Northwestern vs Vandy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid still torn after NW day. No unwashed hair but vibe was not what he was expecting. Struggled to connect with kids in his program. He’s an outgoing friendly kid that can talk about anything so he’s really bummed.

My kid graduated from Northwestern a few years back. Had an OK time while there (was on a club team, had lots of friends, did well academically). Looking back on the experience, the kid is rather disgusted by the experience and now wants nothing to do with the school (no reunions, no donations, no keeping in touch with friends). Fellow students were closed-minded, nerdy, pretentious, and spoiled. There is no reason to go there just because of the ranking.

[Anonymous]

My very social kid loves NU and is having a great time. There are 8000 undergrads and all types of kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid still torn after NW day. No unwashed hair but vibe was not what he was expecting. Struggled to connect with kids in his program. He’s an outgoing friendly kid that can talk about anything so he’s really bummed.

My kid graduated from Northwestern a few years back. Had an OK time while there (was on a club team, had lots of friends, did well academically). [[b]/b] Looking back on the experience,[b[b]] the kid is rather disgusted by the experience [/b[/b]]and now wants nothing to do with the school (no reunions, no donations, no keeping in touch with friends). Fellow students were closed-minded, nerdy, pretentious, and spoiled. There is no reason to go there just because of the ranking.

Sorry, but your kid is weird for rejecting what appears to be a solid, well-rounded college experience.

NU students are not like you assert. You are totally full of crap.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid still torn after NW day. No unwashed hair but vibe was not what he was expecting. Struggled to connect with kids in his program. He’s an outgoing friendly kid that can talk about anything so he’s really bummed.

My kid graduated from Northwestern a few years back. Had an OK time while there (was on a club team, had lots of friends, did well academically). Looking back on the experience, the kid is rather disgusted by the experience and now wants nothing to do with the school (no reunions, no donations, no keeping in touch with friends). Fellow students were closed-minded, nerdy, pretentious, and spoiled. There is no reason to go there just because of the ranking.

Disgusted?
Harsh words. What happened - this doesn’t sound “OK”.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid still torn after NW day. No unwashed hair but vibe was not what he was expecting. Struggled to connect with kids in his program. He’s an outgoing friendly kid that can talk about anything so he’s really bummed.

My kid graduated from Northwestern a few years back. Had an OK time while there (was on a club team, had lots of friends, did well academically). Looking back on the experience, the kid is rather disgusted by the experience and now wants nothing to do with the school (no reunions, no donations, no keeping in touch with friends). Fellow students were closed-minded, nerdy, pretentious, and spoiled. There is no reason to go there just because of the ranking.

Obviously fake post is obvious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My very social kid loves NU and is having a great time. There are 8000 undergrads and all types of kids.

Agree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gosh these northwestern kids are so painfully awkward on these Wildcat days panels.

Having gone to multiple admitted students days this month, including Vanderbilt, it’s a very different student they are appealing to.

The same kid will likely not like both. This is a question of gut.

The Northwestern kids were so nerdy, my kid was ready to leave before the tour even started. Same at Cornell. These kids look like they don’t wash their hair or care about what they wear at all. I recognize this is harsh, but it was a bit shocking. Where do all the smart, super social kids go to school? Are Top 10s weeding the normal kids out? My DC is very smart, but not nerdy. He is into sports (playing and watching), socializing a lot, golfs, hangs out constantly with friends. He would like to join a fraternity. We thought Northwestern (wrong), Duke or Cornell. I am thinking maybe a big state school? UVA, UCLA, UNC, Michigan? Any Ivies fit the bill?

They sound like a good fit for UVA. I wouldn’t bother with other top schools, unlikely they’d be admitted anyway.

Well, it is unlikely anyone will be admitted given acceptance rates, but someone has to get in. This is what I am asking. How are there so many socially awkward and nerdy kids at these top schools now? DS has stats, rigor, and ECs that put him in the running for top 10-20 schools. At a top private and they have confirmed this. Touring these schools has been eye opening.

You’re never going to see these people on a tour during a cold blustery day in March or April in Ithaca or Evanston. You need to go out on a Thursday night in Collegetown and go to level b’s. Or somewhere on Eddy Street to one of the bars or annex parties. If your kid is looking for normal, they need to know that they’re not going to find it walking around or in the library. That’s not where the “normal “kids are - same for Evanston. Most of the kids in Greek life aren’t studying in the main library; they’re in their sorority houses in the rooms around the fireplace or in their dorms on a cold day. I’m sure you could find one out of every 10 in the library during midterms week.

But if you know where to go on a Thursday night or go to a darty on a Saturday on North campus in Evanston, you will find them.

