UChicago vs NU and more. Please read.

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

<p>Hi, I'm a Florida student entering my sophomore year in high school.
I've been a longtime lurker of CC and after reading thread upon thread I've come down to a mental debate between a few choice schools, mainly, the ever so cliche "Northwestern vs. University of Chicago."
The thing is, for a few months I was absolutely set on UChicago, I love the city and the beautiful campus, but most importantly, the legendary quirky, intelligent social vibe won me over. I won't even try to name the dozens of other things I love about UChicago. Yet recently I withdrew myself from my awestruck haze and began to think about things. </p>

<p>Why NU appeals to me:
At this point, I'm not quite sure what I want to study, but at the moment I'm leaning towards something that would satisfy both my Computer/Tech Engineering/ and Media/Video/Photo/Audio sides. UChicago's lack of engineering and NU's dominance in the arts has left me uncertain. Also, I've read other posts that mention how UChicago has more of a theoretical focus while NU is more into production, a plus for NU for me. Also, the workload; I enjoy the idea of course discussion everywhere at UChicago, but can't see myself up at all hours writing dozens of papers on subjects that I might not thoroughly enjoy (the Core; intriguing but maybe not entirely practical.) The NU setting is also a pro, despite the fact that it's farther from downtown Chicago, Evanston has many amenities such as the movie theater, Urban Outfitters, and other chain retail stores/restaurants that Hyde Park does not offer. </p>

<p>Why UChicago appeals to me:
I think there is a part of my heart that dies when thinking of leaving behind the geeky, ScavHunt, carefree athletics, Harry Potter loving,Tumblr-ish social atmosphere at UC. I'm in love with the House system which to me is a bit of a security blanket when it comes to making friends, going on trips, and being involved. The Physics program, another of my possible interests seems to be above NU's. I get the impression that the student body at UChicago is more accepting and unified as opposed to the North/South divide and 40% Greek Life stat at NU. As much as I want a taste of general college life, I've always wanted that unique factor that UChicago seems to possess. And finally, though NU is more known by the common person, UChicago rises to the top in ratings worldwide.</p>

<p>Basically, if UChicago had the Tech and Arts programs that NU had, or NU had the social atmosphere that UChicago had, I wouldn't even be worrying.</p>

<p>Though I simply, really, really want to be in the city of Chicago, Stanford or a school near LA or NYC would be my next choice.</p>

<p>I guess my questions for you all are:
Has anyone had a similar debate? If so, which did you choose and are you happy with your choice? Do you think I'd be able to find a niche at NU that fills my desire for the UChicago social life? Is it possible to have fun at NU without being involved in Greek Life? For students from both schools, how often do you travel into downtown Chicago normally and how easy is it? What houses/dorms do you recommend at both NU and UChicago? Do you know of any other schools that seem to fit my interests?
Which school would you choose if you were me?</p>

<p>I know it's a bit early for a sophomore to be making decisions, but I believe the sooner, the more prepared I'll be.
Despite how long this post is, I really, truly would appreciate a lot of input. Thank you.</p>

<p>(This is being posted in College Search, UChicago, and NU forums.)</p>

2

<ol>
<li><p>The North-South divide @ NU is exaggerated. The entire campus is less than a mile long.</p></li>
<li><p>You do not have to live in Chicago to experience the city. NU has several train stations where the Purple Line takes people straight into the North Side and Downtown areas. The Intercampus shuttle is also convenient because it transports people between the Evanston and Chicago campuses. When you arrive in Chicago, you are near Water Tower Place and the Magnificent Mile shopping district.</p></li>
<li><p>NU is also safer overall than UChicago. Many people don’t realize that UChicago is located in Hyde Park (South Side) which is surrounded by sketchy neighborhoods.</p></li>
<li><p>Choose the school that has your majors. For instance, if you want to major in engineering, then it does not make any sense to apply to UChicago.</p></li>
</ol>

3

<p>Since you have the luxury of time, at this point I would just recommend visiting the schools’ respective department websites to see what’s coming out of them and what projects you seem to connect more with. In terms of the arts and engineering at the schools, I can really only comment on the arts scene at NU, which is ENORMOUS. You really can do anything you want to do, from costume designing a play to directing or producing a film. There’s a ton of enthusiasm for all that…and the good news is that the community aspect is different within the arts community (both theater and RTVF) than anywhere else on campus. Everybody is open, collaborative and supportive. I didn’t consider UChicago because I wanted to be involved in the arts and there seemed to be a gross lack of that there. </p>

<p>And in terms of going downtown from Evanston, it generally takes about 40 minutes…but as little as 30-35 if you’re on a purple express. That’s on the El…if you’re on the metra (more expensive), it takes like 30 all the time, and it’s a LOT cleaner and smoother of a ride.</p>

<p>Also, NU isn’t too far behind UChicago in the rankings, but you’re right that UChicago has that intellectual vibe…a vibe that ultimately turned me away. You should just visit both campuses a time or two more (maybe during different parts of the year, including a winter visit to both) to really feel the vibe and see whether you think you fit well. Like I said, you have time on your side, and you can do all the research you want at this point. Who knows: Maybe after a year or two, you won’t like either school!</p>

