<p>Okay, this is my decision. I've eliminated Wake Forest and Oxy from contention. My other top choice, Cornell University, waitlisted me, and I'm definitely NOT waiting with bated breath for their final decision. So, which one of these two is best in my case?</p>
<p>I want to study physics, chemistry, or possibly both (at the college of arts and sciences, not engineering). I want top-tier facilities and profs in these areas.</p>
<p>I want to be able to have great instruction on a variety of academic topics as well, not just science-y ones.</p>
<p>I want to live near a large city with many things to do, but in a nice suburban area that isn't too in-your-face urban.</p>
<p>I want to have a comparatively nice on-campus living situation (i.e., dorms and food).</p>
<p>I'm sure I will think of other metrics later, but what is your gut reaction when faced with this choice? Thanks for any comments.</p>
<p>Wash U is superb for sciences, great for liberal arts in general, and has a beautiful campus. It's not in-your-face urban at all (at least it didn't used to be), since it's actually in a suburb of St. Louis. I graduated from there a bazillion years ago and know several kids there now--all of whom love it.</p>
<p>Some people will say Northwestern is better, others will say WashU is better. Really, I think they both are great schools and have their individual advantages over the other. If possible, id suggest visiting and finding out for yourself. I live in Chicago, and NW is in Evanston (not Chicago). Its kinda close to downtown, but not as close as people say it is. WashU is closer to downtown St. Louis than NW is to Evanston. </p>
<p>WashU has superb dorms and foods, I don't know about NW though</p>
<p>Academically, they are both pretty much stellar all around</p>
<p>Northwestern seems very good for you. The setting is upscale suburban, but you are very close to Chicago. I liked the campus and you certainly can't go wrong with NW in terms of education quality. </p>
<p>Personally, I think NW is more highly-regarded in general, and I would easily choose it over WashU. However, I recommend researching and visiting both because you might not feel the same way.</p>
<p>You cannot go wrong with either choice. The academics are outstanding in both, the surroundings are wonderful--but what did you think of the students that you met at each school? It sounds like from your standpoint all the objective measures are about the same. It then comes down to where you think you would be happier socially--remember, college is ALSO about having fun and making lifelong friends!</p>
<p>On both campuses, people seemed generally nice and easygoing. Both had a friendly Midwestern vibe that I liked and identified with.</p>
<p>Both also seemed to have about the same number of social opportunities. I'm not looking for one specific club or sport to participate in, either. They both had movie theaters, concert venues, etc. nearby.</p>
<p>NW's chemistry is a top-ranked program (9th) and it's also one of the dozen research centers for nanotechnology in the nation. WashU is better in bio. Neither are top schools for physics. I frankly don't understand why people say WashU's science is "superb". It's not, at least not according to ranking. Don't believe everything they throw at you; they are for marketing purpose. Look up rankings if in doubt.</p>
<p>The nanotech thing at NW is one of the reasons it attracted me in the first place, actually. I figure it might be better for physics because of Fermilab, too.</p>
<p>Well, according to US News, Northwestern's physics was like 28th or something like that while WashU's was 45th. I don't mean they are bad, considering there are like at least hundreds of physics programs out there. You may get good quality eduation there but they are not top programs in the eyes of peers.</p>
<p>It doesn't matter, this isn't grad school. The overall reputation of the schools matters the most and NW has a longer history and it more prestigious. That said, its not as if choosing WashU is a bad idea at all. I'd go to Northwestern though.</p>
<p>I would definitely go to Northwestern. Its Chemistry department is one of the best and its Physics/Engineering departments are also good. Furthermore, Northwestern is a better overall university than Washington. Look at what people above are saying. They are saying that Washington is good in the sciences. That is true...relative to its other departments. But even then, Northwestern is better than Washington University in most sciences. </p>
<p>CHEMISTRY:
Northwestern #9
Washington #42</p>
<p>MATHEMATICS:
Northwestern #21
Washington #38</p>
<p>In fact, I just had a lunch with a good friend of mine and he said he would love to retire in Chicago. He said it's like NYC but cleaner and I kinda agreed. "What about the winter?", I asked (people living in Los Angeles are spoiled with GREAT weather). He said he would have a second home somewhere else for that. :)</p>