I am having a very difficult time deciding between UChicago and Brown for early decision. (I am interested in majoring in Philosophy with a minor in Political Science or English, by the way). I like UChicago’s core, as I want to take classes in nearly every discipline so the requirements aren’t a disadvantage for me. Yet I also like the liberty of Brown’s open curriculum, where I can really craft my education.
I am trying to avoid superficial schools (which, from my research, neither Brown nor Chicago is) and am looking for a genuinely inquisitive, “intellectual” climate. I am very, very liberal but hate political-correctness (which is what worries me about brown.) Ideally, I’d be at a school with a lot of debates/discussions among students and with professors who actually care about their undergrads.
Also, the binding commitment is not an issue for me – I would actually prefer to have it.
Any insight?
You don’t need to decide between them; Brown’s ED policy will allow you to apply to UChicago EA (the school doesn’t have ED). However, if you get into Brown, you will need to attend unless financial aid forces you out.
@ap012199 Actually, UChicago will have ED this year.
My D really liked both UChicago and Brown too. My advise is to do only ED if you are 100% sure that this college is for you. That would include taking a tour and doing an overnight with class visits. You just really have to be committed because if you get in the school does expect you to go. Also really make sure that your parents can afford it. You can get out of ED if you cannot afford it but then you’ve just wasted your time with applying and waiting for the response back with the fin aid.
@ap012199 is wrong- UChicago now has ED 1 and ED 2.
And UChicago also has EA…
No one is really sure how this will all shake out for UChicago to give so many choices.
My D will be going to UChicago this fall. She decided not to apply to Brown and Grinnell actually was her second choice and would have gone if they had offered more merit.
Good luck!
Ah, my mistake. But you can still apply EA to UChicago and ED to Brown.