Another Wash U vs Chicago Dilemma

Colleges and Universities A-Z Washington University in St. Louis
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<p>Hello, I'm a fairly new poster here with a difficult admissions decision. I've already read the Wash U v Northwestern v Chicago and the Wash U v Chicago threads, but I wasn't sure if I should post in there to ask my own questions.</p>

<p>WUSTL has been my top choice for quite some time but recently I've been having some doubts:</p>

<p>Is there a serious intellectual drive to learn at Wash U? Obviously, considering the academic caliber of the school, this seems like a ridiculous question. However, when I visited the campus, no one seemed to mention any sort of intellectual passion. Instead I was bombarded with all of the activities I could do, all the places I could eat and all the fun groups I could join. Though I don't consider myself a nerdy antisocial, I still like the idea of the intense and rigorous studying that seems to come into play at U Chicago. </p>

<p>I also liked the latter school's quirky student body, while those at Wash U seemed to be a bit more standard (of course I say this tentatively as I've only visited the school twice). However, Chicago would be slightly more expensive--though still doable--than Wash U, and with its smaller number of undergrad students I was wondering if I should wait to consider it for a grad school later on. </p>

<p>Perhaps it was the superficial things about Chicago that drew me in the most. The campus felt more integrated into the city and I definitely felt a sense of independence, whereas at Wash U the number of advisors and the nurturing atmosphere seemed almost bittersweet. It seems helpful, yes, but is it also somewhat limiting? </p>

<p>The architecture at Chicago also felt a bit more regal and studious, and Hyde Park was simply amazing. However, I'm still drawn to all of the positive reviews I have read about Wash U and its overall quality of life. If I do decide to attend there, does anyone have any insight on the "Healthy Living Communities"? I live a "substance-free" life myself, but I don't mind those who don't. Would I be able to find plenty of people in the non-Healthy-Living-Communities who like to focus a little more on studying than partying...?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for your help!</p>

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<p>Jeap13 - Since you have probably read my other posts, you know I think Wash U and Chicago are both fantastic. Like you, I also find the Chicago students to be a little quirkier (in a great way) that most others, and the whole atmosphere to be exceedingly intellectual. From that point of view, you can’t go wrong with Chicago I don’t think.</p>

<p>However, I would speculate that the reason the Wash U people focused on the non-academic side of things is that they assume you know how good Wash U is for academics. The biggest misconception about Wash U is that it is a boring place with not much to do, as you can see from other threads on here. So they may have gone a little overboard with bringing those opportunities to your attention. I assure you that Wash U students have serious intellectual drive and study rigorously.</p>

<p>The schools do have a different feel and fit, though it is hard to put into words beyond what you said about quirky, at least for me. And there is the whole semester vs. trimester thing to consider. Hopefully between these (admittedly slight) differences you can make the right decision for you. I will not comment on the Healthy Living Communities as I have no insight there.</p>