anon159

I'm pretty sure I have a good chance to get into Wash U and/or Northwestern. I am planning on majoring in Biology in a Pre-med track.
Can anyone compare these to schools for me? I mean in terms of what statistics I've seen online cannot give me?
Thanks!

NUgraduate

I went to Northwestern - both my daughters are at Wash U. I think one of the biggest differences is that NU is Big Ten/Chicago, and less cohesive, and less comfortable. Wash U. is more self-contained, with seemingly more interaction amongst students in different schools, frats/sororities, etc... Students are ridiculously happy, despite (and I would think they would miss it, but they seem happy without) access to Chicago and Big Ten sports.

I think both schools are fantastic, and I think you need to visit. They are different, even if they share a ranking number and Midwest location.

IJReilly

This is like comparing Office Depot to Office Max or Staples. They are much more similar than different. They are about the same size, in a suburban setting near the city limits of a large metropolitan area. I would say there academic reputations are also comparable, although Northwestern is better known among the general population because it is a member of the Big 10 Conference while Wash U is NCAA Division III school. Another notable difference is that Northwestern has a trimester academic calendar while Wash U has the more common semester schedule.

You'll learn more by visiting both than anyone here could tell you.

clevfry

One other notable difference between the two schools is Greek Life. Fraternities and sororities play a huge part in the social structure at Northwestern. While it exists at WashU, it isn't as important to student life on campus.

NUgraduate

Northwestern's schedule is both an asset and a liability. I liked being able to take more classes during the course of a year, and that none lasted too-too long. I liked that bad classes never lasted that long. I seemed to be able to choose a lot more "fun" classes than I see my daughters being able to do. I didn't like that I went to school later, and came home later, than "most" of my friends - or that my vacation schedule didn't seem to line up with anyone but other Northwestern kids. By the end of college, this wasn't an issue anymore.

Per Greek life, I agree with that comment too. The difference is that fraternity/sorority members at Northwestern live together in houses - whereas only some frats at Wash U. have their own house. At Wash U, sorority members live in dorms/apartments - and it is more typical that you'd have a group of girls from different sororities living together than one alone. I do think that the most visible, social, kids tend to be in sororities/fraternities on both campuses.

EmilySpinach

I love that comment by NUgraduate, "students are rediculously happy". That is so true. You rarely hear anything about Wash U except "I love it here". Another comment I read on this site was that "Wash U is like Disney World for college students". As the parent of a graduate, who still misses it, and a current junior, I have to agree with both. Anon159 might want to consider these comments in their decision.

HartinGA

I agree with others that neither school has any clear advantage over the other. I do think you just need to visit both until your gut tells you where you feel most comfortable. I went to NU for grad school and have a kid at Wash U, so my experience may not be too helpful.

In addition to other observations, I would add: both have beautiful campuses. NU has the lake, and Wash U has Forest Park. Don't underestimate the lake for a run or a romantic walk. Both get cold in the winter. Both have trains that go downtown, though Chicago wins out over St Louis. Downtown Evanston is decent, but so are The Loop and Clayton near Wash U. I think both have a somewhat rare combination of being academically prestigious without seeming as intense as other academic schools.

I would also say that if you are serious about pre-med, I would throw out rankings and reputations, as either school will be looked at very favorably by any med school. NU does have a guaranteed med admission program that is a little more realistic than Wash U's, but getting in is very tough.

Christian2

Add one more difference, WUSL has merit scholarships while NU does not.

NUgraduate

Also, Wash U. allows you to "pre-pay" or "pre-borrow" all four years tuition, locking in the freshman year tuition rate. This can save a substantial amount of money depending upon how much you borrow, prepay, and the term of the loan.

HartinGA

NU, we do not talk about that program enough. It has made a very large difference in our family's financial situation. For those who have the cash, they can lock in today's rates and essentially guarantee a 6+% return on their money by avoiding the tuition increases. For the rest of us, we can borrow as much as we need on a signature, and at favorable rates. There is a monthly pay and the ability to mix and match the options also.

Between these programs and the very responsive aid office, I can truly say that you should never decide against Wash U because you can't pay for it. You might decide it isn't worth the extra money, but they will find a way for you to pay for it if you want it.