Apparently, I’ve done the impossible. I was waitlisted to Northwestern, and received a call from them two days ago telling me I was accepted. From what I’ve heard, only like 20-25 people actually make it off the wait list at Northwestern. I am now trying to decide between USC and Northwestern, since I committed to USC by the May 1st deadline…
A little bit about myself: I would like to major in Economics and possibly double major in Statistics. Not completely sure on that, but I know I would like to use math to make the world around me a better place, so those two fields seem to fit me well (I’ve heard double majoring is very doable at Northwestern, and little less so at USC). I think I’m more extroverted than introverted, but if there’s one thing about me is I can’t focus unless it’s really quiet. In other words I’m social, but I need some alone time.
Though Northwestern is probably the more reputable school in those areas, I really enjoyed the atmosphere at USC - weather, friendly students, access to LA, diverse student body. What I’m mostly wondering is the student life aspect of Northwestern. My family will not be able to afford a trip to Chicago before my deadline, and I would like to know if students at Northwestern are involved, happy, and engaged. Also, Northwestern is relatively far away from Chicago… so is the area around Evanston nice? Is there a lot to do for college students on weekends?
Last but not least, one of my main doubts is the quarter system of Northwestern. It kinda seems… like hell. As stated above, I’m ADD and I’m really slow at doing homework, writing essays, focusing, etc. I know I’m smart but I’m a pretty big procrastinator (by default, not really by choice). Would I absolutely crumble and die at NU or not? How compatible is the quarter system for a full-time student (doing work-study) with a healthy social life?
I have two more days to respond… Any insight is appreciated!
Funny, my daughter really LOVED the undergraduate business program at uSC, but in the end, felt northwestern was the better fit for her despite the weather and quick quarter system. As you know, the Econ major is widely popular at NU and for good reason. Listen, not everyone is happy at their college of choice, but my daughter has been told by pretty much everyone she meets that the kids are very happy and involved at NU. Evanston is a wealthy suburb of Chicago and I wouldn’t consider Chicago AT ALL far from campus! New Yorkers who live in the suburbs of NY C would kill for that commute! After all these positives, as a parent, I would probably be concerned about your ADD and the quick pace of the classes. I’m sure you wouldn’t be the only one with ADD on campus, not such a rare issue these days, so maybe you’ll get lucky and get some better insight on this board. USC is also such a special place, you are one lucky kid to have such a high class problem. Best of luck!
NU has friendly students, free access to Chicago, a diverse student body, and is in a lively suburb, compared to USC which has access to great areas, but isn’t really in the best area. There are a kid of activities to get involved in on campus and on weekends, so students have healthy social lives. Not to mention in the spring and summer, you will be able to walk out of your dorm and walk like 2 minutes to the beach.
Chicago is wicked cold, unlike anything I’ve experienced in my life. Here’s my suggestion. Fly out there and check it out. Both schools are on par, IMO, so follow your heart.
You would not crumble and die at NU. And NU does provide an edge in your majors (presuming you choose to take advantage of it).
However, since you have been honest about your ADD, which is commendable – just how seriously this affects your studies only you, and perhaps your physician, can judge – you may want to stick with USC. I don’t consider USC deficient nor easy, but your concern about the quarter system at NU is legitimate. It can be very compressed and challenging for many students, as well as faculty sometimes.
If you choose NU, try to see if there may be resources available, and plan accordingly. It can certainly be done with caution. Also check your career goals, and placement for both schools. If costs are a concern, be careful there as well (e.g. aid packages, etc.)
My younger daughter has LDs and finds that her trimester (basically same as quarter with no summer classes) keeps her on target. With little time to get behind she has no time for procrastinating. That’s how it works for her, ymmv. My older daughter went to NU and is now at Columbia as a postbac and finds the semester system dreadfully slow and, an excellent student, she finds that she does procrastinate more than she did under the quarter system.
Oh, and a car is a big plus at USC where it is mostly a pain at NU.
No one can answer this for you, and unfortunately, you cannot visit which makes it a difficult decision. The good news is that neither is a bad choice. Good luck!
Academically, Northwestern is very good in economics; adding MMSS (you will have to apply for sophomore entry) on top of it would be the unbeatable combination for your interest and goal. Kellogg certificate in Managerial Analytics for which you take graduate level courses is also another option to consider.
Evanston is a pretty nice town; the relatively high density makes it more urban than typical suburbs. Downtown Chicago is 45 min subway ride away but technically, Evanston borders Chicago, so other nice parts (areas between Evanston and downtown Chicago) are closer.
Stick with USC…weather, fun, sports all much better. Northwestern higher ranked but what’s the practical payoff of that? You’ll learn the same stuff in the classroom at both schools.
@CaliCash Northwestern seems very well placed and thankfully has lots of water haha. In answer to your question, it’s going to be about $2,000 a year cheaper to attend NU. If you consider the fact that part of USC’s financial aid is the Unsubsidized Stafford Federal Loan which is $2000 a year too, then overall NU is cheaper by like $4000, for a total of $16000. That’s a lot of money and makes me really lean towards NU.
Also, @amtc , when you say “car is a plus at USC”, what do you mean by that? I’ve already decided I’m going without car the freshman year, no matter where I go. That being said, which place is more accessible without a car?
Thanks for all the comments! Your responses really do make a difference, I’ve been researching a lot in the past two days, but nothing is more informational/intriguing than hearing from current students/parents/alums.
It’s hard to get around LA without a car. There are a couple of LA Metro stops just off campus, so at least that makes getting to certain parts of the city easier.
@moooop, the practical payoff for someone with his potential majors is that opportunities in consulting and finance are definitely better at NU than at USC.
I also wouldn’t say that the academic opportunities are exactly the same. USC doesn’t have something like MMSS from what I can tell.
If NU is cheaper, you should definitely go there. They also provide better financial aid so if you appeal in subsequent years, you could save even more money with an education that is at least equal (or better) than what you would get at USC.
MMSS and Kellogg certificates are two uniquely advanced and rigorous programs that USC doesn’t have. While it’s PC to say you learn the “same stuff”, it’s simply incorrect. Many people don’t care about football; wasn’t USC basketball dead last in the Pac-12 last year anyway? As for fun, OP just asked how accessible LA is without a car; try to get around without it in LA and I am sure you wouldn’t think it’s fun. OTOH, Evanston/Chicago is very walkable.
