Help in Deciding School: Northeastern vs. Holy Cross

I know that high school students have to make a decision soon and I’m having a lot of difficulty picking between two schools: Northeastern University and College of the Holy Cross. I’m getting the same amount of financial aid from the two so its basically making a choice based on the other pros and cons. The two schools are pretty much making up for where the other one is lacking, ie: HC is in Worcester (not a ton to do and far from city and airport) and NU is in Boston (in the city but I’m not much of a city person). I’ve been leaning towards HC but I feel like I might be picking the wrong school (advantageously) when NU was harder to get into. I’m looking at pre-med but if it doesn’t work out, NU has more alternative majors than HC
Any recommendations or insights would be helpful.

You’ve mentioned important objective aspects—location, cost, fields of study. But the all-important “fit” is largely subjective. Have you visited both schools? Which campus felt better to you? Do you think you’d feel more challenged or more at home in one than the other? Maybe you feel more excited about HC but you think you should feel excited about NE bc it’s more selective?

Both great schools. I wouldn’t worry about selectivity- both top New England schools. Our D was admitted to both as well ( and other great schools) but what some people love about the much lauded co-ops at Northeastern, she really didn’t like. Too much shifting of gears, moving about and the lack of consistent daily/semester schedule was not appealing to her. Boston is fun, but you can get there by HC van service right from campus. Worcester has plenty of things to do- it’s the second largest city in MA. Old stereotypes die hard, I guess. But most students are so busy w/course work at HC, the activities on campus are usually more than enough. HC is big enough that changing majors won’t be a problem should you want change focus. Look on their website at majors to see the breadth and depth of course offerings- it’s a phenomenal college. Good luck and congratulations!

The coop/experiential learning aspect at Northeastern is great but it is not for everyone, especially if you are not in a professional program. However as a pre-med your coops would likely be in one of the Harvard Medical Area institutions.

I’m having the same dilemma here between those two schools. Have you decided where you’re going?

Both great schools, you will not make a “wrong” decision here. These are both very respected schools, and any difference in a particular ranking are really irrelevant. There are good reasons for choosing one or the other, one being more difficult to secure an acceptance letter is not one.

Focus on you–what inspires you, what you strive to be your best person, what kind of environment is most suitable for you. You know the deal. Northeastern is an urban school, in a great college town, with a pre-professional vibe, known for its coops. HC is an outstanding traditional LAC with an academic vibe. If the first appeals to YOU, choose that; if the second appeals choose that. Then go, work hard, take advantage of opportunities, make opportunities, treat everyone with dignity and respect. You’ll probably find success, in all sort of ways, whether you go to one school or the other.

Good luck!

One is a LAC and one is a urban Uni in a great city.

Have you visited each? Which one could be ‘home’ for four years? (Pick that one.)

I think I’m going to commit to Northeastern. I’ve talked to some people from both schools and I think I will try NEU and see how it goes. Worse case scenario, I’ll transfer

Great choice and best of luck.