That’s why it’s really important for the social kids to connect with other social kids from there high school or their town And go out with them on campus. That’s when they will get a better sense of fit.

You won’t find social fit on most of these official tours, though you will find evidence for academic fit.

This!!! Get off the tours people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid still torn after NW day. No unwashed hair but vibe was not what he was expecting. Struggled to connect with kids in his program. He’s an outgoing friendly kid that can talk about anything so he’s really bummed.

My kid graduated from Northwestern a few years back. Had an OK time while there (was on a club team, had lots of friends, did well academically). Looking back on the experience, the kid is rather disgusted by the experience and now wants nothing to do with the school (no reunions, no donations, no keeping in touch with friends). Fellow students were closed-minded, nerdy, pretentious, and spoiled. There is no reason to go there just because of the ranking.

My nephew had the same experience, didn't even attend graduation and told my son not to even apply. This was about 3 years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gosh these northwestern kids are so painfully awkward on these Wildcat days panels.

Having gone to multiple admitted students days this month, including Vanderbilt, it’s a very different student they are appealing to.

The same kid will likely not like both. This is a question of gut.

The Northwestern kids were so nerdy, my kid was ready to leave before the tour even started. Same at Cornell. These kids look like they don’t wash their hair or care about what they wear at all. I recognize this is harsh, but it was a bit shocking. Where do all the smart, super social kids go to school? Are Top 10s weeding the normal kids out? My DC is very smart, but not nerdy. He is into sports (playing and watching), socializing a lot, golfs, hangs out constantly with friends. He would like to join a fraternity. We thought Northwestern (wrong), Duke or Cornell. I am thinking maybe a big state school? UVA, UCLA, UNC, Michigan? Any Ivies fit the bill?

LOL !!!

Troll much ?

Have you been on campus at any of the top 10-15 schools lately?? There was such a weird, nerdy vibe at the 4 we visited. There are, of course, handfuls of more normal kids, but the majority are so awkward. I know our family isn’t alone is noticing this phenomenon!

Yes! We visited and couldn't believe the level of nerdy/awkward at most of the top 20 schools. Kids on the tours looked like they hadn't left their room in high school. Tour guides were strange. We spent entire days on campuses looking for mainstream kids only to see a small handful. My husband was a super geek in high school and even he was floored.
The worst: Cornell, Northwestern, Rice, Georgia Tech. My kids (jr and sr) didn't apply. We actually toured Cornell twice (2 months apart) to give it another shot and it was the same both times.
Schools with the least awkward element: UVA, UCLA, UNC, Vanderbilt, Boston College, Wisconsin.

Of note, we are not a white family and this is not a racial thing but an awkward thing.

I agree the tour guides at Cornell are horrible. All are doing it for $$$ through their financial aid package. I think that's true for most schools. Its not like they actually WANT to be a tour guide.

I visited Cornell with my highschooler late in August 2023 about a week after freshmen had moved in.

We were on the central part of campus near the old buildings and clock tower.

Lots of very typical-looking kids were out having fun and making new friends. It was a very convivial atmosphere. We passed lines for free ice cream cones and a photo booth display. It was kind of cute hearing little snatches of their introductory conversations. It made me nostalgic for being a college kid.

We saw an AO talk in an auditorium the next day but did not take a formal tour. The AO talk was good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid still torn after NW day. No unwashed hair but vibe was not what he was expecting. Struggled to connect with kids in his program. He’s an outgoing friendly kid that can talk about anything so he’s really bummed.

My kid graduated from Northwestern a few years back. Had an OK time while there (was on a club team, had lots of friends, did well academically). Looking back on the experience, the kid is rather disgusted by the experience and now wants nothing to do with the school (no reunions, no donations, no keeping in touch with friends). Fellow students were closed-minded, nerdy, pretentious, and spoiled. There is no reason to go there just because of the ranking.

My nephew had the same experience, didn't even attend graduation and told my son not to even apply. This was about 3 years ago.

COVID impacted a lot of students at high schools, colleges, & universities throughout the country.

Did he graduate ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid still torn after NW day. No unwashed hair but vibe was not what he was expecting. Struggled to connect with kids in his program. He’s an outgoing friendly kid that can talk about anything so he’s really bummed.

My kid graduated from Northwestern a few years back. Had an OK time while there (was on a club team, had lots of friends, did well academically). Looking back on the experience, the kid is rather disgusted by the experience and now wants nothing to do with the school (no reunions, no donations, no keeping in touch with friends). Fellow students were closed-minded, nerdy, pretentious, and spoiled. There is no reason to go there just because of the ranking.

My nephew had the same experience, didn't even attend graduation and told my son not to even apply. This was about 3 years ago.

