Northwestern University Top Questions

Only the study too much. People have fun and party and all aren't socially awkward, but they do study too much.

Not all of them. Many of the students here like to go out and have a good time as well as doing well in school. Also, not every student is extremely well off; NU gives need-based financial aid so less privileged students can come here too.

The stereotypes of Northwestern are accurate to varying degrees. While there is no doubt that Northwestern students are focused on their futures, I believe most students recognize that college is about more than just getting grades and getting ahead. People still go out, and like to party and have a good time with their friends. Not everyone is equally social, there are a few hermits, but there is still plenty of fun to be had. Also, I believe that an element of competition is unavoidable at Northwestern, and all schools of similar caliber. Still, it is not nearly as prevalent as people think. People collaborate and help each other with studying all the time. There certainly are no problems with sabatoge or anything like that. There is no doubt that people here live up to the stereotype of being hard workers. However, I view this as a positive thing. Personally, I enjoy being around people who don't just view college as an excuse to do nothing for 4 years. People care about doing well in school, and almost everyone is involved in one or more activity. Finally, Northwestern is often accused of being pretty inactive and uninvolved politically. To an extent, this is true. We are not as political as many other schools like Brown or Cal. I would go as far as to say we are not all that liberal, at least as far as colleges go. Northwestern draws heavily from the Midwest and I suspect that there is a pretty healthy mix of liberals, conservatives and moderates here. However, to say that Northwestern students are unconcerned about causes beyond their school work or future would be extremely unfair. Alternative Student Break trips are extremely popular and Dance Marathon is one of, if not the biggest, campus-wide fundraiser in the country. Many people participate in some form of community service.

it is easier to see the truth behind them, but the rumors are exaggerated. There are for sure some cute girls

while there are many who fit these stereotypes there are also many who don't, many students are very socially and are your more "typical" college student

Yes.

For the most part, especially the one about them being intellectual

It does get cold, but there is a social scene at NU. It may not be Wisconsin, but the composition of the student body is such that it amounts to the perfect balance of social life and hard work. Also, there are some morons.

Absolutely not.

To some extent - the school has great academics, and thus many of the kids at the school have such a high intellect that they have difficulty with normal social interactions. Yes, it is cold in the winter, and while there are many attractive girls here perhaps it is because of this cold that they are not seen too often. As for sports - girls lax is a 3-peat national championship program, but other than that there isn't much. But look out, the football team was 6-6 last year in the Big Ten and many big time players are returning. From what I've heard, the basketball team may have a bright future as well.