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I am a recent Northeastern alum. I will be happy to take any questions that you have about the school (academics, student life, the co-op program etc.). Ask away.

By Mom102 (Mom102) on Thursday, September 16, 2004 - 12:03 am: Edit

Ok, I was looking to Northeastern for my daughter. I think they have a great co-op program similar to Rochester Institute of Technology, which also has a strong co-op program. However, she would obviously prefer Boston.

My question, she is interested in Graphic Arts/communication design. Although Northeastern seems to have a graphic arts major, It isn't mentioned anywhere in any rankings. RIT was ranked in the top 12 I think in Graphic arts.

Do you know how good the program is (really)at Northeastern? How good is their placement in the field too? If you don't personally know the answers to these questions, don't guess.

By Alan5 (Alan5) on Thursday, September 16, 2004 - 08:31 am: Edit

The graphic design program at Northeastern is relatively new which probably explains why it does not appear in the rankings. I recently met a Northeastern student who is a graphic design major (she is a transfer student from UMass Amherst). She said that she has been impressed with the program so far. The classes are very small and the professors are good teachers who make themselves available to students. Placements in the field are quite good for a relatively new program. Students can also utilize the Boston Museum of Fine Arts which is directly across the street for the western part of campus. That's all that I can tell you.

I hope this helps.

By Mom102 (Mom102) on Thursday, September 16, 2004 - 12:57 pm: Edit

Thanks Alan, I will have my daughter check it out. By the way,what was your major, and what are you doing now?

By Tlaktan (Tlaktan) on Thursday, September 16, 2004 - 06:00 pm: Edit

Any corporate internships? What kind? Are they paid?

Does Northeastern have any dual degree programs?

thanks. (By dual degree, I mean BA/JD or some sort like that)

By Alan5 (Alan5) on Thursday, September 16, 2004 - 07:03 pm: Edit

According to U.S. News (2003 edition), Northeastern has the top rated internship/co-op program in the country (schools are now listed alphabetically). Most of the internship/co-ops are paid. There are over 3000 companies in the program worldwide (more than any other school), including top companies like Microsoft, Raytheon, Merrill Lynch, SAAB, BMW Europe, EMC, and Fidelity. There are also many state and federal government agencies in the program. Students can even intern at the White House:

http://www.nupr.neu.edu/6-04/lennox.shtml

More info on Northeastern's internship/co-op program:

http://www.admissions.neu.edu/coop.html

http://www.coop.neu.edu/employer/welcome.html

http://www.northeastern.edu/whycoop.html

http://northeastern.edu/usnews2.html

http://www.neu.edu/employ.html

http://www.cba.neu.edu/ugrad/index.cfm?page=61&nav=23

I believe that NEU does have several dual degree programs but as far as I know there is no BA/JD program. Off the top of my head, there is a six year Pharm D program and and a six year MA'Arch. program. Check with the admissions office for a full list of dual degree programs.

By Alan5 (Alan5) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 - 08:41 pm: Edit

Mom102,

Another word about Northteastern's faculty. The university is in the process of hiring 100 new tenure track faculty:

http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2004/02/11/northeastern_allots_75m_to_add_100_professors/

The first 30 hires joined the faculty this fall and all went to top ranked PHD programs.

By Nervousdad (Nervousdad) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 01:20 pm: Edit

Alan,

I didn't see anything in the article about how much time these new hires will be spending in the classroom. Has NEU indicated a commitment to having these new faculty members actually teaching, or are these primarily research positions to build the school's stature—if not necessarily the quality of classroom instruction?

By Alan5 (Alan5) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 05:30 pm: Edit

Hi Nervousdad,

The new professors will do both (teach and conduct research). There are two articles in the university's faculty newspaper about the new faculty hires. The first is on page 2 and is entitled "Advice From Peers Greets University's New Faculty." The Second is on page 3 and is entitled "Northeastern adds 33 to Professoriate." The second article indicates where the new hires obtained their degrees.
Follow this link:

http://www.voice.neu.edu/040914/040914_1.pdf

I hope this helps.

By Starynight5 (Starynight5) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 05:42 pm: Edit

Hey,
I was wondering what the CAS music department is like. I plan to major in music performance, and I'm looking into Northeastern. Thanks a lot. ^_^

By Alan5 (Alan5) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 06:17 pm: Edit

Hi starynight5,

I heard that it is a good program. If I'm not mistaken students can also take courses at the New England Conservatory of Music which borders the east side of Northeastern's campus. But you should confirm this with NEU's music department. Here is link to the conservatory: http://www.newenglandconservatory.edu/

As an added bonus, Symphony Hall is only two blocks away from the main quad: http://www.bso.org/armsOfBSO.jhtml;jsessionid=GM1TY1J3HGKGFLA2DKESFEQ?catName=BSO&area=bso

Have you visted the campus yet? If so what did think?

