Northwestern University Top Questions

It was all about the students. They are so amazing, and so awesome, they make NU. Look at my first post about NU for more details!

I chose to go to Northwestern for a few reasons. First, I liked the fact that they were highly ranked in multiple subjects: as a senior in high school, I wasn't entirely sure what area I was going to pursue, and it was comforting to know that I could receive a good education in almost any major offered. Along with this, the quarter system itself appealed to me, though my opinions on it have now changed somewhat. While it certainly has its benefits, the quarter system often seems to lead to classes feeling rushed and an overall increase of stress. Finally, I'll admit that there were some personal influences for me: I wished to leave home, but not entirely isolate myself. As such, Northwestern was a good option given that I have family in the Chicago area. I highly recommend that future applicants (to any school) allow themselves to consider such things in addition to general academics.

I decided to go to Northwestern because it felt like home. I never really experienced a place where I could feel myself growing--Northwestern gave me that. It catalyzed my growth as a person 100x the speed I thought I was going to grow. I have so much to thank Northwestern. And I know I picked the perfect school.

I decided to go to Northwestern because: 1) I wanted a top-notch university without the pretension of the Ivy League. Everybody I knew who applied to an Ivy had no real reason for wanting to go there other than name recognition. I find that kind of vanity disgusting, and I wanted no part of it. I'm sure not all Ivy students are like that, and of course those schools are good. The main difference is that Ivy students want to be in charge, and Northwestern students just want to be happy. 2) Northwestern is close to my home. 3) Purple is my favorite color. 4) Northwestern is in an exciting and active area. I went to boarding school on the Ball State campus. If you've ever been to Muncie, IN, you know it's the most boring "college town" to ever try to exist. It's the kind of place where people go to Walmart for fun. Northwestern always has something going on. 5) Northwestern has an excellent writing program. My primary major is secondary education (job security and whatnot), but my real love is creating writing. At Northwestern, you can major in several different kinds of writing, including nonfiction, creative writing for the media (like screenplays and such), and creative writing with a concentration in fiction, creative nonfiction or poetry.

Quite simple: NU has the academic prestige and all the resources needed for any student to flourish and progress in. It's right next to Evanston and Chicago, two very important cities filled with exciting cultural history, and has Lake Michigan as its backyard. NU extremely focuses on organizations on campus and having them be student run rather than dictated or subject to administration intervention. I wanted to get out of state, be challenged in all walks of life, and come out of it as a man. For all I know, everything's going great.

Quite simple: NU has the academic prestige and all the resources needed for any student to flourish and progress in. It's right next to Evanston and Chicago, two very important cities filled with exciting cultural history, and has Lake Michigan as its backyard. NU extremely focuses on organizations on campus and having them be student run rather than dictated or subject to administration intervention. I wanted to get out of state, be challenged in all walks of life, and come out of it as a man. For all I know, everything's going great.

There are many reasons to attend Northwestern. Here are some of them.

International student and senior Martin Rodahl explains why he chose to attend Northwestern.

Senior Greg Olmstead explains why he chose to attend Northwestern.

Senior Charlie Ruehr explains why he chose to attend Northwestern.