<p>So assuming I don't get in off the waitlist at Penn, I'm going to have to decide between U of C, USC and UNC.</p>
<p>I'm not really considering UNC that much since I can't really see myself there, but I'm having trouble deciding between U of C and USC. </p>
<p>My intended major would be business at USC and econ at U of C. I know Chicago is best in the nation for economics, but I'm sort of a West Coast guy and I'm not sure about the social environment at Chicago as opposed to USC. but then again, I also want to do what's best for my career.</p>
<p>Crap...</p>
<p>If you do choose Chicago, don't only do it for your career, but do it because you want to be challenged and you want to get the Chicago Econ experience and you want to come out of this school being able to do more than you ever imagined you could. The only people I know who are unhappy there are those who also ultimately chose Chicago for the boost they imagined it would give them. </p>
<p>This is why I imagine a number of people look upon Chicago unfavorably-- there are many other schools that give the same gloss that Chicago does to a resume and are much, much easier. If you're a pure careerist, going to Chicago is an inefficient way to complete your goals.</p>
<p>In terms of social environment, I think you'll be able to find what you're looking for. You won't be the only person from California, you won't be the only person who wants to party, you won't even be the only person who was deciding between USC and U of C.</p>