<p>I’ll expand a bit beyond academics. Both successful, up-and-coming schools, yet two very different schools in approach. I think ultimately it’s down to what you want in your college experience. A calculator I ran across–though I can’t remember its URL–said that 65% of applicants to both prefer Northeastern while 35% Elon. Though Elon has become known as an up-and-coming school for its service learning, I think it’s important to realize that Northeastern is up-and-coming, too. Northeastern used to be known as a middle-of-the-road school that was decent, but in the past 10 years has become a leading school in its own right. Here’s my take:</p>
<p>In terms of reputation, Elon is a smaller, more community-oriented school (also cheaper) that is well-known along the east coast (both north and south,) while Northeastern is a large university that is known nationally (hence 40000 NU undergrad apps vs. 9000 Elon.) In response to the previous post, I would add that “being on CommonApp” has very little to do with how many kids apply there. Sure, Elon has its own specialized application (which, might I add, is readily available online), but even though NU is on the CommonApp, the kids who apply to Northeastern are, generally speaking, the types who would go “get” the application even if it wasn’t readily available to them (especially if it was online.)</p>
<p>Admission-wise, Northeastern is harder to get into: NU’s acceptance rate is 34.3% while Elon’s is 49%. In terms of transfer, Northeastern’s acceptance is around 45%, while Elon’s is 55%. Test-wise, Elon’s middle 50% for SAT’s fall between 560 and 660 for each section, while Northeastern’s middle 50 is between 600 and 680 for CR+W and 630-710 for math. Obviously these are hard figures to compare, due to the difference in volume of applications. What’s also especially difficult is comparing average GPA’s (3.9 for both schools) for admitted students (as Elon tends to report the GPA’s with their own “quality point” ranking system, thereby making the GPA’s higher than they appear on paper,) whereas NU tends to report them as is. Both schools place high emphasis on extra-curricular activities and personal qualities, boasting high retention rates of 93 (NU) and 90 (Elon) percent. </p>
<p>Both schools are good academically and job-wise, though Elon does have a reputation of being “make it as difficult as you want it” type of school, meaning that academics are easier for some, whereas Northeastern has been known to be quite rigorous across the board. Though Elon has been known to have good internships, especially recently, Northeastern has the world-renowned “co-op” program that is incredibly successful (but ultimately, it’s what you make of it: the co-op will not “land” you a job despite the fact that Boston has an excellent job market.) Then again, students who get into NU are, generally, pretty motivated, as are those who gain admission to Elon.</p>
<p>Both are great schools. Academically, Northeastern, while also harder to get into, is maybe a bit stronger, while Elon has better service-learning and study abroad opportunities. For you, your college GPA is an important factor in placing into dental school. I would encourage you to look at the undergraduate programs at both schools and see what you think. GPA can get you in, but ultimately a solid understanding of your material is vital to your success in grad school. </p>
<p>Two great schools, both of which people thrive in. Personally, I think that Northeastern is a better school academically and more well-known, but Elon has attributes of its own that I mentioned above. Ultimately, it comes down to what you want!</p>