He said the kids were pretentious and spoiled?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter loved the Vandy revisit day. She connected with lots of kids and felt like it was the right choice. I didn’t get the cliquey vibe at all. It was a little nerdy, but also social.

Is your daughter blonde?

Look, I hope you are happy at JMU or Tufts or wherever you ended up. I'm sorry the social SEC, rejective school thing didn't work out for you (or your DD), but you gotta let it go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gosh these northwestern kids are so painfully awkward on these Wildcat days panels.

Having gone to multiple admitted students days this month, including Vanderbilt, it’s a very different student they are appealing to.

The same kid will likely not like both. This is a question of gut.

The Northwestern kids were so nerdy, my kid was ready to leave before the tour even started. Same at Cornell. These kids look like they don’t wash their hair or care about what they wear at all. I recognize this is harsh, but it was a bit shocking. Where do all the smart, super social kids go to school? Are Top 10s weeding the normal kids out? My DC is very smart, but not nerdy. He is into sports (playing and watching), socializing a lot, golfs, hangs out constantly with friends. He would like to join a fraternity. We thought Northwestern (wrong), Duke or Cornell. I am thinking maybe a big state school? UVA, UCLA, UNC, Michigan? Any Ivies fit the bill?

LOL !!!

Troll much ?

Have you been on campus at any of the top 10-15 schools lately?? There was such a weird, nerdy vibe at the 4 we visited. There are, of course, handfuls of more normal kids, but the majority are so awkward. I know our family isn’t alone is noticing this phenomenon!

Yes! We visited and couldn't believe the level of nerdy/awkward at most of the top 20 schools. Kids on the tours looked like they hadn't left their room in high school. Tour guides were strange. We spent entire days on campuses looking for mainstream kids only to see a small handful. My husband was a super geek in high school and even he was floored.
The worst: Cornell, Northwestern, Rice, Georgia Tech. My kids (jr and sr) didn't apply. We actually toured Cornell twice (2 months apart) to give it another shot and it was the same both times.
Schools with the least awkward element: UVA, UCLA, UNC, Vanderbilt, Boston College, Wisconsin.

Of note, we are not a white family and this is not a racial thing but an awkward thing.

This is because these schools aren't as selective and accept a broader cohort. UCLA has 900,000 people so you'll find everything and anything. Agree Cornell IS the worst. That and Emory. Such sad sack permeating vibes. I have no idea what the individual personalities are like, maybe they're each individually dynamic, laughing and fun-loving?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gosh these northwestern kids are so painfully awkward on these Wildcat days panels.

Having gone to multiple admitted students days this month, including Vanderbilt, it’s a very different student they are appealing to.

The same kid will likely not like both. This is a question of gut.

The Northwestern kids were so nerdy, my kid was ready to leave before the tour even started. Same at Cornell. These kids look like they don’t wash their hair or care about what they wear at all. I recognize this is harsh, but it was a bit shocking. Where do all the smart, super social kids go to school? Are Top 10s weeding the normal kids out? My DC is very smart, but not nerdy. He is into sports (playing and watching), socializing a lot, golfs, hangs out constantly with friends. He would like to join a fraternity. We thought Northwestern (wrong), Duke or Cornell. I am thinking maybe a big state school? UVA, UCLA, UNC, Michigan? Any Ivies fit the bill?

LOL !!!

Troll much ?

Have you been on campus at any of the top 10-15 schools lately?? There was such a weird, nerdy vibe at the 4 we visited. There are, of course, handfuls of more normal kids, but the majority are so awkward. I know our family isn’t alone is noticing this phenomenon!

Yes! We visited and couldn't believe the level of nerdy/awkward at most of the top 20 schools. Kids on the tours looked like they hadn't left their room in high school. Tour guides were strange. We spent entire days on campuses looking for mainstream kids only to see a small handful. My husband was a super geek in high school and even he was floored.
The worst: Cornell, Northwestern, Rice, Georgia Tech. My kids (jr and sr) didn't apply. We actually toured Cornell twice (2 months apart) to give it another shot and it was the same both times.
Schools with the least awkward element: UVA, UCLA, UNC, Vanderbilt, Boston College, Wisconsin.

Of note, we are not a white family and this is not a racial thing but an awkward thing.

This is because these schools aren't as selective and accept a broader cohort. UCLA has 900,000 people so you'll find everything and anything. Agree Cornell IS the worst. That and Emory. Such sad sack permeating vibes. I have no idea what the individual personalities are like, maybe they're each individually dynamic, laughing and fun-loving?

Emory has the best quality of life according to Princeton Review. Keep the lies to yourself.

[Anonymous]

Why do people have such strong opinions on schools where their kids don’t even attend?