<p>I'm not sure if I should apply. Schools that I really really like are Columbia and Yale. Here is essentially what I'm looking for in a college</p>
<ul>
<li>intellectual drive</li>
<li>a good biology program, but not a science-based college (I want a good education in the humanities also)</li>
<li>a homey atmosphere, good sense of community in the college</li>
<li>stuff to do (not necassarily near a city, but I don't want to be studying 24/7)</li>
<li>at least a decent music program</li>
<li>active college community (lots of involvement in stuff other than studying)</li>
<li>college where greek life is not too heavy</li>
<li>teachers who actually talk/interact with students and encourage them outside of class (ie discussions), but not necassarily something as intimate that can be found at a LAC. in other words, prfos who actually care about their students and are not at the college just for their research</li>
<li>undergrad research opportunities</li>
<li>has a med school or/and hospital nearby</li>
</ul>
<p>so what does NU fit and what doesn't it fit?</p>
<p>from what i've heard/know, everything.</p>
<p>the only thing is the greek life--i'm pretty sure around 30-40% of students are involved in greek life, but from what i've heard it's not overwhelming at all.</p>
<p>one thing i really like about NU is that it does seem to have a good focus on undergrads. both of my parents were grad students there and both have said they were impressed with how much attention the undergrads recieved.</p>
<p>Actually, just about everything you said fits (we even have an extremely strong music program and a med school). There is a decent chunk of students involved in Greek life, but it's very relaxed and there's so much to do anyways that you can really just ignore that whole part of the social scene and be perfectly happy/busy. </p>
<p>I love it here because students are very intellectual and passionate about learning and creating, but for the most part we don't hole up in our rooms and study all the time. Yes, there will be those occational Friday nights at the library, but for the most part people manage to find a nice balance between work, activities, and fun.</p>