By Alan5 (Alan5) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 06:22 pm: Edit

Nervousdad,

Here is some info on the faculty positions that Northeastern is looking to fill next year (Sept. 2005) by department(26 more professors):

http://www.provost.neu.edu/hrmjoblists/FMPro?-db=hrmjoblist&-lay=Layout1&-format=test.html&-view

As you will note, most of the positions require profs to teach and do research.

period.

By Alan5 (Alan5) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 06:25 pm: Edit

This link is clickable:


http://www.provost.neu.edu/hrmjoblists/FMPro?-db=hrmjoblist&-lay=Layout1&-format=test.html&-view

By Alan5 (Alan5) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 06:29 pm: Edit

Faculty Job description:

http://www.provost.neu.edu/hrmjoblists/FMPro

By Mintyfresh (Mintyfresh) on Wednesday, October 06, 2004 - 04:23 pm: Edit

Is the architecture program hard to get into as a freshman?

By Alan5 (Alan5) on Wednesday, October 06, 2004 - 04:31 pm: Edit

Hi Mintyfesh,

The program is competitive. What are your stats?

By Mintyfresh (Mintyfresh) on Wednesday, October 06, 2004 - 04:49 pm: Edit

Pretty average
SAT 1160 retaking this saturday
ACT 24
GPA ~4.01 after junior year, probably alittle lower now

EC's:
Swimming 4 years- jv fresh, varsity soph,jun,sen
Piano 13 years
NHS
Nannying over the summer
Volunteered at a hospital last summer
President's Service Award-bronze
Summer swimming since i was 6 or something

I'm from the midwest so maybe that helps

Also, would I have to do an interview?

By Alan5 (Alan5) on Wednesday, October 06, 2004 - 05:21 pm: Edit

Your GPA is strong but you SAT score may hurt you a bit
(try to get it above 1200).

The NEU Adcom would like to enroll a geographically diverse student body, so your Midwest address is a definitely a plus. While interviews are not required, they can't hurt. How are your drafting skills?

By the way, sometimes I wish that I studied architecture. I really love design. Some of my favorite architects are:

Frank Gehry: (there is a new Gehry building at MIT)

Norman Foster (he designed the new atrium and expansion of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.The MFA is direcly across the street from the west side of Northeastern's campus). Here is some info about the expansion project: http://www.mfa.org/newmuseum/views/index.html

I also love I.M. Pei (he designed several buildings in Boston, including the Hancock tower which is the tallest building in the city).

By Tryinhard (Tryinhard) on Wednesday, October 06, 2004 - 05:53 pm: Edit

Hi Alan,

My daughter would love Boston for her college town. A couple questions, if you have a minute: How safe is campus and surrounding (walkable) area, and how do you think an undergrad experience would differ between Northeastern and Boston U?

By Mintyfresh (Mintyfresh) on Wednesday, October 06, 2004 - 05:58 pm: Edit

Thanks
Yeah i hope i can get my SAT higher. I studied over the summer but since school has started i haven't much at all.

Well i don't really know much about drafting or have that much experience but mostly i just like to draw and i think it would be pretty fun despite the long hours the students have to put in. I talked with the architecture admissions director at the university of kansas and i guess they have one of the best arch. schools in the country. So i could go to Boston which would be really cool but really far and do the whole co-op thing or i could stay pretty close at a fun place with good academics. I guess i'll just wait and see if I get accepted, visit again if i do and then decide. Anyway thanks again

By Alan5 (Alan5) on Wednesday, October 06, 2004 - 10:36 pm: Edit

Hi Tryinghard,

I'm glad to hear that your daughter is interested in going to school in Boston. It is the Mecca of college towns. The entire city is geared toward college students. Here's what you need to know about Northeastern in terms of campus safety and academics:

CAMPUS:

The Northeastern’s campus is very safe as urban campuses go. The campus is mostly self-contained. The campus consists of approximately 67 acres and is easy to navigate. Students can take a single path that winds through the campus connecting quad to quad. Also, many of the buildings are connected by an underground tunnel system which is a huge plus when the weather isn’t so nice.

