Northwestern University
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Academics at Northwestern are what you make of them. The good news is that regardless of how you may approach your studies, Northwestern has some of the best resources in the world. The one asset that ranks above all else is the professors—most of them are top-ranking professionals in their fields. Do you want to learn chemistry from Nobel Laureates? You got it. How about theater from award-winning actors and directors? Check. Looking for some of the best writers and editors from national newspapers to teach you to be a journalist? No problem. The biggest key is to take advantage of them. Professors are, for the most part, willing to help out, so go to office hours, ask questions, and get to know them. Most importantly, pursue the field(s) you're passionate about, and you'll be the happiest with you experience at NU. Northwestern’s theatre and journalism programs are considered at or near the top in the country. However, most—if not all—of the departments here are widely respected, so you're bound to get a top-notch education if you go after it—at the end of the day, that 10-page paper, 100 pages of reading, and an exam may actually be worth it. You just might want to stock up on the energy drinks.

One thing to keep in mind when it comes to academics at NU is the academic schedule. Unlike most schools, NU is on a quarter system, with three 10-week quarters—fall term is mid-September to December, winter term runs January through March, and spring term goes from April to mid-June—and an eight-week summer quarter. While this allows students to take more classes during their time here and provides more flexibility when it comes to internships and study abroad, it's also a lot more fast-paced than a traditional semester schedule. Those midterms are on you quickly, and you'll feel pressed for time, well, most of the time.

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Academics at Northwestern University

Wildcat1474

'15

Cognitive Science

5.0

A+

Love the Quarter System

We have some amazing classes here, and the quarter system allows you to take advantage of them. You take fewer classes at a time, so you get to devote more attention to your classes, but by the time you graduate you have typically taken many more classes than the average semester-system school. It makes it incredibly easy to double major and/or minor and still have leftover room for a few random electives. The quarter system is well worth the oddly-timed breaks and faster-paced classes.

Feb 04, 2012

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Academics at Northwestern University

Jdkatzy

'14

Business Administration and Management

4.6

A

LOC

Learning and organizational chance with a minor in political science and business institutions. LOc is very cool it is basically a pre-business pre-consulting major with a minor opportunity built in. It is also one of the only majors that requires an internship and during that quarter as long as you don't get fired you get an A for the quarter. Its a pretty sweet deal. It is in the school of education and social policy, which has the most helpful advisors and professors. The workload is manageable and most people go into business with this degree. What business depends on your concentration which is 11 classes, which is why it's so easy to get a major for the price of a major and a minor. If you major is this you will spend a lot of time in annenberg, which is one of the nicest buildings on campus.

Nov 28, 2011

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Academics at Northwestern University

illinoisgirl

'14

International Studies

4.2

A-

Choose Your Classes Wisely

I'm a poli sci/international studies major, and so far I've been very satisfied with my education at Northwestern. That said, I'd advise that you have to choose your classes wisely at NU -- READ the CTECs (student reviews of classes published online) before you sign up. There are many great professors here at NU. There are also some horrible ones.

Oct 18, 2011

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