@Ariz0na Best thing (in my opinion of course) is that essentially all the students are super smart, and you can have an intelligent discussion about 'most anything with most students. The academics at NU are great, but I also appreciate how much I’ve been able to learn from my peers.
Figuring out a worst thing is a little tougher. There are a few things that bug me, but none that are absolutely dreadful. I guess, personally and for a few - but only a small few - of my friends, living in a dorm during the first year wasn’t great. It was so loud, and I just wanted quiet. And because of that, and because I can be a little shy especially in big groups of people, I didn’t make all that many friends from my dorm like most other students did (I still did make friends at NU in my first year, just only like one or two in my dorm of ~300). I think that would have happened at any other college I would have gone to instead, at any other dorm, though. Its probably more a “me” thing than a Northwestern thing. I was able to move off campus for sophomore year and that was one of the best decisions I have made as an NU student.
@thatrunnerkid You sound exactly like me I’m the same way about being shy and wanting quiet. I feel like the dorm aspect is what is making Wash U appealing, but other than that Northwestern seems like the school for me. I also think I’ll move off campus, too. What you said has been really helpful, thanks!
@Ariz0na I’m glad to have met a fellow shy person. If you have any more questions about anything, especially social things in college, do not hesitate to PM me, even if you decide against NU.
@insanedreamer The reason I ask is because I want to apply ED to one of them. Right now I’m leaning towards NU but I am planning a visit in October to both NU and Wash U. I don’t have the time to visit Rice, though I’ve heard great things about it.
I see. Well, all opinions are subjective at this point, but I’d drop WUSTL because while a great school it isn’t necessarily on the same level as Rice or NW in Engineering specifically. Between Rice and NW I’d pick Rice for its great approach to student life.
My D and I have visited all three. D liked WashU best and I liked Rice best. We both found Rice the most beautiful, and WashU had the best food and nicest staff.
Re Naviance, check if equally strong students apply to the various colleges. If not, that can explain diferring acceptance rates.
@hebegebe That seems to be the general opinion I’ve gathered on this website - Wash U has the best dorms & food, Rice has the happiest students, and Northwestern is ranked higher across the board.
@ClarinetDad16 I will not be joining a fraternity, and although I don’t think I would mind if Greek life exists on campus, I’d rather it not be too “in your face” like at some state schools.
I’m the same way about being shy and wanting quiet. I feel like the dorm aspect is what is making Wash U appealing, but other than that Northwestern seems like the school for me. I also think I’ll move off campus, too. What you said has been really helpful, thanks!