<ol>
<li><p>Which has a more "holistic" admissions process? I know Chicago places a lot of weight on the uncommon essay.</p></li>
<li><p>Which has stronger programs in studio art, history of art, English, and French?</p></li>
<li><p>How is social life different at the two? (greek/party scene, activities)</p></li>
<li><p>How do the campuses compare? (coffee shops, arts and culture resources nearby, vibe, safety)</p></li>
<li><p>Which has more research opportunities for undergrads? Which has better study abroad programs?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thank you all</p>
<p>Have you visited the two?
Do you know Cornell is in middle of no where and Chicago is in----- Chicago, the largest city in Midwest?
Cornell has more Greek life.
Other than that, they are comparable institutions.</p>
<p>I’ve visited Cornell not Chicago, but I plan to. </p>
<p>as for holistic, research opps, study abroad, and English they’re pretty much a wash. Cornell’s supposed to be a pretty good party school for those interested in partying. Chicago is not competitive in this regard, although it is supposed to be making some improvements to its non-academic social life. Cornell is quite isolated, being hours from anywhere with a population greater than Syracuse’s. Both schools are pretty isolated from more than one uni offering a peer education; here Chicago has a slight edge over Cornell, but neither is in Philly or Boston. I find Cornell and its environs attractive and its part of Ithaca serviceable. I haven’t visited the UChicago campus in decades.</p>
<p>OP, you will get a lot of responses if you post it to Cornell or Chicago forum on CC.</p>