<p>You’ll find people that suck at every university. Furthermore, any dissatisfaction that people have with NU is subjective. Personally, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the majority of the student body. Also, you shouldn’t necessarily make a decision whether or not to apply to a school based on what type of students attend it; instead, focus on the credentials of the school. Ultimately, what you’ve got to do is decide for yourself.</p>
<p>However, if you do want an opinion, I say apply.</p>
<p>The thing is, I do not know how to judge a school. By ranking, academics, prestige, student reviews, friends influences. I cannot visit any due to financial reasons and because the deadline is so close. </p>
<p>Ive been trying to research, but its due in 4 days. My bro convinced me to be grateful and take full scholarship at any top college. He said if I dont like it, I just gotta stick it out which I think may actually teach me important life lessons.</p>
<p>Well, competitiveness often correlates with fraction of students who are premeds, prelaws, or aspiring IBankers. Among the top schools, Northwestern is NOT among the largest in terms of that. We have tons of students in education, communications, journalism, and theater that want none of that. Yes, it’s competitive but unlikely more than most other top schools, especially those in the NE.</p>
<p>If you want people that smile at you often on the streets, perhaps you want to consider schools in the South. Northeast is known for being the least friendly while the Midwest is sorta in between.</p>
<p>If you don’t know how to judge but still feel a desire to apply, I say do it. I know so many people who love NU and have found their niche. Also, the thing is, no matter what types of people someone else dislikes, there are so many others who are different. Even if the NU student body isn’t the most diverse demographically/income-wise, there are still so many different groups and types of personalities here that it makes it hard to really hate everyone… to put it that way. </p>
<p>And, if you end up getting in, going, and not liking it - transfer. I transferred to Northwestern from NYU and couldn’t be happier.</p>
<p>It’s also important to recognize that people are more likely to post on websites like ************** if they’re unsatisfied with their experience. You’re getting a very limited, biased perspective of the school. Northwestern’s retention rate is just as high as other schools of its caliber, indicating that students are enjoying their experience at Northwestern just as much as they are at other top schools. Plus east coast schools have a reputation for being much more high strung, so NU is relatively non-competitive.</p>
<p>As others have stated, the Midwest is generally considered more friendly than the Northeast. Northwestern offers many interdisciplinary majors and has six unique undergraduate schools. There is a department practically for everyone here, and the student body is not as academically competitive as other schools that have a larger pre-law, pre-med, and pre-IB focus.</p>
<p>People who actually enjoy the school don’t have time to rant about it online (they’re actually out there enjoying college life) compared to those who are miserable. That’s why you only see the negative reviews.</p>