NU or USC: the college experience

<p>I thoroughly hate this versus threads but here I am doing one. Before you say this thread is "discussed to death", I can assure you, I read them all/they're far too outdated. Anyways, I'm at that awkward stage where I don't qualify for fee waivers but don't have the resources to apply to 10+ schools so I'm trying to cut my list down.</p>

<p>All the threads discussing USC/NU all ended up talking about prestige and job placement, but I don't care at all about that because I'm going to end up at med/grad school anyway, so it's all irrelevant. I want the "real" college experience. I LOVE football (hence these two schools), complete extrovert, I enjoy parties, theatre productions and arts scene (I'm an avid dancer) and I'm not opposed to greek life. Academics are my first priority, but regardless, I'm going to have a great education no matter the school or where I end up attending. I would just like to hear your opinions/thoughts/advice on the matter. Thanks a million!!</p>

<p>(I'm also going to post this in the USC forum, so you might see it twice)</p>

<p>Two great schools with very different atmospheres.
If football is a high priority, USC presumably has the edge. And of course, if you dislike cold weather, it wins there too.
If academics and the value/prestige of your degree matter, then NU presumably has the edge. And Chicago is, as far as I’m concerned, a far more interesting city (and one that does not require a car).
I think it’s a win/win whichever way you go, and it’s a very subjective and personal thing, but for me, it would be an easy call - NU.</p>

<p>USC probably has a better football atmosphere. NU is full of social people, has a decent party scene (from what I’ve heard) has amazing theater and arts. We have tons of theater boards, a lot of a cappella groups, an amazing music school with great performances, etc. We have a decent greek life presence, good enough that you can get involved and enjoy it if you want, but kind of ignore it if you want to join. We probably have slightly better academics, at least as far as I know, but it’s not a very significant difference.</p>

<p>I love NU’s experience, but that’s tailored to me personally. I don’t party, but I love all of the productions and such going on, the wide variety of personalities and diversity, and all the clubs we have going on. Chicago is an amazing city, and most people I know like it better than LA.</p>

<p>Also. Chicago is really hot right now, with amazing new restaurants and theatres plus the old reliables such as the architecture, Second City, Steppenwolf Theatre, etc. Plus, Evanston’s restaurants and nightlife have improved over the last few years. I would go to NU. If you really like LA, go there for vacation.</p>

<p>Northwestern is better in academics every day of the week. We have an amazing theatre/arts scene that people not even into that kinda stuff still attend shows. Grad/Med school might be a little more difficult from NU. I have some friends out at SC and the classes are a walk in the park. NU is incredibly difficult for premed. It is hard to manage a social life and be pre-med, but some manage. Greek life is big at both schools. You sound like you’d be fine at either school. </p>