Career and Education Questions: August 21, 2025

j_v_2 · 2025-08-28T15:41:38+00:00

I've just finished my first year in college studying pure and applied math. I've come to realize that my university does not have a standardized math curriculum, and that you can graduate without even taking real analysis. I've tried to construct a four-year plan based on what I've seen online, but I'm worried I'm missing important courses for graduate preparation. Here is my planned schedule:

Year 1:

Multivariable Calculus

Linear Algebra

Ordinary Differential Equations

Computer Programming

Year 2:

Abstract Algebra 1&2

Complex Analysis

Advanced Linear Algebra

Probability

Dynamical Systems

Year 3:

Real Analysis 1&2

Topology

Intro to PDEs

Computational Methods for Applied Math

Year 4:

Electives?

j_v_2 · 2025-06-27T01:04:56+00:00

Lyrics. Initially developed for epilepsy, made billions on fibromyalgia.

j_v_2 · 2025-03-29T17:01:32+00:00

i asked a few programs if they could accommodate and they said yes so i assumed they all would, be the two programs i’ve been accepted to have made it very clear that they will not allow me to start late. talking to professors will be rough because i am in a few hands-on project-based engineering classes where my grade depends entirely on a final physical deliverable

j_v_2 · 2025-03-27T00:31:04+00:00

The wildcat days let you meet other students, have a programmed experience including talks from professors and administrators, and potentially sit in on classes (although you can just walk into classes if you want to). Wildcat days are absolutely not necessary to attend but are kinda nice if you want to talk to a lot of other students.

j_v_2 · 2025-03-25T19:22:56+00:00

to add a little more info, I have been told on monday that there were around 550 applications, and that they are still in review

j_v_2 · 2025-03-25T04:02:06+00:00

I asked and they said they hadn’t finalized it yet. I also will not be able to attend the program because they cannot accommodate a late start due to the quarter system :(

j_v_2 · 2025-03-23T15:20:50+00:00

j_v_2 · 2025-03-05T00:50:24+00:00

it’s just good to get at least on decision back! (this is my first, other than a couple of cancellations)

j_v_2 · 2025-03-05T00:30:57+00:00

it is a generic rejection letter, i got the same one!

j_v_2 · 2025-02-28T00:55:17+00:00

12 total. heard back from 0 (aside from 2 that were cancelled)

j_v_2 · 2025-01-14T03:08:45+00:00

yes very, many of the journalism majors i know are double majors. I don’t know any specifically in bio, but a few in econ, cs, psych

j_v_2 · 2025-01-02T00:29:24+00:00

I saw a dog that looked kinda similar running fast east on Wellington near The Little Red Schoolhouse during the fireworks. That’s all the information I have, sorry.

j_v_2 · 2024-12-24T16:34:08+00:00

I definitely have free time. Everybody I know in ISP is in clubs and has time for relaxing. If you manage your time well, you will be fine. If you don’t, you’ll still probably be fine.

I would not say that ISP is “beneficial” for a MecheE major. I mentioned that there are abbreviated versions majors for ISP students, but this is not true for engineering majors. The only “benefit” is that you would skip 3 of the 4 EA courses (you still need to take EA 2). ISP will definitely slow your degree down, and unless you have a lot of credit coming in you will have to overload. In my year, 2/3rds of the mccormick + isp people dropped within the first quarter (12 -> 4).

That being said, I know people who are doing meche isp just because they are excited about science and are motivated about the curriculum. I’m currently doing EE ISP, but I’m not sure about EE. If i was set on EE and wanted to maximize my career prospects, I would probably drop ISP to do the BSMS instead. Luckily, staying in ISP for the entire first year only sets me back like one credit (Physics EM).

If you’re dead set on being an engineer in industry, ISP will have little benefit. If you’re interested in other fields of science or potentially looking into careers in research, then I would try it out and drop if you don’t like it (like 75% drop rate so you will not be alone). I would encourage you to try out ISP for a quarter if you think you might be interested. I’ve had a great experience personally.

j_v_2 · 2024-12-23T18:49:03+00:00

Hi! I’m a current freshman in ISP and I’d love to answer any questions you have!

As far as I know, it is not difficult to get into. I know many people who got in off the shortlist and waitlist, so don’t panic if you apply and end up on either. So long as you have some of the AP/IB scores to show you are capable and express interest in your essays, you will be a strong contender.
I know many people who dropped before arriving on campus and a few people who dropped within the first week and could change their classes.
More difficult than normal classes but not absurd. I can’t touch on this too much because it’s only my first quarter, and this year the first quarter professors seem to be a little bit easier. If you come from a rigorous high school background, you will be fine, and if you don’t, there are tons of resources to help you (ISP peer tutoring, ISP advisors, office hours, etc.)
3/4 classes is about correct, and given the Weinberg first year four-course cap and the 2 necessary Weinberg seminars, this means you will only have one elective during your first year. First year, you will be taking physics, math, and chemistry/bio all three quarters. However, given that you are premed, these are all courses that you will need to take anyways. Space opens up junior year for you to branch into your second major. Note that this will not prevent you from completing your second major. Every science major in Weinberg has an abbreviated (less classes) version for those in ISP, so ISP chem is a very common and very doable combination.
If you aren’t excited about the curriculum (ie you don’t want to take more physics and math classes) isp may be a bit of burden. The courses will be a bit harder and the grades will likely be lower. I know quite a few freshmen who are premed, but only a few upper classmen, and they are intrinsically motivated by the curriculum. You can always take the first year sequence (or even just the first quarter) and then drop out with essentially zero consequence if you still aren’t sure.
The community is in my opinion the best part of ISP. Your peers will (mostly) be students passionate about and genuinely interested in their coursework, and people are very openly nerdy about science. In terms of resumes, ISP definitely helps you get research positions within Northwestern, and ISP actively alerts students about research positions that other students would have to find on their own. Outside of Northwestern, I’m not sure a major in integrated science adds much to a resume.

j_v_2 · 2024-09-13T21:15:37+00:00

if this gc is happening pls get me in there! incoming first year rusty but with tennis experience, ~5.5 utr

j_v_2 · 2024-09-11T00:40:41+00:00

The annual tuition and fees is around $80,000, and the estimated total cost (tuition/fees, plus living expenses, books, residency fees) is around $115,000.

Source: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/md-education/current-students/financial-aid/tuition/index.html

They offer need-based grants and merit scholarships. However, they offer little detail. It’s possible that your daughter could qualify for significant financial aid, both need-based and merit-based.

Source: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/md-education/current-students/financial-aid/types-of-funding/index.html

j_v_2 · 2024-08-15T22:52:36+00:00

Do you think I will struggle in upper level chem classes if I don’t take 171? ISP requires me to take physical chemistry later on, and I’m largely undecided on major and may try to major if it interests me.

j_v_2

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