Chicago Northwestern
The Big-ten Top Five
Arriving at a definitive ranking of schools is a complex process, and often one that stirs fierce debate. School pride runs deep with alums, particularly those who graduated from Big-10 universities. No one wants to see his or her beloved alma mater dropped even a notch in the all-important competition to be number one. We see this in the public sphere as athletic teams go head to head and as university departments vie for research dollars.
The bumps and bruises threatened on these fields of battle pale in comparison to the emotional wounding attempted on those who contributed to researching this list. Rest assured, though the pressure may have been intense at times, this list reflects the reality of what students are experiencing at these schools as closely as possible, and not the effectiveness of advocates outside this process.
What is the very best school to attend? The decision can change the course of a life and should not be made lightly. To arrive at this list, careful consideration was given to students' academic experience, quality of life, success of alumnae, and many other factors. We believe what follows is an accurate grading of the top five Big-10 schools.
1. Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Michigan State University tops our list due to an outstanding combination of academic rigor and quality of life. With 150 undergraduate majors and 14 colleges granting degrees, Michigan State sets the high-water mark for the Big-10. Michigan State professors are often praised for working closely with students. The school's career placement office is among the best and most effective in schools in and out of the Big-10.
2. Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Just 30 minutes outside of Chicago, Northwestern University earns a secure second place on our top five Big-10 list. Northwestern offers strong academics with a wide range of majors available to undergraduates. Proximity to Chicago is a significant plus for Northwestern students, allowing them not only cultural enrichment (a.k.a. nightlife), but opportunities for internships and study, which Northwestern's curriculum often takes great care to integrate.
3. Penn State University, State College, PA
A late addition to the Big-10---the school joined in 1990---Penn State University has consistently impressed with its academic seriousness and high quality of life for students, earning the school the third slot on this list. Penn State is a multi-campus behemoth, offering a wide variety of experiences to students. Enrolling more than 81,000 students at 24 campuses, it is at the University Park campus in State College that Penn State demonstrates the highest degree of excellence.
4. Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Fourth on the list is Ohio State University (OSU). OSU offers high-caliber academics for undergrads and graduates. New students encounter a carefully tailored program for freshmen, shaping new Buckeyes from some of the best students in and around Ohio and the rest of the nation.
5. University of Illinois, Champaign, IL
Rounding out the list at number five is the University of Illinois in Champaign. The second Illinois campus in the top five, the University of Illinois earns its slot with a stellar mix of academics, social life, and athletic programs. 1100 organizations and clubs battle for student participation on the giant campus, with research a major focus of academic life. University of Illinois, an exemplary Midwestern campus, helps maintain the high quality reputation of all the Big-10 schools.
About the Author
Take a look at more industry related articles by Chris Stout at CareersandEducation.com . Chris Stout is a frequent contributor with articles pertaining to using Distance Learning and Career Advice.
Chicago Northwestern
 |
 HO BRASS Overland Chicago Northwestern 4 4 2 F P NO RESERVE US $575.00 |
 CNW Chicago Northwestern C44 9W Overland Ajin Precision Mfg OMI Brass 8615  US $500.00
|
 CNW CHICAGO NORTH WESTERN SD70Ace DIESEL HERITAGE LOCO DCC SOUND MTH HO Scale US $399.95
|
 NIB HO MTH Chicago Northwestern SD70ACE Diesel 1995 DCC Proto Sound US $295.00
|
 Tenshodo HO Chicago and Northwestern A B Diesel Engine US $250.00
|
 HO Brass Nickel Plate 4 6 4 Class E 4 Chicago North Western 4007 Steam Loco US $237.50
|
 Genesis Chicago North Western CNW F7 A B w DCC installed US $219.99
|
 6 23472 Stewart Bowser Executive Line Diesel AS 616 Chicago North Western US $210.00
|
 6 23474 Stewart Bowser Executive Line Diesel AS 616 Chicago North Western US $210.00
|
 Atlas Master Gold HO Scale MP 15DC Chicago North Western 1307 US $209.99
|
 HO Atlas MP 15DC Chicago North Western Railway 1305 DCC Sound NIB US $195.00
|
 HO Brass Nickel Plate 4 6 4 Class E 4 Chicago North Western Steam Locomotive US $182.50
|
 New CHICAGO NORTH WESTERN GP15 1 4400 US $176.38
|
 HO Atlas Classic RS 11 CNW Chicago North Western 4251 US $169.95
|
 HO proto 2000 SW9 1200 Chicago North Western Ry NIB US $160.00
|
 HO EMD E 7 A CHICAGO NORTH WESTERN LOCO 5017 E 7 A US $157.99
|
 HO Athearn Genesis Chicago North Western GP15 1 Locomotive 4400 US $154.48
|
 N Intermountain F3 A B set Chicago North Western Railway NIB US $140.00
|
 HO SCALE ATHEARN GENESIS G68005 CHICAGO NORTH WESTERN GP15 1 4423 OY SCHEME US $136.99
|
 HO Scale EMD SD45 Locomotive Chicago North Western 6544 KATO 37 1741 US $134.98
|
 KATO HO Chicago North Western SD 45 CNW SD45 37 1741 US $134.95
|
 HO Kato GP 35 Chicago North Western CNW 824 US $129.95
|
 HO Kato GP 35 Chicago North Western CNW 825 US $129.95
|
 New MTH HO Chicago Northwestern SD70ACE Diesel Model Train Engine US $127.50
|
 HO LIFE LIKE H10 44 LOCOMOTIVE CHICAGO NORTH WESTERN 1067 US $124.99
|
 alco ho brass s 1 chicago northwestern US $120.83
|
Chances of getting into Northwestern or University of Chicago?
Is it harder to get into NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY and/or UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO if I attend high school in california?
thank you but the emphasis is on
IF I ATTEND HIGH SCHOOL IN CALIFORNIA
its extremely tough- the person who said the acceptance rates are in the 20-30 percentile is WAY off. they are both top schools and very highly regarded. you being a resident of california isnt as important as your gpa, sat scores and extra curriculars. i was rejected from northwestern a few years ago with a 3.8 and a lot of volunter work. i built my gpa up to a 4.0 in a year and a half and was accepted into northwestern as a pre-med (i already have a degree so i dont need to declare a major) student and plan on attending their med school. these two schools (especially UofC) do give preference to residents of illinois and especially residents of chicago (p.s. i was a chicago resident both times i applied), so it will be tougher on you seeing as you are from another state. i would definitely apply to schools in california as well- there are a lot of top schools there. just make sure your application is competitive enough to go up against the top students in the country (northwestern and uofc LOOVE national high school scholars and more and more students have this title at both schools) good luck, youve picked two of the toughest schools in the country to get into!