4

<p>Three points of notice - take with a grain of salt as I am not a current student, but I made my decision between Northwestern and another school somewhat similar to UChicago that was known for its theoretical twist, hardcore core, quirkiness, intense house system/culture, and the best physics program in the nation (Caltech). In addition, there was a point where I really wanted to attend UChicago, but after visiting the school and evaluating what I wanted out of my undergraduate college experience, I purposefully did not even apply.</p>

<p>First of all, Northwestern is intellectually/professionally diverse which makes it a definite plus. What I mean by this is that at NU there are future journalists, doctors, lawyers, artsy people, hardcore science types, intellectuals, bleeding heart activists, athletes, etc. Not that UChicago doesn’t have these types, but in my mind as much as I liked discussing Kafka or Dumas as the next guy, I didn’t want to be having intellectually stimulating stimulating conversations 24/7. But there was a niche for when I did want to talk philosophy. Now that was a personal preference, and may not be the case for you. </p>

<p>Second, I was always under the impression that Northwestern was more accepting and unified than a lot of the other top colleges that I considered. I would not take the 40 or 30% Greek stat nor rumors of the North/South divide seriously - all the students I know at NU say that that the Greek system nor the N/S divide does not in any influence one’s social life if one does not want it to do so.</p>

<p>Third, I would apply to both schools. College admissions is getting perpetually more difficult, and the chances are slim, no offence, that you will get into both.</p>

<p>That being said, after reading your post, I would stick to Chicago if I had your same interests, as it is obvious you really want to attend there. Keep in mind that you may change your mind over the next two years, and regardless of your outcome have a positive attitude. </p>

<p>Other schools to consider: Pomona, NYU, Stanford, Columbia, Rice.</p>

<p>Good Luck!</p>

5

<p>I think your concerns about social life at NU should be at the bottom of your list of cons.</p>

<p>You will find your niche at NU - there are so many different people and groups. There will be students who’d fit into the UC personality but along with that you have the Greek life as well. If you look at the people in Slivka and then in Allison, you’ll realize what I’m talking about - on one hand you’ve got the geeky, Harry Potter and video game loving crowd while in Allison you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone close to that. </p>

<p>And you don’t need to be a part for the greek system to have an active social life. There’s so much else to do - movies, plays, musicals… I could go on.</p>

<p>As for traveling downtown - during fall quarter maybe once/twice a week, winter was too cold to travel and spring was twice a week, at least. It varied depending on midterms and such but usually I always found time for a dinner, concert or just randomly going into ethnic neighborhoods. It take 30 minutes exactly to get to Michigan Ave, if you use the Inter-campus. And it’s free!</p>

<p>I faced a similar dilemma, but I figured UC was too quirky, theoretical and core oriented for me. I didn’t want to restrict myself academically [I’m an engineer now] and socially - Northwestern offered me more major choices and a such a variety of people that I knew I’d find my niche. </p>

<p>Also, if you end up living in a small dorm or Slivka, I’d say it’s as cosseting as the House system.</p>

<p>EDIT: Be sure to look up the ASG student groups directory. If you’re interested in going on trips and such, ASB is a very good way to do it. I did it and I made some really good friends. It’s more of a community service oriented/ sit in a circle and talk at night kind of trip. Of course it can vary too. If you end up coming here, be sure to do it :)</p>

6

<p>You said: I’m in love with the House system which to me is a bit of a security blanket when it comes to making friends, going on trips, and being involved."</p>

<p>So, look into the Residential Colleges at NU. My D was at Slivka for 4 years, and loved it., but there are other Res Colleges that you might look at too.</p>

<p>And no, I don’t think Soph HS year is too soon - I’m back on CC because my Soph son wants to go to NU - saw your post - and thought I’d give you my experienced $.02 worth.</p>

<p>He only wants engineering, and you think that might be right for you too, so that leaves Chi right out. </p>

<p>Go cats!</p>

7

<p>I don’t know if you’ve visited both or not, but if you haven’t, you definitely should. I lived at UChicago for a month last year as part of their summer session, and though I definitely learned a lot in the classes I was taking, I also learned how poor of a fit the school was for me. I found the campus to be sort of dead, for lack of a better word, even though there were so many students on campus for summer classes. And as someone who just graduated from a “quirky and fun” high school for gifted students, I found that vibe can get old really quickly. The surrounding area is sketchy at best, and I frequently passed panhandlers on the campus streets as I walked to class (which was on the very edge of campus for me).</p>

<p>I ended up applying to UChicago anyway just because it IS a great school and I wanted to keep my mind open, but I didn’t get in. I was admitted to Northwestern, which I had actually never visited. I went to the campus for Admitted Students Day and just knew it was the best fit for me. The area surrounding Northwestern, as well as the campus itself, is beautiful and not very far from downtown Chicago if that’s where you’re looking to go. I also really enjoyed how the NU campus “feels” small even though it’s home to over 6,000 students. The description of the freshman advisor program won me over, too. All in all, I felt that NU had more options for studying than UChicago, as well as a more lively campus atmosphere. I’m really looking forward to starting there in a few months. :)</p>

<p>Good luck to you. Obviously they’re both wonderful schools, and you’re smart to be thinking about college this early on.</p>

8

<p>I agree with aequitas - you should apply to both schools (considering of course that the major you will eventually decide on in two years are offered in both schools). As illinoisgirl324 experienced, the admissions results may just decide it for you. I got in to both schools and decided UChicago is a better fit for me. I think you will get a feel for that when you visit. Both are great schools though.</p>