<p>I'm looking at different schools, such as WUSTL, and am trying to figure out what's right for me. Any suggestions? (My grades are pretty good but not perfect and I have high SAT scores... if that helps any). </p>
<p>I really want a place with an intellectual environment, where people want to discuss what is going on in the world (perhaps a fair deal of politics); but also a place that can balance this intensity with fun... whether it be parties, mingling, or just plain silliness. I hope I'm describing this well: a place that has smart kids (not completely pre-professional) who also know how to have fun.</p>
<p>As far as social life goes, frat/ sorority life could be nice and if the school doesn't have that, it needs to have some means of having an active social life ON CAMPUS. If the school has the greek system, I don't want it to be the absolute dominant force and for it to be really exclusive and snobby, like it can be at so many places. And, I don't want the kids to be cliquey because that's really annoying- I want the atmosphere of the school to be welcoming and very friendly. I'd also prefer for the campus to lean, politically, to the left. It does not have to be a liberal bastion but I definitely do not want it to be dominated by conservatives. I also don't want it to be a school where you can tell the kids try hard to be grungy and shun materialism; I enjoy some of the name brands and don't think I should have to apologize for it. </p>
<p>It also has to be a pretty campus in not too sketchy of a neighborhood; I really want that quintessential college campus. </p>
<p>Regarding academics, I want to study either international relations, economics, or political science so hopefully the school is strong in all three of those. Also, I'd prefer classes to be somewhat small or at least filled with discussion. I know that at many places introductory classes are large and that is okay. 200+ people, however, is way too many for one class, in my opinion. I'm having some trouble deciding between small school/ medium-sized school. </p>
<p>So... any ideas?
I've been thinking about Wash U or Northwestern. I like Georgetown but it seems like much of its social life was off-campus. Liberal art schools: Pomona or Carleton maybe. please help!</p>
<p>having visited schools ranging in size from 1600 to 30000, i can tell you that all freshman intro classes are large. that being said, i think a school of about 6000 is perfect. washu is great academically and socially. i would have some hesitation about northwestern...it seems like a cardboard/over the top/fake version of washu (just go with washu- the real thing). similar to some of these schools are duke and dartmouth. i think pomona is good, and maybe another claremont school as a backup? what state are you from? you could apply to tulane also. notre dame is also really nice if youre into that (rural). ive heard from several sources that washu has that perfect college feel. are you trying to stay away from new england?</p>
<p>ill try to think of some more suggestions...i hope these were helpful!</p>
<p>thanks for your suggestions.... i havent looked at the northeast yet but any tips for there would be great. but NO NO not tulane and not notre dame. i'd prefer a college with a more liberal feel. but about wash u- is it as good/ better than northwestern regarding poli sci/ economics/ intl relations? does it have that intellectual "vibe"?</p>
<p>everyone at washu is smart, but they are more humble and unassuming about it...washu and brown share a lot of the same applicants, one thing to consider (also being from tx myself) is that brown is liberal for the northeast and you may be liberal for texas, but brown may be a bit much. what city in tx are you from?</p>
<p>Texas can be very liberal, don't brand us conservative liberals. I am from Austin and we are just not quite the same as some parts of Texas and their conservative nature.</p>
<p>Wash U kids teem to be very smart and just cool to be around. Someone can have a great intellectual conversation without feeling that the other person is trying to show off how smart they are.</p>
<p>Brown and Wash U tend to have a similar vibe, however they are different so you need to see for yourself what one you would prefer. Both are great schools.</p>
<p>I my opinion, washu fits what you're looking for exactly. I always felt like I was surrounded by intellectual people that had something interesting to say, but we could let loose and have a great time partying too.<br>
There are fraternities/sororities, and the frats are definitely a popular place to party fr/soph year (after that you tend to find your own scene). Pretty much all the frat houses are on campus, and the sororities don't have houses (by choice). Even if greek life isn't your thing, there's tons to do on the weekends, especially on campus... activities, parties, etc... I absolutely loved my time there and had a blast, even with all the work, hehe.</p>
<p>WashU definitely has the type of campus you're looking for- it's beautiful, and pretty much pedestrian-only so it's got that real campus feel (unlike some schools in the city). It's not really in the city, but it's not quite the suburbs either (definitely not the ghetto though, esp compared to what I've heard of some other top colleges). </p>
<p>As far as large intro classes... yeah, the first course for bio, psych, chem, physics are usually pretty large, but there are discussion sections so it's not so bad. Plus after freshman year that's pretty much all over. I thought the size of the school was perfect - you don't feel like you're in a huge mass of people, like at the huge universities, but there are always new people to meet. </p>
<p>I looked at washu and northwestern, and ended up choosing washu, and can you tell I loved it? :]</p>
<p>I would not rule out northwestern, it is an outstanding school where the kids I think still know how to have fun. Plus- Chicago is a bit more appealing for off campus activities than St. Louis.....if you do want to go off campus. I also know that Northwestern has one of the better econ programs in the country. I think that many people think the Wash U St. Louis and NU have many things in common, so take a good hard look at both!</p>
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i would have some hesitation about northwestern...it seems like a cardboard/over the top/fake version of washu (just go with washu- the real thing). similar to some of these schools are duke and dartmouth.
