Northwestern University Top Questions

It's hard to describes everyone, of course, but I think most students are bright, hard-working, friendly, like to have a good time, have at least a few hidden talents. Many tend to be more pre-professional that purely academic, but there's definitely a good mix. Many students are from the Chicago area, but there are a good number from other places too.

I've found that Northwestern is generally very accepting of students of all ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds and sexual orientations. At least my groups of friends are. There are so many people at our school that you are sure to find a great group of friends, whether that is classmates, roommates, suitemates or friends from extracurriculars. A lot of students, particularly international students, are well-off, but many other students come from less privileged backgrounds too. If you're going to join a sorority or fraternity, it'll probably cost more money, not necessarily for the housing, but for all of the social events/dues throughout the year. Like on most college campuses, students are predominantly liberal, but I've found that most students are at least open to hearing other political views and debating social issues.

Northwestern is very much committed to diversity and tolerance. We do not have very many Hispanic, Latino or African American students here, but they do have a presence. The African American Student Association has its own official office on Sheridan Road. I would say we're at least 30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} Asian, but that is mostly based on guesswork. Low-income students are woefully underrepresented at Northwestern, but they are by no means unwelcome. People rarely talk about their own socioeconomic status, because it's just not important to us. When people talk about religion, it is quite calmly. I have a friend who often encourages me to come to church with him, but he never presses the matter if I decide not to go. We have a strong presence of all of the Abrahamic religions, but in my experience, a lot of students here are spiritually ambiguous and like it that way. Politically, I'd say students are centered pretty firmly and a little left-leaning. It really depends on who you hang out with, but I have seen very little extremism on campus. Students here are sophistocated and well-informed. They know better than to waste time bickering. If two students are discussing politics, they are likely exchanging ideas, not arguing. Students here are also from all over. There are tons of people from the immediate area (Northeastern Illinois), but we also have large groups of students from China, India, Texas, New Jersey and California. Most Midwestern states are well-represented, too, except Indiana. Being from Indiana, this is frustrating to me.

Most students here come from affluent backgrounds with mostly liberal political views; however, there are definitely groups of people who are completely unlike that. Each group can be equally outspoken on campus and you'll notice certain groups having their own little rallies and meetings spreading their views around. There are also religious groups for pretty much everyone!

All different types of students interact. Northwestern really is a community. Everyone at northwestern is open to different cultures and backgrounds.

Northwestern is populated by students from all across the spectrum. You have kids from all over the world, that went to international schools and you have your average, Chicago-born student. Northwestern provides enough resources for students to express themselves in whatever means that they choose. There are students who are filthy rich and those who are full-time workers as well as students in hopes to pay off the loans that they are taking. Some students don't ever wear the same outfit once in a week while others wear the same shirt almost everyday. Most students are politically aware of what is going on in the world and are usually open to conversation. These students are here for a reason and add a lot of spunk to the university. To not expose yourself to them would be a shame.

My classmates overall are very intelligent, social, and amiable.

My classmates are all of the nerds in high school who now have entered a power vaccuum in which they are trying to define new roles for themselves.

Smart, but not impressively smart. Think of the smart kid in your classes. Cool, funny, pretty with it, but probably not going to knock your socks off with his insights into anything important or difficult.

My classmates are determined and ambitious but supportive.