Campus Map:

http://www.campusmap.neu.edu/

Some campus shots:
http://www.nupr.neu.edu/campus.html

Some Buildings:
http://www.nupr.neu.edu/buildings.html

WALKABLE AREA NEAR CAMPUS:

The immediate walkable area around the campus is called the “Fenway Cultural District” This area is quite safe. In this area you will find the Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum, Massachusetts College of Art, Boston Symphony Hall, Massachusetts Horticultural Society Library, The Huntington Theater, Prudential Center Shops, and the Christian Science Center, New England Conservatory of Music, and several cafe’s and restaurants. Here links to some of the institutions in Northeastern's neighborhood:

Museum of Fine Arts: (across the Street from campus)

http://www.mfa.org/


Boston Symphony Orchestra: (two blocks heading east)

http://www.bso.org/


Christian Science Center (two blocks from campus heading east):

http://www.tfccs.com/GV/TMC/TMCMain.html


Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (three blocks from campus heading northwest):

www.boston.com/gardner


Prudential Center Shops (five blocks from campus heading east)

http://www.prudentialcenter.com/

NEU students also have access to the public trolley system (subway) which runs along Northeastern’s campus (NEU has its own dedicated trolley stop). The subway will take you anywhere you need to go in the city. Subway info:

http//www.mbta.com

AREAS TO AVOID:

The only areas in Boston that I would be somewhat concerned about is Roxbury. Specifically, Dudley Square and Mission Hill. Roxbury is a neighborhood to the south (not very easy to get to from Northeastern’s campus). But students really have no reason to venture in that direction. In years past, the area had a reputation for being somewhat seedy. But this is changing. The city of Boston and private developers have spent millions of dollars fixing up the area. Some apartments in the nicer parts of Mission Hill now rent for as high a $1600 per month for a one bedroom. I have a friend whose uncle bought a two bedroom condo in Mission Hill 10 years ago for 70k. He just sold it for 400k. In any event, as with an urban area, students should be aware of their surroundings. But from a statistical standpoint, Boston is one of the safer American cities.

BU v. Northeastern.

In many ways the schools are similar. Both are urban research universities with programs in the liberal arts and pre-professional studies (i.e. business, engineering). But there are some obvious differences. BU has more of an urban feel (campus is not defined and there are virtually no green spaces). BU is also much larger than Northeastern. BU enrolls a frosh class of about 4500 students. By contrast, Northeastern frosh class is 2800 students. BU also has a much larger graduate enrollment and based on what I’ve told by some of many friends who attended BU, the school is more geared toward teaching graduate students. Northeastern's primary focus is undergraduate education. Depending on whom you ask, BU’s weak point is that it offers limited internship opportunities for students (with the exception of BU’s College of Communications). By contrast, Northeastern greatest strength is its internship/co-op program (ranked #1 by U.S. News). Northeastern’s approach to academics is also somewhat different. While there are courses that are of the lecture and seminar type (similar to BU), a large number of classes (esp. in the business, computer science and engineering schools) are more simulation and team based. Don’t get me wrong, BU is a good school, but its not for everyone and neither is Northeastern. It all depends on what you want.

I hope that this helps.

By Tryinhard (Tryinhard) on Thursday, October 07, 2004 - 04:36 pm: Edit

Thanks Alan - A tremendous help, actually! Unfortunately, we'll have to count on substantial "aide", so it remains to be seen if she'll be accepted, then if they see fit to assist!

By Alan5 (Alan5) on Thursday, October 07, 2004 - 06:43 pm: Edit

You're welcome. Best of luck to you and your daughter.

By Alan5 (Alan5) on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:45 am: Edit

Tryinghard,

Here is some more info about the "Fenway Cultural District" which is the walking area around Northeastern's campus:

http://fenwayculture.org/index.htm

By Tryinhard (Tryinhard) on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 05:02 pm: Edit

Alan, There's certainly plenty to keep me happy in that area, to be sure (the Mozart/Mahler concert is tempting). My daughter loves ballet & art, and I'm sure that area would be a real treat for her. I dare not get our hopes up too high, though - With two in college at the same time... finances are very stretched! We'll see how much the good folks in admissions will assist in that area. She'll be submitting her application within a couple of weeks. You're a virtual fountain of knowledge about this school - thank you so much!

By Alan5 (Alan5) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 10:04 am: Edit

You're welcome. I wish you and the daughter the best of luck with the admissions and financial aid process. I will keep my fingers crossed for both of you.

