<p>I've been accepted to both Washington University in St. Louis and Northwestern University for a Biology Major (pre-med), and am currently in a deep quandary over which school to attend. I've seen the other threads on CC about these two colleges, but none seem to fully address my questions.</p>
<p>I've visited both campuses and have loved them. My perceptions:</p>
<p>WUSTL:
-Slightly smaller school
-Majority undergrad (so maybe more research opportunities?)
-Excellent pre-professional advising
-Best food and dorms in the country</p>
<p>NU:
-Better overall reputation and name recognition
-Majority grad students (so maybe less research opportunities for undergrad?)
-Chicago!!
-Undergraduate Premedical Scholars Program</p>
<ol>
<li>Which school will allow undergraduates more opportunities to perform biological research?</li>
<li>Is Greek life at Northwestern overwhelming? I'm not interested in it, so will I feel pressure to rush?</li>
<li>Which school is stereotypically perceived as the more "nerdy" type?</li>
<li>I know Northwestern's chem program is phenomenal. But how is its biology major?</li>
<li>How would you characterize the social scene at WashU?</li>
</ol>
<p>Thank you so much guys! I really, really appreciate this. It means a lot.</p>
<p>I am in the exact same situation! But I’m also considering Umich.
I’ve heard getting research at both schools is relatively easy…meaning there are always a ton of opportunities. Bio at NW is killer, but I’m guessing that’s anywhere. Social scene and school spirit at Wash U is not centered around sports like NW is but I know the student body is very active on campus and support each other’s interests.
I don’t know what to choose though!!!</p>
<p>Congrats on these acceptances. Great job. But it’s bio. And it’s WUSTL and NU (and UMich), so the research opps are first-rate, the advising, the peers, the future are all bright. Chicago has the cubs/and St. Louis the Cards. But St. Louis has the Rams and Blues. Without knowing anything about you, this is a toin coss. </p>
<p>So how about money? Which is more expensive? (GoRedWings, just go to UMich and be very happy.) </p>
<p>don’t get ahead of your wallet, GRW! make sure your family can afford any school to which you apply and remember that you’re limited to $5500 in loans the first year and so will depend on your family for help. go to the net price calculator at each school and, with your parents’ help, fill it out. The results will give you pretty accurate info on where you can afford to apply.</p>
<p>I have to share that my son was accepted at other top schools like UChicago and Johns Hopkins. He chose Washu and could not be happier. I have never seen a school that supports its undergrads like Washu. He really wanted to double major (no problem at WASHU) and he is majoring in Biology, Music and minoring in Biophysics. He is a freshman and already has been offered paid research opportunities at the school and medical school. As a freshman he reached out to professors with questions and asking about opportunity to work with them and they replied to him that same day all incredibly supportive. The teachers are TOP NOTCH his Physics teacher is from UCHI. If you have passion and are interested in something WASHU will support you 200 percent. It is a no fail environment - in his freshman dorm there are tutors (free) there is a Cornerstone center located in the freshman south 40 more support with writing and tutoring and planning. There are weekend and evening mentored study groups (chem, physics, English) also free! The students support each other my son helped others studying Physics and in turn they helped him with Chem, the students help each other and are not cut throat, they all love learning and take time out to socialize. The dorms and dining are 5 star incredible it is a dining experience. If interested in medicine this school has the highest scoring MCAT scoring students. But that isn’t all there are free opportunities to dine out in town, go see the Cardinals etc etc, not only do dorms have 2 RA’s to help adjust they have WUSAs these incredible peers on each hall to help your child, they think of everything to help you down to staff checking to make sure all your internet connections are working in your room. Your bathrooms are cleaned by the housekeeper that lives there every week, I think twice. Looking for internships, experiences, study abroad over the top opportunity. Oh and did I mention NICE, everyone is NICE, students, teachers, this is THE school for bright passionate NICE kids that want the best college experience ever. It is beautiful Forest Park is next to the school, gorgeous, surrounded by mansions and FREE history, science museums, free zoo and free botanical gardens also the Delmar loop with incredible restaurants and entertainment is a 10 min stroll (blueberry hill music/food, LORDE just stopped by). finally at this school you are an individual not a number people staff, students, teachers care about you and will do everything to ensure you succeed what more can a Mom ask for? You will NOT find any school that invests in you to the extent WASHU does.</p>
<p>My son is a freshman at Washu. His experience has been much like parent622’s son. He loves it. He is premed. I think he is about to switch to the business department as that is his passion. My son has used cornerstone for cal2, chem, and bio. It has been a great resource to help him with keeping his gpa up. He hasn’t used the writing center, but I have heard great things about it as well. Very collaborative atmosphere among the students. My son has had help from several students for chem and he helps lots of students with writing. The kids are so nice. I just met two young men my son will room with next year. They went out for dinner as well as dessert with my family last week. I thought it was a fun time for all. Best wishes to you on your decision. Just remember it is your decision, what you can afford, and where you think you will find success. </p>
<p>Not sure I agree with the assumption that NW has a ‘better overall reputation and name recognition’ as I think they are much more of a toss up in that regard. </p>
<p>The ‘social scene’ at Washington University is great - they are some of the happiest kids I’ve ever seen in a college setting. I don’t know a lot about NW but the Delmar Loop and the Central West End are all close by to WU-StL and Forest Park has numerous things to do that are free and interesting (Zoo, Art Museum, Science Center…even the Muny amphitheater has free seats in the back for all of its broadway shows). </p>
<p>Absolutely loved NW when we visited but D chose WashU. Sophomore in engineering. Loves it. Very similar experience to those parents who spoke earlier. Very collaborative & friendly. Even though kids are from all over they take on Midwest attitude. Very soft landing in the sense that kids every needs are anticipated and they are kept very busy as no one can go home on weekends. Safe campus. Very engaged professors. Excellent med school with lots of opportunities for undergrads. Bio major top notch. Lots of kids have multiple majors across schools. Kids are serious about their studies and focused. There are plenty of parties if you want that. But also lots of kid who are pretty chill and have fun without tons of alcohol. Pre-orientation program is awesome and a great way to meet people with similar interests. Super easy to get to from airport with metro stops by campus. </p>