<p>My son (now a very happy junior at NU) and I visited Wash U when he was in HS, and he decided not to apply to Wash U, despite my pushing for Wash U due to its highly ranked academics. He just thought Wash U was too much a little “bubble” near St. Louis (which he had visited often and did not like as much as Chicago). And he did not like the Wash U tour guide rooting for the Cardinals over his beloved Cubs (this should not have been a factor IMO :)). </p>
<p>Now, comparing his experiences to that of his good friend who is a junior at Wash U, I am very happy with his choice of NU. Wash U seems to be a “cozier” place for freshmen with its nicer dorms, but not as energizing or mind-opening in later years. My son is a Big 10 sports nut, while Wash U is division 3 with comparatively little school spirit. Also, seems like NU has a much better academic reputation than Wash U – and we are in central Illinois, just 2 hours from Wash U.</p>