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4 years ago
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JHU
Northwestern

Off Waitlist Dilemma: Northwestern vs Johns Hopkins (~Only 36 Hours To Decide!!!)

I surprisingly think I got off the wait list at NU today, as I had an admissions officer try to call me and email me to set-up a time to chat. According to friends and online posting, this is what other wait list survivors get. I committed to Johns Hopkins earlier this week but now am in a deep conundrum... I know Northwestern likely will only give me 24-48 hours to decide once I call this my AO, and I am very much considering it though I love lots of things about JHU...

-Aid will play a role as I fortunately have decent money banked where I'm committed right now...

Interests: Math, Public Health, Cell & Molecular Biology, History of Science, Tech, and Medicine, Medical Related Engineering Field, French, German, Student Newspapers, Tennis .. (Definitely prefer regular biology and public health over engineering, but I'm indecisive and feel like I would love parts about engineering.

Desires: Possibly Pre-Med/Possibly PhD, definitely, wants to double major in STEM, Co-ops and paid research would help me financially, major sports scene, laid-back not party kid, wants safe urban location, likes politically diverse or neutral, likes to be challenged, likes big crowds and big campus, needs stuff to do on weekends, probably not a frat kid, school spirit sponge

Thoughts specifically:

JHU (Cell Biology)

Pros:

-love double major ease

-love ocean, DC, other city access

-love world class research

-love flexibility of majors

-love that the surrounding areas aren't perfect

-people are amazing

-decent writing and student papers

-study abroad is great

-campus buildings brick and marble were aesthetic

-know current student there as a potential mentor

Cons:

-campus not as big as other ones I've seen

-maintenance of surrounding area and outside of campus not impressive

-grade deflation everywhere

-post grad earnings aren't as good as some comp schools

-premed comp is tough, even without exaggerations online

-lesser sports scene

-Baltimore scares my family

Northwestern McCormick Engineering (Chem Engineer)

Pros:

-love co-op program

-McCormick post-undergrad earnings are solid

-College Town + City access

-hands-on emphasis on teaching

-love sports vibe

-better student paper + solid writing program

-campus has sleek look I love

-more fun alumni events

-love more laxed vibes

Cons:

- rigid course structure

- not super excited about the major I have right now

-maybe a little more partying than JHU???

-not east coast/less international recognition(study abroad)

-engineering programs this year not ranked as highly as some other programs like UW Madison where I was admitted

Questions:

Anyone know where Grade Deflation is worse? In case I go to Grad School?

How is NU's study abroad? Particularly for French & German speaking countries?

Also how flexible are majors at NU? Can I switch between engineering realms? Can I switch out of McCormick easily?

 
JHU
72%
 
NU McCormick
27%
Poll closed36 votes
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4 years ago
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My advice would be to maybe stay with JHU. Academics and research for your field of study are simply better. The party scene varies from generation to generation everywhere, although I did hear about Northwestern being a bit more fun. Still tho, there are parties and groups of people who party hard in every college. Also, if you want to go to Med School, have a PhD or really do any kind of graduate education, post undergrad salaries should not be your concerns as your grad school and success there will dictate your earnings. Congratulations for your results, both schools are amazing and I believe you will fit great in both communities. Best of luck!

2
Awarded
🎤4 years ago

That's a great point about grad school vs earnings. Thank you!

0

🎤4 years ago

Please comment if you have reasons why:

0
4 years ago

First of all, take a deep breath- I know you're probably under a lot of pressure right now! Without considering aid, I'm leaning towards NU as what seems like the best fit for what you're looking for.

Although the engineering program isn't as good as others, it's still a top-notch program that's going to prepare you well, and you're still not totally set on engineering anyway.

NU has the sports, the size, the campus, and STEM and engineering programs. NU has around 3,000 more undergrads, but more people means more opportunities and diversity- and both schools still have the same student-faculty ratio of 6:1.

You are right, Baltimore isn't the best place to be out and about, especially if you are a girl. NU has that safe urban location that you're looking for, and being so close to Chicago there will be TONS of research and job opportunities. Congrats on being accepted to JHU! Aid definitely plays a big part, so focus in on what you really want in the long run. Are the programs and experience at NU worth paying more for considering the opportunities it will give you? Give it some more thought and get other opinions!

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