<p>I am a potential Economics/political science major. I'm looking for a school with a great focus for undergraduate students, lots of tradition, happy kids, and am potentially thinking of going Greek. I understand that NU historically has better placements into BBs and is more prestigious, but I also know that Vanderbilt is rising in the ranks and becoming more selective and placing more students. What would be the difference between the two? I won't be able to visit (international student) so I need your input. NU is a lot better known in my country, but I live Vanderbilt's balance as well. Thinking of applying ED, so could anyone comment on the difference between these two schools in terms of campus life, academics, prestige.</p>
<p>They are both excellent schools. The atmospheres are very different. Vandy is a distinctly southern school with a campus that is a virtual arboretum and Nashville is basically the capital of country music. Northwestern is right on Lake Michigan, which is a gorgeous location (it looks like you’re on the ocean) but it is really, really cold in the winter. Chicago is a flat out fantastic city. (Personally I think Chicago is much more interesting than Nashville, especially if you’re thinking of spending 4 years there.)
Different people will have different preferences. To my way of thinking, I just don’t think that undergrad education in the U.S. gets much better than Northwestern, but you really can’t go wrong between the two.</p>