By Ccguy (Ccguy) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 03:34 pm: Edit

Hey Alan, I was wondering if you could help me out on how good Northeastern is at placing students in grad schools. From my research as well are your input, I'm sure of Northeastern's strong education and preparation for careers, but the rank has only barely scratched the 2nd tier in the US News rankings. I was wondering how undergrads from schools such as UMD, BC, Rutgers, TCNJ, Villanova, U.Del, PSU, St. Joseph's (all of which I plan to apply to) would fare in comparison to NEU when applying to grad school. I'm pretty sure that years from now when I'm applying to grad school, NEU's rank should be much higher and the school much more regarded, but for now, I woule like your input, as well as any information/statistics you have on this.

If it helps, I plan to major in accounting and get an MBA. Thanks for any help or info you can give.

By Alyssa16 (Alyssa16) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 04:34 pm: Edit

Hi, I am a junior from New Jersey. I was wondering how selective Northeastern is when choosing students for their physical therapy program? And if you could, could you tell me a score I should aim for on my SATs? Thanks so much...

By Alan5 (Alan5) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 10:37 am: Edit

Hi Ccguy,

I would say that Northeastern does a good job placing students in grad schools. Based on my research, NEU's placement rate is very similar to UMD, BC, Rutgers, TCNJ, Villanova, U.Del, PSU, St. and Joseph's. While Northeastern may be a tier II school (and rising fast), it does have the top rated internship/co-op program in the country. Why does this matter? Because real world experience is highly valued by grad school adcomms and will give you an edge in admissions over applicants with similar grades and test scores.
Many Northeastern grads have gone to prestigious grad schools. Here are a few examples that I found on the web (small sample):

MIT:

http://www.emc.com/about/management/egan.jsp


http://www.pitt.edu/~jordan/cv.short.html


http://www.integral-inc.com/affiliates/tushman_bio.htm

http://www.dce.ksu.edu/dce/broadcast/eyestone/bio/sacco.html

http://www.tufts.edu/vet/facpages/andrutis_k.html


HARVARD UNIVERSITY:

http://www.ewh.ieee.org/r1/mid-hudson/calendar/oct04.htm

http://cwx.prenhall.com/bookbind/pubbooks/angus/chapter1/custom1/deluxe-content.html

http://www.berklee.edu/faculty/detail.php?id=454&type=last_name&value=wacks&skip=0


HARVARD LAW SCHOOL:

http://www.skadden.com/index.cfm?contentID=45&bioID=655

HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL:

http://www.easyask.com/company/management.cfm

http://www.emc.com/about/board/index.jsp

http://www02.imd.ch/faculty/vitae/index.cfm?id=164

HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL:

http://galactica.informatics.sunysb.edu/internalmed/infectd/faculty.html


CORNELL:

http://www.ceis.rochester.edu/ceis/mdc/researchers/pi_pdfs/Titlebaum_Edward.pdf

STANFORD:
http://www.sidman.com/cvmore.htm

CHICAGO:

http://www.tridentcap.com/teams/Venetia.html


WHARTON:

http://www.commerce.gov/bios/NTIS_bios_english.htm

PENN MEDICAL SCHOOL:

http://www.med.upenn.edu/bmbgrad/Students/Current/class.html

http://www.nyas.org/ebriefreps/main.asp?intSubSectionID=495

DARTMOUTH:

http://mathcs.holycross.edu/~alisad/cv.html

BROWN:

http://www.rdoman.com/about/

U.CAL. BERKELEY
http://www.bitstream.com/corporate/about/bios/

http://www.whoi.edu/science/AOPE/dept/personnel/scientific_mcgillis.htm

COLUMBIA:

http://www.nsbe.org/downloads/pr/press/lezama.pdf

TUFTS MEDICAL SCHOOL:

http://www.bridgtonhospital.org/directory/ncmh/familypractice.html


I hope this helps.

By Alan5 (Alan5) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 10:49 am: Edit

Hi Alyssa 16,

The PT program is quite competitive and very popular. Admitted students typically score in the 1200s. I would aim for an SAT in range of 1220-1250. Have you visited the campus yet? The building that houses the PT program is amazing. Check it out:

http://www.nupr.neu.edu/images/behariksnew.jpg

http://www.rothmanpartners.com/4.0_portfolio/nu_2003.htm

http://www.pkal.org/template2.cfm?C_ID=233&P_ID=221

By Alyssa16 (Alyssa16) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 11:52 am: Edit

Thanks Alan5. No, I didn't visit the campus yet, I am going there this winter I believe since my cousin goes to Wentworth. I want to go to Northeastern so bad, but I am afriad as the popularity and is on the rise my chances are diminishing. Well thanks again with the info on the PT program.

By Alan5 (Alan5) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 06:16 pm: Edit

You're welcome and good luck.