<p>Does anyone know how involved parents are over the two days? I will call NU, however, if anyone has feedback...will certainly be appreciated.</p>
<p>i am taking my day with me for the first day..the second day there is a parents breakfast. i dont think its mandatory to bring a parent. my dad wants to come though</p>
<p>We'll be there with S on 19/20th....just was curious. First day definitely seems like a lot of involvement, second day far less so.</p>
<p>If it's like the Discover NU program - and it may not be - there was a dinner for parents separate from "prospies" (prospective students) on Saturday night, then those who wanted to spent the night in the dorms did that. </p>
<p>The next day there were forums from the various schools within the university for parents and kids and those took up most of the day. Dinner was on our own. </p>
<p>On Monday, you could take classes chosen from a list provided by NU's willing professors. Parents were on their own - mine walked all over and saw some places I didn't have time to see as we had to be back at the airport by 2 or something.</p>
<p>This was last fall so I may be a little off, but it's what I remember. Again, the preview may or may not follow the same format. I hope it does because it was very worthwhile.</p>
<p>I'm a parent and have attended Preview NU. I'm not sure how the program is being set up this year, but it is probably similar to last year. The first day consisted of several sessions, most of them including your child. The dean talks, there is a student panel, etc. Each college had its' own separate break-out session. Campus tours were offered. If I remember correctly, there was coffee/pastries for breakfast both days and lunch was included for parents/kids first day. That lunch was in a large room and several university representatives talked to everyone. You and your child also had an opportunity to talk to different clubs/organizations. At dinner time- you separate and your child goes with their assigned NU student and eats dinner with them and stays in the dorm. Parents were on their own (take the opportunity it sample some of the great restaurants in Evanston).<br>
The second day consisted of another coffee/pastry breakfast with just the parents and this was a Q/A session with several university reps (security, student health, etc...). There were tours of several dorms and the kids had opportunities to sit in on a number of classes, etc... Lunch that day was on our own. My son and I did the dorm tours and wandered around the university on our own and checked out things we did not see on the tours. He did not attend any of the classes. </p>
<p>Overall, as a parent I'm glad I attended. I did not know much about the university before Preview and I felt much more excited and comfortable about sending my child here after seeing what NU had to offer.</p>
<p>Thanks....we are definitely attending and we enjoy being part of it (as does our S). Was just curious about how much or how little the school involves parents during preview nu. Appreciate your feedback.</p>
<p>I'm a current NU freshman, and I agree with the original assessment. I would just like to add a few things:
First, there is a gym on south campus, Bloomquist. It's much smaller and doesn't have as many machines or space, but it certainly provides enough to get a good workout. Since it's next to the sorority quad (and i'm trying hard to be sexist), it has much more ellipticals and treadmills than weight machines.
Second, there are a few blocks on north campus that are similar to Evanston proper. It's significantly smaller, but there are restaurants that border the northwestern corner of campus.
Third, since it's neither basketball nor football season, the shuttles to the football/basketball stadiums run hourly. Prior to games, they run virtually every 10 minutes.
Fourth, as for the comment that there isn't a freshmen dorm, that isn't true. Elder Hall is a 300 person dorm exclusively for freshmen. I have a lot of friends there and during New-Student Week their entire dorm was in the same boat and really bonded together. On that note, most people don't spend Junior or Senior year on campus because of the abundance of apartments and houses in Evanston. So virtually every dorm is a freshman or sophomore dorm...especially the larger ones.
Fifth, as for the food, it's very college-y. It's nothing special. The Norris Center offers decent options (Sbarro, a food court, sushi place, crepe place, ice cream place). The big food factor is Evanston. If given any pocket change, students will go down into Evanston which, as stated earlier, is the dining capital of the North Shore. There are TONS of upscale fast-food places that offer quality food for $5-8. Pitas, burritos, Panera, Cosi, Chipotle, hot dogs, beef sandwiches, quiznos, etc. The list really goes on and on with dining options for those willing to spend money.
Sixth, I love the quarter system. Many of my friends at other schools are currently counting down until the summer and can't wait for school to end. Whereas I don't want to leave and am not ready for summer. I think a big factor, aside from my love of NU, is the quarter system. My friends have taken teh same classes for 12 weeks. I am currently in week 5, and haven't even finished midterms. The quarter system refreshes students and keeps them interested academically. I also want to reiterate the diversity of classes you can take and the ease with which you can double major and/or pick up a minor. Also, you can even drop down and take 3 courses a quarter (use your AP credits to fill in teh gaps), if you have to prepare for the LSATs, MCATs, or are having a tough time. </p>
<p>I never considered WUSTL, so I didn't apply so I can make that direct comparison. All I can say is that I think NU is a fantastic place that offers one of the most complete college experiences in the country.</p>
<p>(And oh by the way, our Women's Lacrosse team is primed for its 3rd consecutive nat'l title and Women's Tennis is ready to clinch its 9th consecutive Big 10 title.)</p>
<p>
[quote]
The big food factor is Evanston. If given any pocket change, students will go down into Evanston which, as stated earlier, is the dining capital of the North Shore. There are TONS of upscale fast-food places that offer quality food for $5-8. Pitas, burritos, Panera, Cosi, Chipotle, hot dogs, beef sandwiches, quiznos, etc. The list really goes on and on with dining options for those willing to spend money.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>And if a student has more coin - there are a good no. of restaurants for "foodies" in Evanston (i.e. - Davis St. Fishmarket) and for the more economical - cheap eats at places like Dave's Italian Kitchen.</p>
<p>And let's not forget Chicago-style pizza at Carmen's or Giordano's (damn, I miss that pizza), and for great burgers and cheese fries - I recommend Buffalo Joe's.</p>