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<p>Hmmm...Northwestern was already a reputable school long ago when WashU was pretty much unheard of. It definitely has its own character with many highly ranked programs in journalism, engineering, music, theatre, chemistry, econ..etc. Fake and real? LOL! Sounds like you don't know what you are talking about. </p>
<p>Shoegal,
It's much better to visit and see for yourself than listening to biased opinions on CC. Many are gonna say their schools are pretty good and then try to put down others. It's very subjective anyway.</p>
<p>According to published rankings, Northwestern has an #8th ranked econ program (only behind schools like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Chicago) while WashU's econ is not even in top 30. Both have good poli sci program.</p>
<p>While reading your post, I immediately thought of Brown, so it may be a good school for you to at least look into. But yes, WashU is amazing too and I think you would love it.</p>
<p>But about Northwestern being the "cardboard copy" of WashU, please believe me when I say that it is the total opposite. Nothing against WashU (I love it), but you can tell that it's trying to be as Northwestern-y as possible.</p>
<p>I just read your description of your preferences and my head went ding* ding* ding* on almost every count. People here are not afraid of brand names (people are rich here) almost everyone is humble and unassuming BUT dun dun dun they are intellectual sharks. WashU is highly competitive in a very silent way. You want intellectual talks? Take the right classes and youll find brilliant people who will drive you mad and make you love them, but more importantly they arent afradi to speak their mind. </p>
<p>Greek life is NOT dominant on our campus, but they are there. Its more your choice than anyhting. Greek life can be non existent or it can be your world - My friend goes there almost every week to party and plans to pledge. Another friend doesnt even know where greek houses are located. </p>
<p>Social Life - WashU's social life IS on campus. especially for Freshman. People who have cars will go out and have fun, but they will generally find thsemevles with good friends who theyve known a long time and are usually older. St. Louid is Los Angeles. However it has its fair share of clubs, bars, pool houses, etc. Definently youll find yourself on campus having fun or on University Loop a block away.</p>
<p>WashU is beauTIFFULLLlll hands down. Part of the reason why I came here. Its nice quiet, but it still bustles around somewhat. You make your pace and noone will set it for you. </p>
<p>Georgetown's social life is more off campus - my friends who go there are almost always out on the town. However good Politics from what I here</p>
<p>Northwestern I would recommend for Pre med abd econ. Washu's econ is ok but like said above both have good poli sci.</p>
<p>The thing is, you are asking the right queastions. Dont base your decision on name. Undegrad is not even 1/4 as important as Graduate school. Undegrad is a time for you to grow up and figure out wth your going to do with your life. AND you need to do well enough to get into a GOOD graduate school. After all when people ask you what school you go to later on in profesiional job arena, you say your graduate school name NOT your undergrad. Dont get to caught up about academics, generally youll get a good education if YOUR looking for it.</p>
<p>If your happy with where you are youll study harder and better its proven. Thats why social life, envronemtn, all of thses things are important and i think more important. Have fun good luck</p>
<p>thanks so much! yeah wash u sounds great but i do want to visit. so i'm thinking about there, still northwestern, carleton, maybe pomona, or penn... any comments on these? thanks to all of you once again</p>