WashU vs Northwestern?

vbball90
Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:10:34 +0000

NYeer ->

Regarding working harder: I think you’ll probably work equally as hard at both schools in terms of how much you stretch your mind and challenge yourself. The pace of your work is probably the main difference. Northwestern may feel more crammed into a short amount of time. I’ve never experienced their type of system, but I would imagine that one does a lot of cramming in a short amount of time. I could be wrong, but that’s just what I reasonably assume. My experience at Wash U has been solid with the rigor of work, but it’s nicely spaced out over the semester so you’re not cramming for one test per week. Wash U would probably be more spaced out. Overall though, the academics are probably equal (for most departments) at each school… just your pace might differ.

Regarding sports: Northwestern has the edge for football. Clearly. Otherwise, I’m not sure how the rest of their sports are (they could be great, they could suck… I have no clue). Division 1 is different than Division 3, and I only looked at D3 schools. Wash U might have better ALL-AROUND quality and success of teams… 3 national championships last year (men’s basketball, women’s volleyball!!, and men’s tennis). Men’s basektball won the championship again this year, and the women’s basketball team were in the Final 2 match. Softball, Track, Swimming, and Soccer are also all in the Top 10. Not everyone goes to the sporting events, but the attendance is definitely solid, and pretty strong at basketball and volleyball. Wash U’s school spirit, on the whole, is moreseo defined by just loving the school itself. The athletics are strong, but it’s not a Division 1 school. From my friends who go to other Division 3 schools that Wash U plays against (UChicago, Emory, NYU) – Wash U’s athletic spirit is higher than theirs. Here’s my comparasion:
Wash U: Great teams on the whole, probably Best in Division 3, respetable athletic spirit.
Northwestern: Great football team, probably so-so other teams, football is the main highlight of athletic spirit, so-so otherwise for most of their other Division 1 teams.

Nightlife: Wash U is kind of in the center of lots of nice and exciting neighborhoods. It is definitely less suburban than Evanston is. I don’t know much about Evanston except the one time I visited, but I don’t forsee there being enough clubs/bars/restaurants there to keep you entertained for 4 years. Sure, Chicago is like 45 minutes away, but that’s a big hassle and more of an “event” than something to do when you’re bored and want something quick to do. Wash U has Clayton, the Loop, Forest Park, and the Central West End all within minutes of biking, walking, or the Metro Link which is free. St Louis isn’t Chicago by any means, but St Louis is more exciting than Evanston. It’s kind of hard to compare.