Northeastern Class of 2012 Forum

[mandingo]

If I get off the waitlist, I'm going....

Any here made their mind up about Northeastern?

[OperaSoprano]

I am leaning toward a deposit at NUSL, although I am not sure yet! I would love to be your classmate, though, and I will be shocked if you don't get in.

[wickedzeus]

It's at the top of my list right now, i feel like I need to go up to boston again, I was briefly there over winter break but classes weren't in session and I feel like I didn't really get to see the city

[OperaSoprano]

I'll be visiting Boston too, soon. TLS meetup?

[Katy Louise]

Leaning towards Northeastern... Got larger scholarships from other schools, but will try to negotiate. I just love the co-op program!

[rainethe]

I'm visiting the school this Tuesday. I definitely have better scholarship offers, but I'm intrigued by the co-op program (plus I just loooove Boston).

[deadatheist]

i want to visit, but i'm too lazy slash busy slash pooor to make the arrangements. anyone into booking flights and hotels for fun feeling generous?

[deadatheist]

just looked at flights. expensive! i'll be putting that off again until the last minute.

[OperaSoprano]

I'm going to Boston on Thursday to visit again. (This time I will not be traveling at 3:00 am). I'll try to sit in on a class, and will make a full report on my return.

I've been hearing glowing reports about NUSL from current and former students. Even the JDU crowd (yes, my research is that thorough) can't find too much to say about the school.

[rainethe]

I visited Northeastern Tuesday and would be happy to answer any questions. I had a favorable impression overall.

[OperaSoprano]

Rainethe, I am seriously considering placing my deposit soon, pending any WL movement. I would love to know your opinion of the school. What most struck me during ASD was how enthusiastic professors and staff seemed to be about the school. I got the sense that, like many of us, they had higher ranked options, and they chose Northeastern anyway.


Did you sit in on a class, or talk to any students? Wander around the neighborhood? Some people claimed, in the other Northeastern thread, that the neighborhood was crappy. I believe someone even called it "the worst slum in Boston." I have only been to the area once, but I found this to be patently ridiculous. Did you get a feel for the lay of the land? Boston is such a gracious city... I can't believe I am going back there tomorrow!


Please tell us details about your visit!

[rainethe]

Hey,

Sorry I didn't post more details before but I was sooo tired from my crazy travel schedule!

What most struck me during ASD was how enthusiastic professors and staff seemed to be about the school.

I only had the opportunity to talk to one professor and one student (the tour guide), but both seemed really excited about the school. Northeastern's co-op program and their lack of grades are pretty unique, and both the professor and student seemed to think that they were advantageous to students. I think the co-op program is awesome (to be completely honest, Northeastern wouldn't even be a contender for me without it), but I'm a bit more hesitant about the "no grades" issue. Yes, it sounds AWESOME and would surely reduce competitiveness among students, but will employers really like it? I'm not so sure.

I got the sense that, like many of us, they had higher ranked options, and they chose Northeastern anyway.

Yes, my tour guide specifically said that she chose Northeastern b/c of the co-op program and the experience it would provide. I'm really torn on the issue....I've been accepted to schools with higher rankings and since law schools and law students seem downright obsessed with the rankings, I am a bit hesitant to go to a school ranked in the 80s (especially in a city that has so many other law schools). Maybe I've been reading too many threads here on TLS.

Did you sit in on a class, or talk to any students?

I sat in on a Criminal Justice class (Professor Williams, I believe) and it was terrific. I've sat in on three law classes at different schools and this was definitely the best. The subject matter was interesting and the professor seemed really enthusiastic about the subject.

Wander around the neighborhood? Some people claimed, in the other Northeastern thread, that the neighborhood was crappy. I believe someone even called it "the worst slum in Boston." I have only been to the area once, but I found this to be patently ridiculous. Did you get a feel for the lay of the land? Boston is such a gracious city... I can't believe I am going back there tomorrow!

I'll try to keep my answer short (most people know not to bring up Boston around me because I tend to wax poetic). I LOVE BOSTON!! I lived there for a couple years and I miss the city soooo much. I think the comment that Northeastern is in the "worst slum in Boston" is pretty ridiculous - the neighborhood is perfectly fine and I would feel more than comfortable there. I also love, love, love the fact that Northeastern is so close to two T lines.

Some other thoughts - I thought the classrooms (and the facilities in general) were quite nice. I wish I could have seen the library, but unfortunately it is under renovation right now; however, they made a point to mention that all construction will be done by Fall 2009. Although I didn't get a chance to talk to students, I thought they looked pretty happy.

So....I don't know what to do. I'm really torn right now (and am still waiting to hear from my top choice), but I'd have to say that money is definitely playing a factor. I received a scholarship from Northeastern (8,000 a year or so?), but it's so small and tuition is so high....plus, factoring in the the cost of living in Boston and traveling to co-ops (and finding housing at those locations)...it's pretty overwhelming.

I hope that answered some of your questions...please let me know if you have more!

[MR315]

As of right now, this is where I'm headed. I wasn't able to attend the ASD (missed that 3am bus !), but I am planning a trip next weekend. I wish I could go during the week, but I work full-time and don't want to use the vacation day...