Northeastern vs. Tulane vs. Pitt

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northeastern University
1

<p>With exactly one month to decide where I'm going, I'm down to Northeastern, Pitt, and Tulane. I honestly don't know how to pick one over the other so I would really appreciate any information!! A little about me:</p>

<ul>
<li>I'm an undecided major so it's important that wherever I go be accommodating and helpful.</li>
<li>I am from Ohio and since I'm definitely going out of state, state-wide diversity is preferred (not super excited about Pitt's 70% from Pennsylvania).</li>
<li>I have a pretty Midwestern attitude – relaxed about clothing and appearance, very go with the flow (I'm not too keen on Tulane and Northeastern's east coast majority).</li>
<li>I'm not a huge partier. Partying (in moderation) does not bother me, and I plan on attending many parties in my college career; but I also want to spend time in the city, go to events on campus, and hang out in my dorm and watch movies! I really want to be at a school where the social life is diverse (as described) and not constant parties with majority of students getting drunk all the time.</li>
<li>I don't play sports, but I love watching them so I want to go to a school where people love their sports teams and have immense school spirit!!</li>
<li>I don't plan on going Greek, so good Greek/Non-Greek relations are very important to me.</li>
</ul>

<p>Any information on any of these topics (or others) would be very helpful!! Thanks!!!</p>

2

<p>I think of all the schools you mentioned, NEU definitely has the most diversity across the states (and the world!) so coming here would definitely not expose you the same type of people.</p>

3

<p>I’m also a Midwesterner, and not a partier. I feel like I’ve gotten exposed to a lot of cool stuff/people at Northeastern without feeling overwhelmed by east coast-ness or awkwardly out out of place. As for parties, there are some. Sometimes people will have them in the dorms, but that usually gets shut down by the RAs because people get rowdy and stupid. Mostly parties are off campus, like in Mission Hill. If you want to go to parties, they’re there. But of you don’t, it’s not like campus revolves around it. I’ve never felt like I’m missing something major on campus because I don’t party, or feel like I’m bored. On the weekends there’s stuff like hockey and basketball games, concerts and improv in Afterhours, and the entire city of Boston, to name a few things.</p>

4

<p>I’m also essentially deciding between Pitt and Northeastern for the most part. Should be visiting both in back to back weeks to help.</p>

5

<p>Given the things you said, I think Northeastern would be the ideal choice. When I was choosing schools, I was debating between Northeastern and Tulane. After visiting Tulane, I realized the vibe was just not for me. Too many rich NY/NJ kids, too little racial diversity, too expensive, too much partying, too much greek life. Tulane is a great school, but it’s also a party school. Lots of kids spending Daddy’s money on beer. Frats and sororities are a big deal. It’s not the vibe for me.</p>

<p>Northeastern has a totally different feel. The two schools couldn’t be more different. A large number of its kids come from the Northeast, but it includes New England as well as the Mid-Atlantic, and the geographic diversity grows every year. That said, we have an enormous international population. Northeastern is a big destination for kids looking to study in the U.S. If you want a school with a global perspective, this is the place.</p>

<p>Northeastern’s not a party school. Parties exist, of course, but it’s definitely not a major feature. Greek life is really minimal. I forget they exist. We live in Boston, for crying out loud - there’s so much more to do. Head to Symphony Hall to hear classical music, take a trip to the Museum of Fine Arts or Museum of Science, walk to Newbury Street for upscale shopping, wander around for authentic Italian food in the North End, check out the myriad of historical sites around the city. You’ll never be bored. We get off campus a lot, and we mingle a lot with students at the other schools in the city. There are dozens of universities here - it’s the ultimate college town. Tulane, on the other hand, is an anomaly in New Orleans.</p>

<p>The one thing I will tell you is that sports aren’t a very big deal here - I love going to the basketball and hockey games once in a while, and the students cheer and wear red and black and everything, but overall, it’s not a huge part of campus life. However, you can always get tickets to see the Red Sox at Fenway Park or check out the Celtics or the Bruins
at TD Garden!</p>

<p>The general feeling I get from you is that you want a well-rounded, diverse school where you can experience some culture. If that’s the case, Northeastern is the better choice. I love it here, and if I’d gone to Tulane, I’d probably be in the process of transferring as we speak.</p>

6

<p>What was your final decision and why? Would love to hear the ending…all sound like great choices! Good luck!</p>

7

<p>I chose Tulane!</p>

8

<p>My daughter has been accepted to both Tulane and NEU as well…are you happy at Tulane? Do you feel the academics are up to speed?</p>

9

<p>I don’t go to either school but I have many friends who go to Northeastern and know some people who go to Tulane. From what I have heard/read, the two schools seem to be very different. Here are my views on each school:</p>

<p>NORTHEASTERN
It is a very non-traditional school with a modern campus in the middle of Boston. It has become more well-known in recent years as rankings have gone up. It is mostly known for the business and engineering programs (I think). Most kids take at least a semester off to do a co-op and many even take 5 years to graduate because they do multiple co-ops. They are VERY focused on employment and come of to me more as a trade/vocational school than one that aims to create well-rounded students. School spirit isn’t very big since their sports teams aren’t too well known (except maybe hockey) and there isn’t really a Greek scene so it’s not a party school. Most kids actually go to MIT to party. However, there is much to do in Boston. </p>

<p>TULANE
I don’t know too much about it seems to be a big party school with, as said before, many rich east coast kids. I don’t think the students (overall) are nearly as focused as the ones at Northeastern but it is no doubt a more traditional college experience. The price is kind of large for mediocre academics.</p>