I’m a senior planning to major in chemistry and am applying to Northwestern RD very soon. I recently heard about the ISP program and really love the integrated science curriculum and abundant research opportunities. Where can I find more information about this program besides the website? Are there any current students or alumni who could shed light on this program?
When you visit campus definitely make sure to visit the ISP house. Earlier this year we had a student shadow our freshman math class, you can probably set something up like that by emailing ispadmin@u.northwestern.edu. Also if you attend the admitted student date, ISP has an informational seminar there which I found very helpful and is actually what convinced me to apply for the program. Overall, the program is very challenging but it’s a great community and there’s a lot of support from other students, tutors, teachers, and administrators.
ISP is so damn hard. Like legit, ISP is SUPER F****** HARD. Be prepared for an intense/absurd level of rigor that will probably preclude you from being involved with much other campus life if you want a good GPA.
But if you’re SUPER into theoretical sciences, and just want to completely immerse yourself in them, then this is a good program.
Our S is a Junior in ISP. He loves the program, and while it is demanding he has found time to be involved with his frat, attend football games and plays, play club soccer and generally enjoy life.
ISP is a phenomenal program. Intensity, rigor, quality to challenge a Caltech, Harvey Mudd or MIT experience. But for the right student who belongs, there should be plenty of time for a life beyond academics - agree with MomCares. There have even been a handful of participating varsity athletes (yeah, Big 10, D1).