<p>I am interested in pre-med, and I have been accepted to both of these universities. I have NO clue which to choose. I know that both of these schools have extremely tough science programs. However, I have heard that NU is super competitive, more so than UIUC. I also know many people at UIUC, which might make the college transition process better for me. Yet NU is such a prestigious school....what should I do?</p>
<p>Go to the school you like the most, it will make the next 4 years more enjoyable.</p>
<p>I am from Chicago, (the city, not the burbs) and have been to evanston many times. I considered both NU and UIUC before finally deciding to go out of state. The campus feel at NU is different from UIUC, with NU being a little more uptight, but otherwise they are both rather similar in terms of academic rigor. NU is on the quarter system, so things will be a little more intense in your science courses since you have to cram a more information into the term, but on the plus side you will get to take more classes that way. NU is also very close to(you can ride the L downtown) several resources that we premeds will find invaluabe, such as a plethera of hospitals and doctors with which to get acquanted with as well as lots of opportuniteis to get involved in the community. Chicago is a very divided city and as a lot of health care disparities. UIUC is bassically in the middle of nowhere. In the end though it doesn't really matter. Northwestern is more prestigious, but UIUC is more laid back. In the end it won't matter were you went, rather what you did there. So just pick. Personally, I think that NU offers the best of both worlds in terms of academics, college town atmosphere(though not quite UIUC calibre) and proximity to the city and all it has to offer. I would pick NU unless your are from Chicago, in which case it would be a good idea to experience life outside of northern Illinois. If you want more specific details about NU or Chicago, feel free to message me. Also, if anyone is interested in the University of Chicago I am from that neighborhood so I can provide you with a lot of helpful info.</p>