HELP! Say yes to Medill and Northwestern?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
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<p>I'm still trying to decide between Northwestern and USC. I'll be a journalism major and I'm interested in pre-law and possibly some kind of combination of poli sci and business. (And I know that NU technically doesn't have an undergrad business major. has anyone had any experience with the "business" major?)</p>

<p>Here's a general Northwestern question:</p>

<p>My financial aid package from NU is about double what it is at USC. I understand that they're different schools and everything, but I sent in the same financial info and everything and NU's loans and work study are much more than USC's. Does anyone have any tips for how to negotiate my package? If money were not a factor, the case for Northwestern would be much, much stronger.</p>

<p>Now, my Medill-related questions:</p>

<p>I've heard Medill is better for print journalism, and Anneberg at USC has a stronger broadcast program. So far, I've only had the opportunity to gain print experience, but I'm interested in pursuing broadcast in college as well. What do you guys think would be the best choice in this case?</p>

<p>Also, I'm curious about the atmosphere at Medill and the entire university. I realize Northwestern is a prestigious school that attracts top students. But does this mean there's an atmosphere of cut-throat competition? Or is it more supportive? I'm fine with some competition, but I don't want it to get in the way of just learning.</p>

<p>Speaking of learning, how would you characterize the general level of difficulty of classes in Medill? I expect high standards, but are the standards impossibly high so that it's impossible to have a decent GPA?</p>

<p>And how are the classes and professors? I know there will be unavoidably large classes, but what are the majority of Medill classes like in terms of one-on-one time with the professor and personal attention? Are professors generally accessible and happy to answer questions? Are they actually working and well-known journalists themselves? Are they the type of people who could become mentors and write detailed personal recommendations for you?</p>

<p>What about internships through Medill? I know there's the required internship, but other than that, is it easy to find connections and opportunities through the school or through alumni? Is it easy to find a job after graduation (I've heard that it's not uncommon to have several offers right after graduating from Medill).</p>

<p>And a more general Northwestern question:</p>

<p>What general ed requirements, if any, are there for NU and/or Medill? Are there any "honors" options for these courses?</p>

<p>What about Northwestern's campus? I haven't visited, and I probably won't get the chance to do so before I have to decide. Is it generally a safe and accessible place? Exactly where is it in relation to Chicago?</p>

<p>Does anyone regret choosing Northwestern?</p>

<p>Thanks for taking the time to read this long post and replying, and if you have any extra info or advice, that would be great!</p>

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<p>I'm probably not the right person to answer your question from today's perspective... I went to NU nearly 25 years ago. But this is something you should consider... and few of today's students think about. </p>

<p>Where do you think you will "settle" after college? Do you think you will stay in the midwest? If so, you are likely to have more classmates from NU around, which will give you a competitive advantage in the workplace. If you think you might like to live on the West Coast, a California school might be a better choice.</p>

<p>As you progress in the work world, and life, you will find that talent and ability is less a predictor of success than who you know. Truth is, at a certain point, everyone can DO the job... it's all about who you want to work with. And old friends are truly gold, the adage is true. I still am friends with my classmates, and talk to one or more every week. If I want to do something, know something, I have a network of people to ask. A network of TALENTED people who have achieved a lot in this life, sometimes financially, sometimes in other ways.</p>

<p>I think the value I received from my Northwestern education is who I met, and who I've been able to carry on with me through my life.</p>

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<p>I don't know much about Medill (I'm going to be a McCormick freshman), but I just got home from Chicago yesterday, so I know a little about the campus. NU is basically on the northern edge of downtown Evanston, which on the Purple Line (of the El) is about oh.. 30-40 minutes from "The Loop", or downtown Chicago. The campus is gorgeous, and the campus is pretty safe, but if you go into Evanston at night, they recommend going in groups and such (normal campus town stuff).</p>

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<p>Actually, I believe I am the perfect person to answer your questions... I'm a broadcast journalism major here, and I'm now a sophomore. </p>

<p>As far as financial aid goes... I was satisfied with my package, and didn't argue for more, so I can't help you there. If you really want more money though, it can't hurt to ask. </p>

<p>As for your Medill questions, I have only experienced Northwestern, but here is what I can tell you from a broadcast perspective. NNN (Northwestern News Network) gives you a fabulous opportunity to do whatever you want to do as it applies to TV work, as does WNUR if you are interested in broadcast radio. The Medill classes you will take as a freshman are geared towards all Medill students, but once you get into your core broadcast classes they are very focused and vigorous and enjoyable. But definitely get involved with the TV station if you want that extra work. </p>

<p>Medill is not cutthroat... I know a few bad apples in the bunch that are just hardcore "Medildos" as we call them, but those are few and far between. </p>

<p>The standards are certainly high for Medill classes, but I wouldn't worry too much about it. If your parents plan on disowning you if you get a B in college, then I don't think its the right place for you. That said, I've still managed a 3.4 overall with probably a 3.3 in my Medill classes.</p>

<p>As far as classes, even your first Medill class, Editing and Writing the News, has a small lab with about 10-13 people where you'll really get to know the person who is editing your stories. I know professors well enough to have them write reccomendations for me. </p>

<p>Lastly, the distro requirement for Medill students are pretty simple. They're a lot easier to get done than engineering kids.</p>

<p>To summarize, I would choose Northwestern.</p>

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<p>Wow, thanks for the info! This helps a lot...</p>

<p>By the way, were you considering any journalism schools other than Northwestern?</p>

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<p>Also, Northwestern is in a nicer area than USC. Evanston downtown is walking distance and has nice coffee shops, restaurants, movie theaters and a Barnes and Nobles...etc; the lakefront is picturesque and there's a bikepath along it; when the weather is nice, many people would ride their bikes there. The area surrounding USC has nothing much to do and looks kinda ugly and not very nice (though it doesn't necessarily mean it's unsafe) with a freeway close by. There are also very few nice places to hang out even within 10-min drive. The nice areas like Pasadena, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, West LA are all at least 20-min drive away and you'll have to fight for parking/traffic...etc for those places--too much work to go there just to read a book/do homework simply because you are tired of the campus library.</p>

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<p>Except for the fact that USC's average temperature while classes are in session is likely 20 degrees higher than NW's.</p>

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<p>Go to USC.</p>

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<p>For the record, for me it came down to Northwestern and USC too. I just really decided I liked the people at Northwestern better. I just kind of had a vibe even just from landing in the airport that I liked Chicago. I had the pre-existing sterotype of USC as the University of Spoiled Children, but when I went there I just had a general feeling that I liked NU better. </p>

<p>No doubts, the weather is better at USC. But it really depends on how much you factor weather in. Are you willing to go to a school that you might enjoy less just so you can wear your flip-flops more often? I decided not.</p>