<p>palmalk - That’s OK, I am “Helicopter Dad”.</p>
<p>That one took me a minute! LOL.</p>
<p>Alright I’m going to actually try and answer the question of Northwestern vs. Wash U since I think the conversation has gone a little astray. I was accepted into both universities and only about a week ago chose Wash U. They are both great schools and although they are both ranked #12 on U.S. News Top National Universities, I think Northwestern is more well known. I think Northwestern is more well-rounded and has strengths in all areas like journalism, theater, poly sci, and sports whereas Wash U is a stronger school in the sciences. I personally am thinking of majoring in biology so Wash U was more of a fit for me. I think the people at both schools are friendly (of course it is the mid-west) but I think Wash U students are generally happier and more friendly. I live only about 30 min away from Northwestern so its horrible weather isn’t a turn off for me but I do think the campus is gloomier than Wash U’s. Both campuses have beautiful buildings and wonderful professeurs although I think at Northwestern you are more likely to be with TAs and grad students rather than professeurs. The class sizes are generally larger, especially in the sciences, even in upperclassmen classes sometimes. Again they are both great schools and you cannot go wrong with either. Good luck and I hope this helped : )</p>
<p>Also, one of the biggest differences is the quarter vs. semester system. NU is quarters, which means you have to cram 14 weeks of classwork into 10 weeks, have 3 sets of mid-terms/finals per year, and are not in sync with any of your friends at other schools as far as vacations, summer job opportunities, etc. On the up side of quarters, you do get to take a few more classes over the 4 years and if you really hate a class, it’s over sooner.</p>
<p>Just browsing, but need to point out the quarter system means 3 quarters = 2 semesters, you don’t “cram…”, your credits are worth 2/3 semester credits. The start/end times are different by almost a month.</p>
<p>wis75 - If NU covers a course in 3 quarters that other schools cover in 2 semesters, then you are right that the material is covered at about the same pace. But many courses that are taught in one semester at other schools are covered in one quarter at NU, and thus the material is kind of crammed in and there are tests and papers at a pace that exceeds most semester schools. This is exactly what was told to us by both students and the person in the intro session when my D and I visited both Chicago and NU, both of whom use the quarter system.</p>
<p>genius - Bumped this thread so you can refresh your memory on this issue and posters don’t have to spend more time repeating everything for you. :)</p>
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<em>I’m aliiiiive…</em>
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<p>:)</p>
<p>10char</p>