<p>Hi, all
I'm trying to decide between Brown and the University of Chicago. </p>
<p>The problem is that I don't have a major in mind, and therefore can't evaluate the schools based on the strength of a certain program. So, I'm basically looking at the strength of the academics in general and the "feel" of the school, which is hard because I've not visited both of them. I'm most likely not looking at science, if that narrows it down.</p>
<p>Also, I realize that the schools have very different distribution requirements: Chicago's core vs Brown's open curriculum. I think I like the structure of the core more, but it could be nice to be completely in control of what classes I take too...
I think I would fit in well with UofC semi-quirky culture, and I'm drawn to it's supposed atmosphere. However, I've never visited, so it's all hearsay. Academics are most important to me and I'm not scared of Chicago's workload, but I would still like to have a social life. Can anyone comment on differences in academic and social culture between the two schools? </p>
<p>I applied to UChicago EA and thought I was set on it, but Brown has made the decision much harder. Any advice? Or maybe something to convince me I was right about UChicago from the beginning?
Thanks :]</p>
<p>The Core Curriculum (Chicago) and the Open Curriculum (Brown) both offer flexibility in major choices and delayed specialization. From Chicago’s side, for your first year you’ll mostly be taking Core classes that emphasize inter-disciplinary critical thinking skills; these classes can both prepare you for the rigor of major classes as well as develop a better idea of your interests. The Open Curriculum allows you to begin taking major classes from the get go, essentially allowing you to determine by trial and error what you like and don’t like.</p>
<p>I would definitely suggest visiting Chicago at least, and Brown if possible. I never considered Brown, but I was really attracted to Chicago because the students all felt very open and accepting. I overnighted with a friend from high school, and I remember sitting down in the house lounge and everyone treating me as if I was just another guy rather than just a prospie or an outsider. The ‘chill’ quality that people have really appealed to me personally. But that’s just my side of Chicago’s feel :)</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses.
Hmmm, I would love to visit Chicago, but it’s really far away and plane tickets are expensive.
I guess the schools really are similar in a lot of ways. Does anyone have any experience or insight on the ways in which they differ? I mean, I know the urban vs suburban setting is a big thing.
Rny2: That’s good to hear. I guess I’d heard that Brown’s population is more chill and relaxed.</p>
<p>Parallelular, I would characterize the chillness of Chicago vs Brown as in the realms of academics vs extracurriculars. Chicago has intense, stimulating academics, which means that everything else from clubs to sports to social circles become much more casual. Brown has more relaxed academics, so that people channel their intensity to more competitive social/ extracurricular scene.</p>
<p>You know, I think Chicago would be a good fit for me. But I just have this nagging thought in the back of my mind that I would regret turning down Brown. Because I have visited Brown, and it wouldn’t be a bad fit either. Shoot, I didn’t realize it was going to be this hard to decide
Hmmm would you guys say that the strength of the student body in terms of academics and extracurriculars is about the same at both schools?</p>
<p>Wow great/tough choice. I love Chicago (city and university) but Brown’s open curriculum is extremely appealing as is their semester system vs quarters. </p>
<p>Any chance U of Chicago will invite you? I know most students are invited to check the school out.</p>
<p>Yeah, definitely visit. There’s a quality that’s difficult to capture through words about Chicago, or any college really. Our overnight programs this weekend and next are going to be fantastic; if you can make it, I definitely recommend.</p>
<p>Also look at the core courses at Chicago and, if you can find them, even the syllabi. That will help you to think if you want those courses and no others in the first year. I’ve wondered for students who can’t visit if admissions can set you up with some students you could skype with—it’s worth asking.</p>
<p>Both are very good schools but you are talking about very very different academic cultures. In fact, you can argue that Chicago and Brown are polar opposites.</p>
