<p>So, I was accepted EA at Uchicago and just found out today that I'm in at Berkeley as well(although as a Spring admit). Plus, I got into UCLA. I applied to all schools undecided, but I'm leaning towards psych at the moment. I'm not sure what I should do. Money isn't really going to be a deciding factor b/c with my tentative fin aid offers, I'm going to have to pay around 8-10K no matter what school I choose.</p>
<p>I really like Chicago's quirky and intellectual vibes, and I think they would offer me the best academic experience. Only problem is I've never visited, and I don't have enough cash to go right now. On the other hand, UCLA is only about 30 min. from my house. I've visited and it was really nice; I can envision myself living on campus, but I didn't get that "WOW, this is it" kind of feeling. And I was excited about getting into Berkeley too, but I don't know how I feel about starting school in Jan. instead of Sept.</p>
<p>I really like the idea of Chicago, but I'm scared to choose a school that I've never visited. I might have false impressions and too high expectations. What if I wind up hating it?</p>
<p>Does anyone have any advice or comments to add about any of these schools?</p>
<p>I'd really appreciate your help. . .(and sorry it's kind of lengthy)</p>
<p>I completely agree with Modestmelody. I think it is really between UCLA and U of Chicago. (You don't want to start in Spring you miss out on so much of the 1st year experience) If the cost is equal, I say Chicago hands down and this is coming from someone who thinks the UCs are GREAT. Chicago's small class sizes and reputation on are par with any of the Ivies. If you can, visit U of Chicago or at least chat with some kids online that go there.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input :). . .
Does anyone have any info about the courseload at chicago. I've heard stories about how challenging it is, and it makes me think I could potentially have more fun at UCLA. I want a school with an intellectual atmosphere, but I also want to have a decent social life. I'm not a hard partyer or anything, but I don't want all my time to be taken up by studying. Not sure that I could manage both the social and academic sides at Chicago. Also info about the actual city of Chicago would be really appreciated. . .</p>
<p>I think U of Chicago's reputation is a bit overhyped as far as the workload. The fact is you have to work your butt off to get good grades no matter where you go. I know students who have attended both these institutions and I will say the U of Chicago students get a lot more personal attention. UCLA is by no means a "party" school but it can be one if you want that experience, although I will say students work as hard as any. </p>
<p>As for Chicago, its a great city in my opinion. Of course it is freezing cold in the Winter, but it does make one appreciate L.A. weather haha. And the Spring and Fall are gorgeous. The public transportation in Chicago blows LA away, where public transportation is improving but compared to NYC or Chi-Town LAGS WAAAYYYYYYY behind. In this way you might actually EXPERIENCE Chicago more fully as LA tends to have bubbles. </p>
<p>As far as handling U of Chicago, I think if you got in you can handle it. They also have great opportunities for tutorial if you run into any difficulty. Being a very wealthy private institution with an endowment larger than the ENTIRE UC system, put U of Chicago in a position to invest in their students. You can find resources at UCLA, but honestly they are not as prevalent.</p>