<p>So I love Northwestern, and I think that I could be very happy there. However, I recently started thinking, what if I get into NU and Yale or Harvard or Princeton? I know NU is a very prestigious and has some of the best academics in the country. But I don't think anyone is going to debate me when I say Harvard/Princeton/Yale have a lot more prestige in the real world (basically everyone knows them, whereas NU isn't quite as well know)</p>
<p>So even though NU has academics more specific to what I may be interested in (Communications/Journalism), does it make sense to go there over YHP, are go to one of those three just for the name (which isn't to say the academics there wouldn't be amazing too)</p>
<p>I hope you all don't think I'm a snob, because I still love NU. I just don't know the answer to this question.</p>
<p>Go to the one you like better. Prestige isn’t everything. If you think its an over-riding factor, you’ll be happier at HYP. Of course, NU might help you grow more if that’s the case.</p>
<p>If you’re set on journalism, you can’t beat Medill. In terms of overall reputation, NU is slightly below HYP, but the prestige and quality of Medill offsets that. Chicago beats Boston, Princeton, and New Haven and the Big 10 beats the Ivy League if you’re into sports.</p>
<p>My daughter was in the situation you are worried about - on April 30th she was still debating between Yale and Northwestern. She always wanted to go to Yale, even contacted them when she was 10 years old asking for information, loved the experience she had during Bulldog Days, and, of course, it was Yale. In the end, even though it hurt, she chose Northwestern because the program she is studying (musical theatre) is better at Northwestern than Yale. She wanted to make sure she got as much experience and training as possible while at college while still being with incredibly intelligent, well rounded people and Northwestern was a better match. She’s there now and is thrilled, she’s taking great non-theatre and theatre classes, and is in so many films and shows she barely has time to breathe.</p>
<p>Don’t worry about reputation, worry about the best fit for you and your interests.</p>
<p>thanks for all the help. i think that i agree with what everyone has said: that it’s not so much about reputation, but more about what is a better fit. </p>
<p>So, I agree with this now. But I honestly can’t say how I will feel in a few months when I’m deciding what school to go to. because “fit” doesn’t just mean specific programs, it’s the overall feel. idk. we’ll see… (hopefully I’ll just get into NU and then i wont have to worry about choosing. lol)</p>
<p>If you’re the type who’s really really really concerned about prestige (as in it’s linked to your happiness), you’re probably better off choosing a more prestigious school since prestige will always be in the back of your head. If you can get past it (and I mean, NU is still highly prestigious so how hard could that be) and see why NU is truly the right choice for you, pick it.</p>
<p>I would suggest you do an overnight at each school, after you get accepted, and see how it “feels” - the students, the atmosphere, the area. I was just in Evanston last weekend (25th reunion!) and I can’t get over how nice the town is. Much nicer than New Haven. But, that’s not why you go to a school. Get in and then spend some time there.</p>
<p>I wasn’t in theater but the department there is amazing. The list of successful alums on Broadway is unbelievable.</p>
<p>Good luck when making your decision! (GO CATS GO! Beat Penn State!)</p>