PLEASE READ! is Northeastern the one?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northeastern University
1

<p>PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take the 2 mins to read this and reply. I need advice.</p>

<p>Hi, I'm trying to choose between Syracuse, Northeastern and Rutgers and I think its virtually impossible to even rule one out!! They are all very very good, and very very different, schools. One day I'm all for one, but then I start thinking about another and change my mind. Its really bad, and I need some outside advice from people who arent my friends or family. </p>

<p>Here are the facts, I got into Northeastern honors program, but only recieved a $7500 merit scholarship, which is the least of all the schools. Syracuse gave me $12000 with a possibility to recieve more, and Rutgers is already 20000+ cheaper. </p>

<p>For Northeastern, I love Boston, the co-op and all that, but I'm not sure how I feel about weird break schedules and difficulties keeping in touch with friends. The honors dorms are gorgeous though, and I like how the campus integrates with the city. However, it has no equestrian team, and competive horseback riding is something I have done all my life except for last year when I had to sell my horse. Right now it doesnt bother me that much cuz I have gotten used to not riding, but im scared in the future it might.</p>

<p>Rutgers would leave me money left over for Graduate school, and I like the school in general, but my parents both went and it just seems too... safe in a way. But I do like it, great Psych program which is what I want to major in. The campus is fine, but very spread and I dont know how I feel about the buses. However, I should stress that money for grad school is def a plus. Also, my serious boyfriend will most likely be attending, and I know I shouldnt base my decision on this, but I guess its a little plus/minus, however u look at it. I mean, who knows what will happen between us. New Brunswick is a fine city, but not nearly as nice as Boston.</p>

<p>Syracuse also has great Psych, probably the nicest campus, nice dorms, best repuation, and 2 of my best friends are going there (which i guess is good and bad). However, I dont love cold weather, I enjoy sunshine and all that, but I THINK I could deal with it. However, if I couldnt, it would be a drag. Syracuse gave me 12000 which makes it more reasonable, I can pay that straight up no loans but it means less money left. Also, the campus and surrounding area are really nice, but the city of Syracuse itself is pretty bad.</p>

<p>For a lil bit more info, I'm studying psych cuz im not exactly sure what I want to do, but most likely specialized doctor (but not sure if i can all the sciences) or law (but not sure if i can work my way to top of beurocracy of lawyers). Typical choices I know, but they interest me and I want to be successful. So, I thought psych is a good major cuz it applies to both.</p>

<p>All and any advice is greatly appreciated. THANK YOU!</p>

2

<p>I assume that the $7500 merit award from Northeastern is renewable every year that you are in school, so what you are really getting is $30K (if you do the four year program) or $37,500 (if you do the five year program). You should also factor in co-op earning which would be about $45K for three paid co-ops in your field. You could use the co-op earnings to defray some of the tuition costs and living expenses. But all three are great schools, so pick the one that best suits your needs and financial situtation.</p>

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<p>Rutgers blows. Campus is very ugly and the general area seems very dull. Syracuse on the other hand is the highest ranked out of all the schools and has a very happy student population as I understand. NEU has the most liberal student population I think, all of whom are very friendly and approachable, along with a modern looking campus that beats any I've ever seen. To top it all off, NEU is in the heart of Boston with lots to do. Despite what NEU may offer, I wouldn't risk it for a lifetime debt. I'm deciding between NEU and U Arizona, and frankly I was disappointed with NEU's poor financial offer so I'm leaning towards Arizona. Not the NEU is bad or anything but it just seems like a rip-off. 40k is like the tuition of an ivy league, and frankly I don't think NEU should be enforcing so much on its applicants with such little academic reputation and establishment. just my opinion though.</p>

4

<p>Have you visited all three schools? When you visit you really get a good idea of where you would rather go. When I first started visiting colleges Northeastern wasn't really close to one of my top choices and I just kinda visited because I was in the area. After visiting, Northeastern quickly became my top choice. Just choose wherever feels right to you.</p>

5

<p>Ncchung, just because NEU did not give you the aid that you wanted does not mean that you should start bashing the school. A couple of days ago, you were absolutely in love with the place. </p>

<p>Please don't take the aid package as a slight, they can't give money to everyone. No offense but your GPA probably hurt your chances for a nice aid package. You should not blame that on the school. I know that the school is expensive but it costs the same as every private school. And don't make the mistake use the rankings a measure for what a school should charge. The rankings are bogus because they favor traditional schools and work against schools that have innovative curriculms like Northeastern. I already explained this to you in another post on this board:</p>

<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=168595%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=168595&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

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<p>Yes I have visited all three schools, I have already visted Northeastern twice in fact and I'm in the process of going back to look at both Rutgers and Syracuse this Saturday and Monday... Maybe it will help but I doubt it.</p>