NU vs Michigan

<p>Posting for a friend who is trying to decide between the two. Cost has worked out to be comparable. Would initially be in Weinberg at NU or LSA at Michigan, with possible interests in econ and or chemistry. Any input appreciated.</p>

<p>The old NU vs Michigan debate. Always a fun one…</p>

<p>In my opinion, definitely Northwestern in this case. With cost being similar and with the interests of chemistry and econ, two of NUs stronger suits, the choice is pretty clear.</p>

<p>Socially/environmentally the schools are pretty comparable. Both are lauded for affording students the classic, full package college experience.</p>

<p>Northwestern University.</p>

<p>Jakey --</p>

<p>NU is perhaps a step ahead of Michigan as far as reputation (though my friends at Michigan would dispute this). Of course, reputation says nothing about the quality of education one receives – basically, one can get an excellent education with great employment prospects at either school.</p>

<p>When my D visited both schools, she said that there was a very different feel. This doesn’t come down to any right or wrong, just different. Some students will love NU and be cool to Mich, others the opposite.</p>

<p>At the end of the day, based on what you’ve written – my recommendation – if your friend has a strong preference for either school that’s where s/he should go. Otherwise, if it’s a ‘tie’ or a ‘close call’, I’d recommend NU.</p>

<p>There’s not a huge difference between these two schools in terms of quality of education. Your friend should choose based on which campus feels “right”.</p>

<p>Northwestern University.</p>

<p>Northwestern is better for chemistry and if costs are the same, Northwestern gets the edge.</p>

<p>bumpbumpbump</p>

<p>Since cost of attendance is approximately equal, and assuming your friend likes both schools equally, I would give the edge to NU in this case. Chem and Econ, while excellent departments at Michigan are absolutely amazing at Northwestern.</p>

<p>

amazing!</p>

<p>[Best</a> Chemistry Programs | Top Chemistry Schools | US News Best Graduate Schools](<a href=“http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-science-schools/chemistry-rankings]Best”>http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-science-schools/chemistry-rankings)
[Best</a> Economics Programs | Top Economics Schools | US News Best Graduate Schools](<a href=“http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-humanities-schools/economics-rankings]Best”>http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-humanities-schools/economics-rankings)</p>

<p>I didn’t even have to look to know that Cal would be ranked higher in both areas. LOL</p>

<p>OP,</p>

<p>I’ll be in Medill but I plan to try and double major in Econ and Journalism, and hopefully minor in chemistry. Ambitious, I know, but I want to make the most of my time at such an incredible school! Plus, I’m indecisive! :D</p>

<p>I think it would be wise to go with Northwestern. Very few universities match Northwestern at the undergraduate level in Chemistry and Economics. You’ll also get generally small classes and a very high caliber student body at NU. I was just at Wildcat Days and it was very enjoyable and informative. I’d encourage your friend to attend Wildcat Days, too.</p>

<p>If your friend ends up wanting to double major in chemistry and economics, it is very possible thanks to the quarter system at NU. </p>

<p>If you need any other information on NU or want me to elaborate on my experience having visited, please let me know.</p>

<p>Thanks for the information. It would be nice to hear about your experience. Also, do you know how NU is towards the LGBT community?</p>

<p>Sure, jakey.</p>

<p>My experience was great. I went on a guided tour around campus, and I also got to peek in on a few classes and talk to professors in my academic departments. Chemistry, Econ and Medill were all top notch, as to be expected. From what I observed, the classes were engaging, interactive, and intimate. </p>

<p>I found the campus vibe very refreshing. For a university ranked in the top dozen on USNWR, the students were surprisingly approachable, humble and collaborative. I talked to a few students and they all seemed very intelligent and driven. </p>

<p>LGBT students at NU are not merely tolerated, but unconditionally embraced. By his own admission, my tour guide was gay and he explained what a great environment it is and how progressive and open minded the school as a whole is. I don’t think anyone would have even the slightest reservations of being who they are at a school like NU.</p>

<h2>Socially/environmentally the schools are pretty comparable. Both are lauded for affording students the classic, full package college experience.</h2>

<p>Not sure I would agree with this. Michigan has a much larger sports and party atmosphere. I would say NU students are a bit more intellectual in nature. </p>

<h2>I didn’t even have to look to know that Cal would be ranked higher in both areas. LOL</h2>

<p>Hahahaha same</p>

<p>Northwestern!</p>

<p>Michigan!!</p>

<p>As for LGBT, there’s “Boystown” in Chicago, which is the gay mecca in the Midwest. Since NU has a lot of kids from the Chicago area and has huge performing arts programs, chances are most people are pretty accepting, if not embracing.</p>

<p><a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boystown,_Chicago[/url]”>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boystown,_Chicago&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Go with the better school: Northwestern.</p>

<p>HMmmrph…</p>