<p>After recieving almost all my admissions decisions it seems that it will come down to a choice between Grinnell and Northwestern. I have always thought that I belonged at a liberal arts college because small classes, teacher relationships, and a small but intellectually stimulating environment are very important to me. Yet I am also very much into journalism and was accepted into Medill at Northwestern. I am planning on going to visit both again, but I wanted some feed back from you as well. I feel that Grinnell may be better suited for me, but I am very concerned about the location because while I like the country, it is VERY rural. All of my friends see the clear choice as Northwestern because of the prestige of the school as a whole and especially Medill. I don't know what to do...</p>
<p>You are looking at two very different options. If this were Carleton vs. Grinnell or Oberlin vs. Grinnell, there would be lots to talk about. That isn’t the case here. Rather than try to persuade you one way or the other, I think you need to know what kind of experience you are looking for. </p>
<p>I will point out that Grinnell is as well known as Northwestern among graduate schools-but Northwestern is clearly better known by the general public (especially here on the east coast). You will have to weigh for yourself the pros and cons of a LAC vs. a mid-sized private university. On the plus side, you can’t really make a mistake-both schools have a lot going for them and, assuming you are the kind of person who takes advantage of opportunities, you’ll have a good experience no matter which you choose.</p>
<p>I live near Northwestern, daughter goes to Grinnell. Really, if you know for sure that Journalism is your thing, go to Northwestern (money is equal or unimportant in both cases for you? Grinnell is very generous!) …it is in a city, not always safe but not highly dangerous, lots of possibilities for entertainment so long as you have a credit card so you won’t be bored. Grinnell has highly motivated students, tons of things to do on campus and so long as you aren’t a shopaholic you won’t be bored there either. Classes are great, teachers caring, advisors amazing. Would you have more chance to actually write in a smaller campus or will Medill be highly competitive and high pressure-perhaps what you want in an undergraduate experience but perhaps not.
Think about things like, which place is easier for you to get to and from? What do you want to do on weekends? …the weather is just about equally bad!
Good luck with your choice!</p>
<p>Thanks for your input! Yes, I am aware that they are two completely different schools and experiences. I think what I want out of college lies much more in the Grinnell atmosphere and the more I think about it, I want to have the freedom to change my mind if journalism doesn’t work out. merepoule, aid actually has just become a factor since I just found out Northwestern is offering me nothing and I got a nice scholarship from Grinnell. So it seems a strong possibility I will end up at Grinnell (unless I get off Wellesley’s waiting list). Thanks again for your help!</p>
<p>I don’t know anything about Northwestern, but what my son loves about Grinnell (apart from small classes, great profs and serious students) is the total lack of pretentiousness. Yes it is VERY rural, but the student body is incredibly diverse and interesting. Lots to do on campus. Pretty much nothing to do in the town. They do manage to have a wacky great time together. If you are really straight and conventional, you might find it a little odd. My kid was looking for odd.</p>