<p>I've visited both, and the feel is just similar, and the ppl in these two places are all v similar.
Would anyone please compare for me the acedemic reputation/grad school placement/job placement of these two schools?</p>
<p>I'm at Chicago and I have a friend at Carleton. I agree that the schools are similar, though the typical Carleton kid is a little bit more frisbee/beer (for my friend, it's more like a trifecta of frisbee, beer, and art history). Chicago is a little bit more serious overall (less frisbee/beer, more art history), but the wacky and loose side is still there.</p>
<p>Consider also the surroundings-- Northfield, MN versus the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. Consider the size-- 2,000 versus 10,000 (grad plus undergrad).</p>
<p>In terms of academic reputation, Chicago probably has a stronger reputation, but academics at both schools are probably equal.</p>
<p>Id agree with unalove on several counts, but I dont think the fundamental difference between the two schools comes out in her post.</p>
<p>Both are certainly very well respected, academically rigorous institutions. They attract a student body that views their academics as serious business. Grad schools/professional schools hold both in exceptionally high regard.</p>
<p>But Carleton kids are the type to look seriously at schools like Chicago and Swarthmore and then decide they are just too serious. The priorities at Carleton seem to be academics and fun. The priorities at Chicago seem to be academics and the pursuit of intellectualism and then fun. Understand that I am reluctant to fall through the trap door of over-generalizing and will tell you that there is a lot of overlap in these student bodies. But Id suggest Chicago still has a way to go before being voted by Newsweek the Most Fun-Loving college as Carleton was in its 2004 review. (forgive my reference to this not-quite-bastion of college information but it makes a point worth making).</p>
<p><a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3070172/%5B/url%5D">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3070172/</a></p>
<p>The differences in school environs are also significant, self-evident, and important, as unalove explains. Hyde Park is not Northfield. And while Minneapolis is only 35 miles away from Carleton and quite accessible, the bulk of your free time will be spent on 1,000 acres of traditional college campus and arboretum. The Midway may be green but it, and Hyde Park, will not be confused with an arboretum.</p>
<p>I cannot emphasize enough the need to make your decision based on what feels right where you think you will be HAPPIEST these next 4 years. That will likely also prove the best predictor of success to follow.</p>
<p>Academics, placement, etc. are probably about equal. Maybe with a slight slant towards Chicago, but nothing significant enough to really make a difference. </p>
<p>I personally would choose Carleton. It seems closer to the traditional college experience, and more of a fun/laidback environment. But then again, that's just my personal preferrence. I have a few hard-core intellectual friends who absolutely adore the quirky UC life. </p>
<p>Pick the one that better suits you as a person.</p>
<p>Well, I loves me some Art History and beer, so I'm applying to both.</p>