<p>I was wondering what sets Northwestern apart from other schools. What is it known for? and Why is it placed 12th on US News versus say... USC?</p>
<p>As a regular applicant, Northwestern applied so much to me because of its top of the line academics as well as a great social atmosphere. When you think of some of the top schools in America. They usually are schools that are great with academics but the people are isolated to themselves. Just stepping foot on NU’s campus, you will see someone laughing and having fun. The students are very nice as well. They are eager to show you around the campus and everything. As a person who prides themselves for having the best of both words academia and a great social aspect, I think Northwestern is the perfect place for me. I have my fingers crossed until March 25.</p>
<p>hmm, that’s cool. I know that’s true, but I was wondering about academics.</p>
<p>Well for me, NU is known for its Economics Department, which is what I’m going to major in. The academic from what I have heard from friends at NU is that its kind of hard unless you keep track with what you are doing. It gets tough but what do you expect from a top tier university.</p>
<p>Hahaha. NU is much more difficult (in terms of admissions and getting good grades) and prestigious than USC, especially in business (Kellogg). Also, its economics and chemistry departments are ranked pretty high up there. The professors in those 2 departments are pretty amazing. I believe Materials Science is supposed to be really good here too.</p>
<p>Why not tour both schools(USC and NU), and see which one resonates with you.</p>
<p>sadface,</p>
<p>As far as why it’s ranked higher than USC, NU’s peer assessment score is quite a bit higher. Part of it has to do with how Northwestern has long been one of the top schools. When USN ranking started in the 80s, Northwestern was already there in the top-25 while USC was probably outside the top-50. Since then, NU had even been ranked in the top-10 multiple times. NU is strong across the board, not just the preprofessional programs. Its humanities (e.g. German, English, art history), social sciences (e.g. economics, sociology), and sciences departments (e.g. chemistry) are highly-ranked. Its MMSS and ISP are still highly regarded and remain to be among the most rigorous social-science/science programs out there. Meanwhile, USC is less strong in liberal arts. Overall, the difference among schools in the top-30 isn’t really big but you are asking for a hair-splitting answer and here’s one.</p>
<p>For those who may be interested–NU just had their “Dance Marathon”, that raised over $900,000! for local charities-a non-stop dance party! More info on their “DailyNorthwestern.com” site or the rss feed on “NorthbyNorthwestern.com” site</p>
<p>Both seem really cool.</p>
<p>I have a question, what is MMSS and ISP?</p>
<p>[Integrated</a> Science Department](<a href=“http://www.isp.northwestern.edu/]Integrated”>http://www.isp.northwestern.edu/)
[MMSS</a>, Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences, Northwestern University](<a href=“http://www.mmss.northwestern.edu/]MMSS”>http://www.mmss.northwestern.edu/)</p>
<p>Also, NU has a fantastic music school and a unique 5-year double degree program with Bienen (music school) and either WCAS, Engineering, or Medill. That’s what attracted me to Northwestern. USC also has a great music school as well, but I’m not sure if they have the same type of double degree program.</p>
<p>this question pains my soul.</p>
<p>Prestigious education + Big 10 Conference</p>
<p>One of my friends actually transferred here from USC. He says the main difference lies in the social atmosphere; he doesn’t find too much of a difference in the academic atmosphere. (He’s undecided in Weinberg, btw) </p>
<p>Make of that what you will!</p>
<p>Hahaha Not too much of a difference in the academic atmosphere? I’m actually quite surprised.</p>
<p>A large portion of the academic atmosphere at ANY school is what you make of it. You can get an intense education at just about any top school if you seek it out!</p>