So I applied ED to Northwestern. At first, I was in love with the school, loved the campus by the lake, by Chicago, strong engineering program, etc. However, after reading more and more stuff on the internet I feel like I made a mistake applying ED. This might just be me being paranoid/having buyers remorse, but I just feel like I might not be a good fit here. I’m not from the midwest, I don’t know if there is a lot of diversity on campus (I’m a minority), I feel like the Greek system may be too prominent (I am a non-partier and would rather spend time on my computer in my dorm room than out and about), and I’m not a fan of cold weather (although this isn’t too big of a concern).
I feel like I might be a better fit at some other colleges on my list like Rice, WUSTL, or even UCSD. I applied ED because I thought I would have no shot at NU without its boost. What do you guys think? Am I overthinking this, and would I be fine at northwestern? Or should I call admissions and ask them to switch my app to the RD pool? Stressful times, stressful times…
i think your worries may be valid to a certain extent. it’s diverse but apparently lots of self-segregation happens, and actually I’ve heard quite a few people say that they wanna transfer out bc of the greek system. but just keep an open mind! however, if you really dont think you want to go to this school if you get in ED, id just call the admissions office before it’s too late.
@jaecha Thats the problem…I think that, hypothetically, if I was accepted to all colleges on my list, I would probably still pick Northwestern. And it would really suck if I applied RD, and got rejected by all of my top 3 colleges.
People are saying “Oh, if you dont like it, then you can transfer”, but i’m not the type that can make friends super easily, so it’ll be even harder doing that as a transfer as opposed to a freshman. Right now, I’m leaning towards just sticking with my ed application, and keeping an open mind, like you said.
OP - Other than the weather - your concerns about NU also apply to your other college choices - so welcome to growing up. If it helps you feel any better, I am the father of 2 quiet kids that graduated NU engineering. Neither of them went Greek - even though their outgoing big brother is an officer in another campus’ frat. They DID participate in lots of activities, and made friends at their res college and club sports. Some of their friends were even minorities - and I have pictures to prove it!
IMHO you will get to know people at wherever you go, and you can’t go wrong with any of your college choices - so congratulations and good luck.
@nugraddad Thanks, that’s reassuring. What do your kids think about the perceived North/south campus divide, and where did they stay? I ask because my situation seems kind of contradictory - I want to be near the science & engineering buildings, but also I don’t want to be super close to the frats.
For the Greek system, I think you should consider that over half of all students choose not to participate. So, if the Greek system is so prominent, what does the other half of students do?
NU is actually small compared to most B1G campuses & the North-South campus thing is overrated, you can walk from the Upper North to South border in under 15 minutes, and 10 more minutes to downtown Evanston. Both my kids stayed at a North Campus res college, and neither of them ever complained - at least to me - about frats.
@nugraddad Okay. It’s not possible for me to visit the campus right now, so that was helpful. If it’s okay, would you mind sharing which res college your kids lived in? Also, do you know of any chiller, more low-key dorms in general? I’ve heard that i should stay as far away from Bobb as possible :).