Wash U vs. Northwestern vs. UChicago

Colleges and Universities A-Z Washington University in St. Louis
1

<p>I am very indecisive, and I am having the hardest time chosing between these schools, so I would really appreciate any advice! I am interested in science or maybe engineering. If I go to Northwestern, I will probably do the Integrated Science Program, and I would probably do Physics at UChicago and BME at Wash U. I am considering pre-med, but I am leaning more toward going to grad school to do research. </p>

<p>I have visited all of the schools, and I did get some feel for the atmosphere on the campuses. But I still don't think it's possible to get a complete picture of the school in one night, so I would love to hear opinions about social life, the type of people, etc. I honestly am not sure where I would fit in best...</p>

<p>Any advice would be great! Thanks! :)</p>

2

<p>Wow, this is tough. Three great schools. I am assuming since you didn’t mention it money not an issue. Also assuming that either city would be a change of scenery for you. So I won’t talk about those things unless you come back and say differently.</p>

<p>I know all three schools fairly well, Wash U more than the other two but have had reasonable amount of experience with them also. I have always had a preference for Wash U and Chicago myself for the fields you are considering. Not that NU isn’t great, but I just like the atmosphere at the others better as being more collegial, nicer campuses, and just a happier student body. The kids at Wash U and Chicago just seem more satisfied to be there than the kids at NU, a number of whom commute and a number of whom seemed to “settle” for NU when they didn’t get into HYPS. People can take shots at that opinion all they want, it is just my impression from having been there about a dozen times. So I am going to focus on Wash U and Chicago.</p>

<p>I don’t think you can beat Chicago for physics among those choices. Wash U is well known for BME, and has a reputation for being pretty tough in that area. Chicago students are the kind that can stay up all night talking politics, philosophy, music, anything. They more than any campus I have visited seem to truly love to learn just to learn, with Wash U being not far behind in that area. Maybe it is just the extra snow and wind that forces Chicago kids to stay in sometimes, LOL. Lots of really really bright, engaged students at both places.</p>

<p>A big difference between the two is the trimester system at Chicago (and NU) vs. the semester system at Wash U. I am sure you already know this, but the Chicago system is more intense, cramming everything into fewer weeks, but it gives you way more courses to take over your college career, and makes studying abroad easier too. You usually miss only a quarter, not a whole semester, the way it works out. On the other hand, you are in school more weeks total and your schedule is really off compared to your friends at other schools. On the other other hand, when you have spring break at Chicago, you come back to a new term, no exams or assignments hanging out there. So clearly pros and cons to the systems, just a matter of preference.</p>

<p>Chicago is obviously a more dynamic city than St. Louis, although as a student this will make some difference but not a great difference. Most students tend to do the same things in either place; go to parties, hang out in the clubs, catch a movie, whatever. It will be the occasional thing that Chicago offers that St. Louis doesn’t that will be nice from time to time, but I wouldn’t base a decision on where to go over it.</p>

<p>Well, JMHO. I can see why you would have trouble deciding, three great and in many ways similar schools. I hope that was of some help anyway. I am sure whichever you choose you will do very well and enjoy it immensely.</p>

3

<p>I’m pretty sure fallenchemist has mistaken Northwestern for Louisiana’s Northwestern State. </p>

<ol>
<li>“… the kids at NU, a number of whom commute”</li>
</ol>

<p>Northwestern is a “commuter school” ??? 99+% of freshmen live in university housing. Lots of upperclassmen do what they dream of doing everywhere (certainly at Wash U and Chicago) - look for off-campus apartment/house shares at lower cost and greater freedom. If you know Evanston, you know student housing options right near campus are almost unlimited. </p>

<ol>
<li>“The kids at Wash U and Chicago just seem more satisfied to be there than the kids at NU”</li>
</ol>

<p>OK. This is a Wash U board but just how many active students/recent NU grads do you know (not circa 1976)? I know, have known, dozens over the last several years, every one without exception thrilled with his/her experience. But for more “objective” data: </p>

<p>Freshman retention rate: Chicago 97%, NU 97%, Wash U 97%.<br>
Four year graduation rates: NU 86%, Chicago 84%, Wash U 83%.</p>

<p>These don’t look very different to me.</p>

<ol>
<li>“I have always had a preference for Wash U and Chicago myself for the fields you are considering”</li>
</ol>

<p>The fields: Physics and Biomed (I won’t touch the ISP issue -prestigious program at Northwestern but only available there). </p>

<p>First off, HUH? Chicago doesn’t offer ANY engineering, biomed or other, NADA. And even in biomed, Northwestern is ranked 11th with Wash U 16th, both strong programs, but have trouble figuring out how Wash U is “preferred.” </p>

<p>Second, Physics is strongest at Chicago (#8), then probably at NU (#26), then Wash U (#48). Note that unlike biomed these are grad rankings - only ones available. </p>

<p>Getting back to Ozzie6 (sorry, you weren’t forgotten) my very personal suggestion is this. If you still think you may want to pursue an engineering track, forget Chicago. If you’re sure this isn’t an issue and you want the strongest academic basic science offerings in physics and math in preparation for grad school, Chicago is hard to turn down. If really unsure in what direction you want to head, ISP at Northwestern would seem your most flexible option offering great individual mentoring along with challenge and prestige. </p>

<p>Understand that this is an opinion based solely on my thoughts about the academic particulars you’ve posted. All three schools have deservedly great reputations in the sciences. But you’re right in asking where you’ll fit in best. Probably the most important part of your decision. You’ve visited all three. Asking about social life on CC at this point won’t help much. Think about your academic goals, exclude any schools where you’re unsure they can be met, and then just go with your gut. It’s almost always right.</p>

4

<p>If you’re concerned about social life at all, I would not consider Chicago.</p>

5

<p>wbwa - As you say, these are opinions and I think I made it pretty clear mine were just that. Although you mischaracterized my statements a couple of times, I appreciate your view of it, and the OP can obviously take it all in.</p>