<p>Ok I have several concerns and questions, and if possible I need some real life Northwestern students' answers. I am actually looking at both NU and Vandy, but... that's kind of irrelevant right now. Whatever.</p>
<p>Anyway, one reason I am thinking about transferring from NYU is because it does not provide the typical college experience at all, which Northwestern seems to do because it still has a campus and greek life while still in the vicinity of Chicago. However, one reason I do like NYU is because there is no "typical" student; you don't have to act think or dress a certain way to fit in. What is the typical student at NU? Are people generally friendly or are there hardcore cliques? Would it be difficult trying to transfer and find my niche next year (as a sophomore)? Furthermore, how is trying to rush as soph without knowing a single person?</p>
<p>Secondly, I have no clue what they're looking for in a transfer. I just finished the semester with a 3.6 GPA which is not bad for college, but I don't know how much they'll weight my hs stuff which went pretty crappy senior year. I had a 3.8 applying everywhere but I think I finished with a 3.7 and my SATS were pretty bad... 1340 or something like that. So... if anyone has some advice for this novel of a predicament I would definitely appreciate it. I don't really feel like listing my EC's haha... but if you feel like they would make a big deal of them, let me know.</p>
<p>The "typical" student, if we have one, is hard-working, passionate (often with some huge interest in an arbitrary subject like puppetry traditions in southeast asia or ancient greek coins), a little awkward, but pretty laid back. But really, I've never found it to be that "cliquey" or exclusive...we're not as diverse as we could be, but it's not like you'll be shunned if you dress a certain way. </p>
<p>People are definitely generally friendly. Everyone kinda makes a ton of new friends during New Student Week, so if you transfer for the fall, it shouldn't be too much of an issue. There's also a transfer student dorm, which might be a nice way to meet other newbies.</p>
<p>From what I can discern, plenty of sophomores rush...I might rush as a sophomore next year myself. </p>
<p>I can't really advise you too much on admissions, but NUs big thing is interest. Everytime you contact them or visit campus (which I would recommend if you can swing it...it really helped me to pick up on NU's unique energy), they document it and count it positively towards your admission. Also, a huge part of the app is a "why do you want to go here?" essay, so really try to express a real desire to go here in that.</p>
<p>I hope that was helpful! Let me know if you have any more questions about life at NU.</p>
<p>hey, thanks so much- i really appreciate that cause i thought no one was going to answer! haha. well, I don't dress odd or counter-cultural or anything like that...being in New York I'm sure we dress a little differently but not by much. but I am applying to Vandy as well and they're super preppy and I'm just... normal haha. I just wasn't sure of NU was preppy too. Thanks again!</p>
<p>"Everytime you contact them or visit campus (which I would recommend if you can swing it...it really helped me to pick up on NU's unique energy), they document it and count it positively towards your admission."</p>
<p>hopeful, I'm definitely serious...NU is huge on interest. They want people who are passionate about their school, not just throwing out an application as a backup to Harvard. Of course, just calling them a bunch hardly guarentees admission...but if you're already a great applicant, it can give you that little push. </p>
<p>At least this is what I've heard from countless admissions people at NU...I have no idea about the specifics of the process, but I do know that interest is important.</p>
<p>rocket, I can attest for that. Last year, I applied to like 10 schools and NU as one of the back-ups. It definitely showed when I wrote a slapdash "Why NU" and their weird essay. I ended up getting burned and wasn't admitted to school, while all of my SATs, rank, etc were above par to their standards. Really demonstrate your interest and really pay attention to the essays! They count A LOT. I'm not only speaking from personal experience, but I've heard that over and over from my NU friends and people from this board.</p>