<p>Bala
You are right it has been a long time (and my summer as I mentioned was not typical) My sister and friends did complete the four years though yes, it was long ago :). I will be very happy if it has truly changed and become a less competitive, and more collaborative school as my niece has been accepted and may attend. However others have posted in the past years that it still has a very competitive, less than nuturing environment with a slightly cold administration --all traits it had 25 years ago. Probably dependent on area of study if you want to be thorough about this. NU has many fine points not discussed here. This is just a discussion on competitiveness vs. collaboration. My opinion, from the ancient, ancient past in which we lived, is that it is more competitive than collaborative. Premed, sciences and bus/econ to be exact. I am glad you have not experienced that. </p>
<p>If you are comparing against any Ivy league, than yes I would assume it is less competitive. I think it is all perspective and personal taste as to what one considers competitive and “Darwinian”. I went to Ohio State-we generally hate all types of elitism anyhow:)</p>