<p>I'm really torn between these two schools. I know they're both fantastic institutions and I would get an amazing education at both! But which one would you suggest for someone interested in pre-med? Is there anywhere I can find med school acceptance rates from each school? Really, any advice at all would be great! I'm so torn, I don't know which school to pick!</p>
<p>Academically they are virtually a wash, socially they very different schools almost worlds apart.</p>
<p>ND is very conservative and far more "Catholic" than even many other Catholic colleges while NU is much more liberal. Women's dorms at ND may still have hours for visitation; I'm sure others can verify or correct this if wrong. The off campus social scene will obviously be very different as well since Chicago and all it has to offer is a short train ride from Evanston while South Bend is a small town and really revolves around ND. There's certainly nothing wrong with this, it just depends on what you are looking for. Athletics are a much bigger part of life at ND, even intramurals. ND is the only school I know of that has its own intramural tackle football league.</p>
<p>I'd say make your decision on where you think you will be happier after classes are over because your mental attitude and happiness can have a big impact on your academic success.</p>
<p>ND is not very conservative, just more than its ultra liberal peer schools...the student body is pretty split politically (Obama actually won the mock election) but many students are Catholic, although this doesn't entail many going to mass every sunday and acting holy all the time (i.e. plenty of parties, drunken random hookups, etc. that the Catholic Church would not condone). </p>
<p>Anyways, nothing can match ND's spirit and alumni network. Seriously, I've never been to a more fun even than a Notre Dame football game...it's a one of a kind experience. Also, while dorms are single sex, many dorms have competitions with one another, and it's not like females and males remain separate from each other, so that should'nt really be an issue. </p>
<p>Northwestern's a great school, but I honestly feel ND has a more fun, rah-rah, outgoing, less snobby/nerdy student body. I know plenty of people who go there and love it to death. </p>
<p>Plus, ND's campus is waaayy prettier...</p>
<p>Go to ND!!!
I graduated in 2007 and I wish I could turn back time and go back. While ND does have a reputation for being conservative, that more has to do with older alums. The student body is actually politically moderate, I would say. You'll find your extreme conservatives and even a few extreme liberals, but it's gotten a whole lot more politically diverse, which really gives you the opportunity to make up your own mind on issues. I just really feel that ND gives you a full college experience: from world-reknowned academics, to wonderful varsity and intramural athletics, to a community within your residence hall, to football Saturdays when you're awakened by bagpipes and the band playing the fight song, to the trademark squirrels that eat your grab-n-go bagels, to amazing candlelight dinners on special occasions at the dining hall, to runs around the lakes, to Kegs and Eggs and tailgaiting on football game days, to parties at Turtle Creek and going to the Backer with friends, to the alumni connections, to the incredible spirit and pride that people have in their school... ND will become like your little brother: you may argue with him and the decisions he makes, but if anybody from the outside tries to offend him you're ready to fight. IMO, you just can't get this kind of spirit anywhere else. </p>
<p>As for medical school, I'm there, and the year I applied, I'm pretty sure the acceptance rate was right around 83% (which, as some have pointed out, doesn't include those who dropped out of premed along the way).</p>
<p>The admit rate for Northwestern was 84%, according to the undergrad viewbook on their website.</p>
<p>Flip a coin. Seriously.</p>
<p>Thanks for your input so far you guys. I know they are different schools socially, but I like elements of both. I love that Northwestern is pretty liberal and that it’s located in an awesome area. But I love Notre Dame’s strong tradition and I have legacy there so I sort of want to carry on the family tradition. That’s why I’m asking about their premed programs, I’m going to try to use it as a factor to make my decision. But from what has been said so far, it doesn’t seem like there would be too much of a difference in how well either school will prepare me for med school.</p>
<p>Northwestern, hands down!</p>
<p>Way better Research faculty, more diverse student population, great school in a great city.
I would say it’s not even a competition.</p>