<p>Please, let us not let this thread devolve into which school is better, it really is sickening. I fail to see how Chicagobound’s/NU’s/UC’s median/average/mid-spread SAT/ACT/NMF status whatever has any relevance to the OP’s question, which is about fit. But as roderick says, there have been many, many threads about this so you can read through those before posting.</p>
<p>I was saying that if your parents are averse to your attending NU, then don’t bother applying. But only you can make the decision whether you want to attend one or another, and if your parents will respect whatever decision, then make your own decision. The only way to do this get real input from actual students, not anonymous posters on a forum, and to visit. Contact any alumni from your school at NU and UC, read up on their programs, etc. I also don’t see why you wouldn’t consider spending some money on airfare to visit a worthy investment when you are about to drop a sick amount of money for tuition/room/board at either school.</p>
<p>Both are excellent schools, both can cater to the academic and pre-professional, both have unique cultures. Don’t worry about the whole Greek/Big 10/intellectualism issues, any actual NU or UC student will tell you that there is such a broad range of personalities in either school that you will certainly find your niche. And you don’t know where you will be getting in, so I would apply to both. I cannot stress enough the importance of visiting and gut feeling, because if you are having such a hard time deciding then this is the best way to choose.</p>