<p>did u go to northwestern if you did whats the campus like</p>
<p>D went to Cornell while S is at NU and my observation is based on their experience.</p>
<p>Could be the quarter system allows for more classes, which offers more potential for 2 degrees. It could just be their philosophy …</p>
<p>The quarter system allows you to take more classes and gives you more opportunities to mix and match for your schedule.</p>
<p>Cornell is easier to get into (relatively speaking), has a smaller endowment and is in a less ideal location. If you removed legacies and regional bias, I doubt very highly many if any cross admits choose Cornell over NU. Then again, some people are wholly obsessed with the “Ivy” thing, so who knows. No brainer for me: NU. Then again, perhaps that’s my regional midwest bias. If I was in NY or Connecticut, perhaps my tune would be different.</p>
<p>Actually, dual degrees in engineering and Communications/Music/CAS are possible, but they may take 5 years.</p>
<p>The only thing I can think of that would be a clear winner for Cornell is for physics or hotel management. Engineering might be a little stronger at Cornell but Northwestern is still excellent–I don’t think the difference is important enough to choose for that reason. You really can’t go wrong with NU, unless the midwest location bothers you. I was charmed by Cornell on my visit, but one of the undergrads I met said there were a lot of obnoxious people there. But one person’s opinion may not be reliable. People seemed fine to me, but I was only there for like one or two days.</p>
<p>Honestly, one can’t go wrong with either school. I wonder where OP went!!!</p>
<p>Both are fine undergraduate universities and both will provide substantial lifelong advantages. However, the obvious – and glaring – distinction is their venue: Ithaca may be a nice college town, but it is a LONG way from anywhere, while Chicago is a vibrant city and Evanston is a lovely “university superb.” Therefore, which “cultural fit” is better FOR YOU. With this type of marked difference, answering a simple “where would I be happier for four years?” question might prove worthwhile (and decisive). </p>
<p>NU is academically strong in so many areas. My d is applying to engineering. She realizes the work load will be heavy. Are students so involved in their studies that there’s not much time or activities? We wonder if it is too academically intense (she is a strong, focused student) who is very self motivated but she also wants a balanced (but not a crazy) social life. </p>
<p>Also, when she visited Cornell, she thought the campus lacked any sort of friendly vibe. Did anyone else feel a difference in this between NU and Cornell?</p>
<p>@mybstnw While students are generally highly devoted to their studies, in my experience there are students in all majors who have active social lives and involvement in non-academic activities. The amount of time a student spends on her studies vs other activities depends largely on the individual, and it may take some time to make the adjustment necessary for a proper balance. I would not think NU is more or less academically intense than peer institutions, and professors, TAs, other students are good resources in helping one be successful academically. I visited Cornell as well, but did not get the impression that there was not a friendly vibe, however the engineering program does have a reputation for being challenging, especially in the first year. Many of the Cornell alumni I know enjoyed their experience at the school.</p>
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S is in ISP (rumored to be among the most rigorous undergrad programs on campus… some ISP kids graduate with 4 majors), yet he’s had time to to be in the Jazz Orchestra, pledge to a frat, play club soccer, see a lot of theatre and generally enjoy his campus life. D is also a WildCat and she’s found time for extracurriculars while double majoring and even taking a quarter off for a career-related job. Your D is obviously very bright, and she will find herself surrounded by similarly capable and motivated peers at NU.</p>
<p>Likewise, S is in ISP, EE, and Kellogg…and has a very active social life. </p>