<p>Why did you guys choose Northwestern over similar universities? Over the past few months, I have been attracted more and more to the university -- and I think that's because of the community sense at Northwestern. So just out of curiosity -- Why did you choose Northwestern? I'm sure that all of you guys have different reasons and it would be amazing to hear (or read) everyone's view.</p>
<p>P.S. -- From what I have heard, Charles Moskos is a god</p>
<p>I steadfastly refused to apply to an Ivy league school b/c as a NJ kid, I needed to leave the pressure, formality, and culture of the Northeast.
NU wasn't really too seriously on my radar, but a few unexpected rejections put it into the mix.
When I visited, I really liked it. Yet, I liked it more when I thought of Northwestern in a more generic sense.
I truly believe that it is the most complete university in the country: Top-notch academics + Big 10 athletics (we're not nearly the doormat that masochistic fans make it out to be) + #1 journalism school in the country + engineers + #1 non-conservatory theater department in the country + GREAT college town + major American city + a lake + a medium size with a medium sized-campus + a strong Greek presence, but not dominating = the ultimate college experience</p>
<p>Going to a school that offers more diversity in quality of education, sectors of academia, social climate, and physical environment really has made my NU experience. It can truly be everything to everyone.</p>
<p>wow, it's great to see that the students who chose Northwestern are passionate about it -- I guess that adds to the 'community' aspect that initially drew me to Northwestern. The hard part is getting in though!</p>
<p>Agree with CA's post, that was excellent. My favorite thing about the school now (not a reason I accepted, because I didn't know back then) is that I can take classes in so many different departments that are renowned, and that anyone who comes to NU with an idea of what they want to do and does a complete 180 can still pursue the new passion in a respectable program because of how diverse NU is.</p>
<p>I once read Northwestern described as the perfect "Hybrid Vigor" institution: Top-notch "private school" academics + Big 10 "public school" athletics, great "suburban" college town + major American "city", Major research University + small enough to get individualized attention, excellence in pre-professional (journalism, speech etc) as well as arts and sciences. Truly a unique institution.</p>
<p>I looked at Ivies and schools out east, but Northwestern had always been on my "radar" throughout high school because it's perfect for what I want to study and has an environment that I want to learn/live in. You get the best of several different worlds: Near-Ivy caliber academics (in my opinion), a great faculty, proximity to a huge (and wonderful) American city, yet in a smaller, manageable town, the school spirit, Big Ten athletics, a great sense of fun and support, diversity, prestige, and name recognition ("Oh, NU is such a great school! Lucky you!" = what you might hear from people) :D</p>
<p>NU is also kind of grounded and isn't as hyped up as the Ivies. Of course, Ivies are amazing schools and there's a reason for their high rankings, but people get too crazy over them.</p>
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Near-Ivy caliber academics (in my opinion)
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<p>Your opinion is wrong. NU's academics are of at least equal caliber to the Ivies. And if you're looking for name recognition, I take it you're from the midwest lol. And you're right, there is a reason for their high rankings: Tradition and endowment size.</p>
<p>I have to agree with arbiter: as far as most of the Ivies go, NU is not near them, it's with them
I suppose I would give Yale and Princeton an edge, undergraduate-wise, but NU is clearly an academic peer of, for example, Dartmouth, Brown, Cornell and Penn, is just doesn't have the same "snob appeal" in the east (we're from NY), but frankly, neither I nor - more importantly - my daughter gave a damn.
NU is a terrific school. Period.</p>
<p>Thanks, that's good to hear! I didn't want to sound pompous about NU (b/c I'm going there next year :D) but I guess I shouldn't worry about that!</p>
<p>I recently had dinner with relatives from Maryland (Yale, Penn, Harvard grads) and when I mentioned that I'm going to Northwestern, I thought I heard crickets! What gives? SO annoying!</p>
<p>Its because these people must know that Penn basically dominates NU... sexually. The standards at Penn are set much higher, in terms of Mind and Body, Obvi...</p>
<p>I am just lurking on this forum to check for any word of NU admission rates for the class of 2012 and I came upon this thread.</p>
<p>I just want to encourage you all to be proud of being a future wildcat. Northwestern has opened plenty of doors for me as well as for other alum. </p>
<p>We are a top school in Chicagoland with an especially diverse student body. I can count among my friends journalism, engineering, music, and speech pathology majors. There are plenty of us working in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, rubbing shoulders with alum from other top schools; there is no need to feel inferior. Northwestern has a solid reputation.</p>
<p>My friends graduated Northwestern getting top jobs in fields like investment banking and consulting (Boston Consulting Group, Bain among others). I have friends in med schools like Stanford, the University of Chicago, and Mt. Sinai. I have friends in law schools like Harvard and Columbia. And friends doing Teach for America.</p>
<p>As for me, I'm heading to Penn Law next year after teaching in New York City for two years. And I'm convinced that the admissions committee recognized the rigor of a Northwestern degree.</p>
<p>Oh, and of course, we do feed ourselves, with the business school of Kellogg, Feinberg medical school, and the law school having NU alum.</p>