<p>First of all, I wasn't accepted to Dartmouth- I'm on the wait list- so I realize it's likely that I'll never have to choose between these two schools. Regardless I was hoping to get some insight about the pros and cons of NU, because I have to send in my Dartmouth update pretty soon and don't know how much of myself I should put into it. I just got back from Wildcat days and now I can't tell which I prefer! I'm committing to NU and am doing some research in the meantime, but if anyone has an opinion about either school it'd be extremely useful and much appreciated.</p>
<p>PS: I'm thinking of pursuing art history (and going to grad school for architecture) so I think the difference in academics wouldn't be very significant. NU's Kaplan Humanities Scholar program seems really interesting, but with only 48 kids accepted I'm not sure I can consider that as a plus. Anyway, thank you for your help!</p>
<p>I’m an incoming frosh, so I’m not sure how much advice I can really give you. I too have been waitlisted at Dartmouth (and Brown, Columbia). I committed to NU, really liked the people I met, campus, what WCAS has to offer. From what I’ve heard, art history is supposed to be very prestigious and a world-class program. Dartmouth is great and the campus is beautiful, but it seemed like the students get a little bored with the preppy town of Hanover. At Northwestern you have Evanston (seemed like a great college area) and Chicago. But anyway, I think you get a much more well-rounded student body at NU- Medill students, theater majors, business, engineers, etc. than at Dartmouth which still has that snobby, legacy-feel in my mind.</p>
<p>My daughter’s biggest concern with Dartmouth was the “D” Plan. We thought that method made it very difficult to keep a social group together since you never knew when your friends would be on campus or off in the world. The tour guide verified that during our tour, he felt it was hard to keep friends if you wouldn’t see them for 6 months or longer.</p>
<p>I’d counter that though and say the D plan is a huge benefit. With sophomore summer you get to know just your class, which is a huge benefit to encouraging the tighknit feel. Add in the small size, super friendly student body, and always open to everyone social scene and I think it becomes a non-issue.</p>