<p>Academics:–Chicago is famous for the Core–every student spends a significant amount of time studing essentially the same material so that there is a common denominator in a Chicago education. It is known as an intellectual, egg-headed and rather nerdy place. But everyone knows that a UChicago graduate is both very smart and a hard worker–and they are prized when they go into the workforce. Grades are not given out like candy at Chicago. Brown is famous for the exact opposite–the “new curriculum” which has no school wide requirements and permits you to chose to take everything without grades (not a good idea if you want to go to grad school). It is known as the place for child celebrities and children of adult celebrities and European “jet-setters”. Now, to be fair, most Brown students are not celebrities and are both very smart and work very hard–but because it is not necessary to work hard at Brown and because a few choose to breeze through, the degree does not carry the same imprimatur as a Chicago degree. Those who choose to work hard at Brown get a good education and do very well–but then there are those others…</p>
<p>Politics–Chicago is known for its political balance–it has famous conservatives and famous liberals on the faculty. But it is probably best known as the home of the “Chicago School” of economics–which is pretty conservative. Brown, on the other had, is arguably the most politically correct school on the planet. If you are very liberal, you will be comfortable but don’t expect to have your ideas challenged or contaminated by any conservative thought. Conservatives generally can’t get a job there, and few would want one if they could. If you are not liberal–you will either keep your mouth shut, be willing to be condemned as a right-wing nut and an awful person, or will transfer out. It is not a “liberal” place in the 18th century sense of the word.</p>
<p>Student Life–Chicago students are, for the most part, into their studies. Most are not into social activism–because it interferes with academics. Sports are Div III at Chicago, and it is not unusual to find people who spent 4 years without every going to a UChicago sports event. Chicago students are proud that Chicago is not an Ivy League institution–who needs that? Brown students, on average, are different. Many are more into their liberal social causes than their academics. They are proud to be part of the Ivy League, although most believe that they are friendlier and less stuck up than their counterparts at Harvard, Yale & Princeton (but most also were not admitted to Harvard, Yale or Princeton). Brown sports are D I–although they generally aren’t that good. There is not a huge amount of school spirit at Brown, but certainly more than you will find at Chicago. </p>
<p>So, like I said, both are good schools but very different places.</p>
<p>Actually, if you want to talk to a current student, our PSAC (Prospective Students Advisory Committee) has a phone line set up for questions as well as a well-attended email. </p>
<p>Thank you to everybody who replied. After weighing pros and cons and thinking about it forever, I’ve realized that UChicago is really better for me. There’s a reason why I was set on it in the beginning. And I’m not afraid of the intensity!
And I realized that some of my hesitation was coming from the question of prestige, which is a really really really pointless consideration. Once I got rid of that, it was fairly easy to make the choice.
Which I’m about 95% sure about ;)</p>
<p>Don’t worry. Chicago is as prestigious as Brown easily. It’s even ranked higher in the USNEWS. They have one of the most Nobel Laurette count in America.
Good for you man.</p>
<p>I think bonanza’s opinions about Brown are really skewed and not reflective of my daughter’s experience there. She also had the tough choice of Chi (EA) vs Brown and picked Brown in the end (we only got to visit Chicago and I loved it .) She didn’t get to visit Brown ahead of time, but it is very easy to adjust to. (I loved it when I got to visit too.) Brown was an unbelievably fantastic experience, both academically and lifestyle-wise. She didn’t know the major, but did want to go into Sciences and her path to her major was serendipitous and organic. She ended up in a strong department and is now at a top 10 grad school.</p>
<p>One of her friends from growing up through Jr high on the West Coast went Chi and was quite unhappy with the culture (did not find it semi-quirky, just conservative,) but that’s just one person. Go with your gut, but please get opinions from the individual schools boards here, from current and recent students.</p>
<p>I’m also debating UChicago but not against Brown. I’ve met several admitted students that I’ve never met before and had no problem just talking to them about our eccentricities. I felt like we would make great friends.</p>
<p>Both great schools, both good for an intellectually-inclined person. The way I always look at it when someone is really torn is that the U of C will be there for graduate school…</p>
<p>Uhm, the last time I checked I thought most of them would be at an ivy if given the choice. I dont know why the OP is even struggling with this decision.</p>
