve loved being surrounded by smart kids. I know Brown has a lower acceptance rate (~9 to NU’s ~23), but I’m not sure how much weight to give to this, because I’m sure NU also has extremely intelligent students. </p>
<p>I also heard NU now has tons of funding for undergrad research. Is this true as well at Brown? Also, I have a bunch of AP credit - I think NU gives up to 12 credits but I’m not sure about Brown’s policy?</p>
<p>Brown has the Open Curriculum and awesome academics. They do not accept AP nor IB credit. The will only take them into consideration for advanced course placement. Undergrad research at Brown is readily accessible and there are plenty of opportunities all throughout the year and during the summers. </p>
<p>And I think that Providence is more quaint, artsy and fun than Evanston (which is a Chicago suburb and away from the action).</p>
<p>UVa for you is cheap, convenient, and laid-back. If you’re going to turn it down, Northwestern’s superior economics program is the logical choice. </p>
<p>Brown’s open curriculum is its attractive feature, but the Echols program at UVa also frees students from any curriculum requirements. Obviously all three universities have “awesome academics.”</p>
<p>As for Evanston, MyOpinion described it best.
</p>
<p>Anyone who is surprised that students are studying on a Monday, particularly at this time of the year, needs a serious dose of reality.</p>
<p>I see your problem… they are all three about equally attractive. Honestly, I’d broker a deal with MY parents for UVA + cash in MY bank… but that’s just me :)</p>
<p>Brown kids are trying to persuade me that the social opportunities available here (no matter who you are) are not like anywhere else. Plus, the Ivy label means a lot to future employers. True or false?</p>
<p>“Plus, the Ivy label means a lot to future employers. True or false?”</p>
<p>False. It also depends by region and industry. I know here in the Midwest no one really cares about Brown.</p>
<p>"I see your problem… they are all three about equally attractive. Honestly, I’d broker a deal with MY parents for UVA + cash in MY bank… but that’s just me "</p>
<p>HAHA that’s kinda funny I was thinking ok mom and dad UVA and a car! haha.</p>
<p>In all seriousness, you can’t make a bad choice obviously. I would consider where you would feel most at home so you can study in comfort. Personally, if money really is not a factor - my choice would be between Brown and Northwestern and that would be more about personal fit in terms of environment. You might find more of an Indian community in Chicago - the city is still close enough to enjoy from Evanston- than in Providence, but the open curriculum is very very sweet.</p>
<p>You are leaning in the right direction. Northwestern is simply a better school than Brown and UVA. Brown is overrated…wouldn’t rank as high as it does if it didn’t play field hockey vs Princeton.</p>
<p>Based on what “Objective”?</p>
<p>Brown is a great school in its own right, but I don’t think the social scene in and of itself is a valid reason to choose it, especially because your judgement of
Northwestern’s social scene isn’t particularly accurate. I visited on a Friday and found it rather vibrant, with kids happily chatting everywhere. It’s certainly not a reason to exclude NU.</p>
<p>Definately Northwestern!</p>
<p>UVA is good too. Brown is pretty much a school for unmotivated rich kids.</p>
<p>Just want to clear up a misconception:</p>
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</p>
<p>Brown accepts several AP courses for credit, including calculus and potentially econ. More are accepted only for placement. A few are not accepted at all.</p>
<p>^^You guys realize this is over a month old?</p>