<p>I've just been accepted to both schools and I've been debating which one is better for me. I live just outside of Philly so Penn is really close to home and I like the city, but most people seem to prefer Chicago/Evanston. At both schools, I'd likely be an Econ major, but at NU I might double major in Radio/TV/Film, whereas Penn I would consider PPE. </p>
<p>Most of the threads I've seen on here seem to point out more similarities than differences between these two schools. Cost is about the same between the two so that's not a major consideration. Can anyone help me pick which school to choose?</p>
<p>The two schools are both excellent and similar in calibur. I’d urge you to get out of the Northeast to see more of the country- I know it did me wonders.</p>
<p>I definitely agree with exploring another city for undergraduate study. Northwestern was out-of-state for me, and I became a more independent and well-rounded individual.</p>
<p>I did apply and was accepted for the RTVF major but would likely double major in Econ as well. Living in PA, just about everyone I know is telling me to go to Penn and it feels like no one is standing up for NU. It looks like I’m flying out for Wildcat Days on the 23rd, which will hopefully make my decision easier. Are there any major differences between the schools that should be noted? Anything beyond Urban v. Suburban, Semester v. Quarters, Ivy League v. Big Ten?</p>
<p>^ I’d say there is a little more diversity in the NU student body.</p>
<p>Not only do you have your CAS/engineering students, but the more “artsy” students as well (music, theater, etc. students), so it’s a more eclectic mix of people.</p>
<p>Philly vs. Chicago (Evanston), Chicago is much safer as a city than West Philly (if that’s a concern for you). I’ve been spending a lot of time in Philadelphia this year and I really like the city, but it’s much dirtier and more run down than Chicago is. On the upshot, the blocks are small and its very easy to get around compared to Chicago. </p>
<p>NU is probably a bit more humble, but also a bit more neurotic. Penn Students also tend to be a bit preppier and the student body doesn’t have the “hipster”/south campus segment as much as NU does with Comm and Medill.</p>
<p>Evanston is definitely a safer environment if you’re not looking for the ultimate urban experience. Plus, a visit to Chicago is accessible via Intercampus shuttle or the “El” Train.</p>
<p>There is a pretty significant difference in feel between NU and Penn. And take all these opinions as, well, my opinions. </p>
<p>Penn is dominated, in my mind, by two things: Wharton and a must get to Wall Street driven mentality, and the presence of “quad-staters” (NY region incl NJ, Ct, Pa). </p>
<p>Northwestern is, in my mind, a much more diverse place. No one personality dominates, no one school or career aspiration dominates. The save the world Medill and SESP types, the geeky/techie engineers, artsy music and theater majors, and so on, all share space pretty equally. At Penn, even the engineers as a group seem to be there primarily to position themselves for IB or hedge fund interviews.</p>
<p>Penn, for these reasons, is undoubtedly an “edgier” place where sarcasm can dominate the tone. NU is no “aw shucks” kind of place - as it’s often hard to differentiate pace and feel of Chicago from NY. But, in general, there is enough midwest softening here to make this a less in your face and, I believe, more supportive and diverse atmosphere.</p>
<p>To see what some of the popular neighborhoods in Chicago look like, search
Clark and Fullerton, Chicago, IL
on google map and then use street view. Walk north along Clark; it’s a 2-mile stretch of retails and restaurants! There are many along Halsted and Broadway as well. I like this area even more than any in NYC.</p>