Can some one compare the social and academic aspects of… (drumroll please!)
WUStL
Northwestern
UChicago
Research opportunities?
I am going into a science field.
UChicago=very intense academics, intellectual environment, living the “life of the mind”. Probably the most rigorous academics of the 3 schools you have listed. It’s a very different environment from NU. Unofficial motto is “where fun goes to die” though I’ll have to see how true that is this year (incoming first-year at UChicago here). You have to really love learning for the sake of learning and I’ve heard you can go to a party and hear people talking about Plato and Durkheim. Also has its famous “core curriculum” which includes required classes such as humanities, social science, art/music/drama, bio, phys sci, etc. So if you want to be free to choose any classes and have an “open curriculum” UChicago might not be the best place for that.
Northwestern definitely isn’t as “intellectual” as UChicago and is a little more social, though the people there still love to learn, according to my friend. There are also some gen ed requirements but I don’t think they’re as big of a deal as UChicago’s.
Can’t really say anything about WUStL.
Best way to compare them, in my opinion, is to visit the schools if you can. I visited UChicago and NU and they’re both really different environments and in different locations (UChicago is in Hyde Park on the South side of Chicago while NU is in the suburban Evanston). You get different vibes at each.
Students at UChicago have told me it’s pretty easy to find a research job and you can really just ask/email a professor that’s doing something that interests you and ask to work with him/her. Lots of STEM kids have research jobs there during the year. There are also UChicago Careers In _________ and there’s one for STEM too. I’m also going into a science field so I should be able to tell you more once I start school and look into opportunities.
Thank you so much for your response! 
No problem! I hope others will comment a little more on NU and WUStL. Are you looking to apply to these schools?
I am trying to test the waters for how my application will stand up against all the other extremely well qualified individuals.
Our student is a sophomore at Wash U and loves it. Also looked at Chicago and Northwestern but Wash U seemed to appeal more. I would say that academics are definitely rigorous at Wash U – but I don’t have the knowledge to rank them against Chicago and NU. I can guarantee you will work hard. Student is looking at a STEM major and liberal arts minor. Is working on a research project at the Medical School (Med school and hospital campus is roughly 15 minutes away from Danforth campus via light rail) and is very happy. Really enjoying the environment and mentoring in the lab. Many different avenues to get into research – in many different disciplines.
Student grew up in a Mid-Atlantic urban environment and really enjoys St. Louis. Lots to do (Loop, Forest Park, museums, the Hill, professional sports) within walking distance or a short ride away. Student is active in Greek (but not a huge presence), volunteering, and in interscholastic club sports. The latter is not offered on campus but the school covers transportation costs. The sport was and is an important part of the student’s life growing up so they are glad to be part of it.
I guess in sum, Wash U looks at growing the “whole person” – strong academics (both in sciences and in liberal arts), social, athletic and service. That balance has been great for our student – we believe the right mix for them
I grew up in Evanston so I know Chicago very well. Great city – but was surprised how nice St. Louis is.
I would encourage you to visit all three – they are great places but different in their own ways! Best of luck!
Thank you so much!
@skisnowschool Gotcha. A tip for UChicago: make sure you have solid essays --they’re really important! Write all of them, including the “optional” Favorites essay and let your own voice be seen. I don’t think there’s such a thing as “too quirky”–pick a prompt you can write your heart out about!