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Northwestern fills a unique niche in the college spectrum. Northwestern rivals the Ivies on an academic level, battles midwestern state schools on the field, and challenges small liberal arts schools with specialized programs like theatre and journalism.

There are about 8,000 undergrads at NU. 8,000 = perfect size! There is always someone new to meet but usually there is a familiar face wherever you go.

Whenever I say I go to Northwestern, first I have to correct the person and say.. "Nope NorthWESTern, not NorthEASTern.." After we get over that little hurdle, they usually are impressed by the academics and then tell me, "Well you know, its cold in Chicago." Yes, thanks for that information I answer sarcastically. There is even a facebook group called, " Yes, damnit, I KNOW Chicago gets really cold, now shut the hell up about it!"

Evanston has what you need for everyday things. It has some nice retail stores, cool coffee shops, great restaurants, and a couple of college bars. It is known on campus that "town-gown" relations are strained but I really don't notice it! It would be nice though to get some more 24 hour places to eat and hang besides the BK Lounge. And if you ever want something more from a city, Chicago is just an El ride away. ( Chicago is really an awesome city.)

Out of a 1-10 scale, school pride is at 7.5. People are proud to go to Northwestern and often don purple sweatshirts but don't have crazy "Wildcat fever." It is a nice balance.

Academics at Northwestern are world class. There are a lot of big introduction classes but also a lot of small intimate classes as well. Professors are usually very approachable and encourage going to office hours. A lot of professors love knowing their students. I had an English class once with about 120 students enrolled and by the second day of class, the professor had already memorized everyone's names by their school id picture! I have made good friends with a lot of my professors and some I am just in awe of.

I have never taken a class and afterwards thought it was useless. I have learned something valuable in every class thus far.

The students here also take academics seriously but are not cut-throat about it. The library sometimes becomes the place to be seen! Everyone is really smart but not obnoxious about it. Yesterday while shopping for groceries at Whole Foods in Evanston, I heard two students talking about Italian language and literature in the produce section ... only at Northwestern!

Northwestern is pretty white but there is some diversity. That is one thing that Northwestern should work on - mixing it up a little bit! There is a pretty large gay population here too.

The person who wouldn't absolutely love NU would be the guy who parties all day and night and doesn't care about academics or his future.

Most students get pretty dressed up to go to class. No one is wearing suits or anything but most people try to look presentable. Sweats are acceptable too.

The majority of students are friendly with each other but I feel that most of the different ethnic groups stay in their own groups, which isn't very good.

Students are from all over : Midwest, West, East, and South. We got it all covered.

I would also say that a big chunk of NU students are upper middle class liberals.

You name it, we got it! Northwestern is brimming with students groups,teams,and organizations. There is a lot of opportunity to get involved with a capella groups, on campus publications, and clubs. Also people are very receptive to new groups, if you don't find what you want.

Greek life is very big on campus, but some believe the administration want to eradicate the Greek scene altogether from NU in 10 years or so (but that is a rumor!). Being in a frat or sorority is a lot of fun and I assure you, it is nothing like Animal House here. There are always fun events but they are not intimidating! You have to remember that these are all Northwestern students. There isn't weird hazing or anything here.

The dating scene at Northwestern is notoriously bad. People complain that it is either hooking up or serious relationships... nothing in-between. I think, though, that this is the deal wherever you go -not just NU.

I have made the best friends here! Everyone is so encouraging and understands where you are coming from. Doors are usually open if people are at home and some of my favorite memories are just hanging out in other peoples' rooms.

People usually party 2-3 nights a week. Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are usually big nights to go out. A typical weekend is dinner out with friends, go out to a party later that Friday night, go to downtown Chicago during the next day, see a play on campus that night and maybe go out afterward, and brunch + a couple of hours in the library on Sunday when you tell each other your weekend stories.

If you don't drink, you can always go to a play or performance, do downtown Chicago, catch a movie, or just hang out with friends.

Northwestern is known to be a hard school academically, pathetic school athletically, and full of rich, smart kids who don't know how to throw a decent party.

Nope! The stereotypes paint a horrible picture of the school . Yes, the students are smart but they are not cut-throat. Yes, a lot of students are well-off, but most are very down to earth about it. Yes, it is not uncommon for a NU kid to stay in on a Friday night, but MOST people go out, party, and have fun! Yes, we don't always win football games, but that doesn't mean tailgates and games aren't tons of fun.