<p>I'm not sure what I want to study in college--humanities, social sciences, or hard science. Any thoughts on the academic strengths and weaknesses of my three choices (lots of thin envelopes from the Ivies, including a Dartmouth wait list) would be appreciated. I'm going to try to visit all three this month to gauge the non-academic side of them, but thoughts on that are welcome also.</p>
<p>Chicago and Hopkins are very comparable places (not surprisingly, really, because Chicago was modeled on Hopkins). Both are about the same size. Both have beautiful urban campuses (one Gothic, one Georgean) in nice parts of their respective cities, but close to some not so nice parts (and, in Chicago’s case, very close indeed). The biggest difference is that Chicago has a core curriculm and Hopkins only has distribution requirements. Both have hard core intellectual student bodies, although Chicago came up with the “where fun goes to die” slogan first. That stereotype is vastly overblown at both places.</p>
<p>Georgetown is both academically and culturally a different place from the others. The Walsh School of Foreign Service is first rate and that school is on the same plane as Hopkins and Chicago. But, frankly, arts and sciences at Georgetown, while good, are not, IMHO, at the same level. Certainly, in the sciences, Georgetown simply does not compare to the other two. But, if it is important to you, Georgetown is one of the best Catholic schools in the country. Chicago and Hopkins are strictly nonsectarian places.</p>
<p>One big thing that you should keep in mind is that Chicago has neither an undergraduate business school nor engineering (for the moment). If you’re truly undecided, then any wishes to pursue business or engineering as fields of study (rather than just professional practice) would have to entertained at the graduate level if you were to go to Chicago. On the other hand, if you’re more interested in the less pre-professional side of things, Chicago is fantastic both academically and in academia.</p>
<p>Sounds like Chicago would be a great fit for you. </p>
<p>Good luck and don’t worry, you really can’t go wrong with your choice!</p>
<p>Visit if at all possible, certainly Hopkins and Georgetown could be hit in one two day trip.<br>
Academically all three are excellent, but socially Hopkins and Georgetown are a lot more similar to each other and Chicago has a very different feel, even just walking around campus. Personally, I loved Hopkins and Georgetown and hated Chicago, while I know a guy who loved Hopkins and Chicago and deciding between them was a super hard decision. Just goes to show how personal someone’s comfort level at a school is.</p>
<p>Chicago is on a slightly higher tier than Hopkins or G-Town especially given your intellectual interests. I would definitely opt for Chicago.</p>
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<p>Disagree. I know US News says Chicago > JHU >> Georgetown but I think that they’re all essentially top tier schools.</p>
<p>“Disagree. I know US News says Chicago > JHU >> Georgetown but I think that they’re all essentially top tier schools.”</p>
<p>I would not recommend making decisions based upon US News rankings, but there are actual distinctions which are non-trivial. In particular, Chicago and Johns Hopkins both have broad strength in the arts and sciences, whereas Georgetown’s areas of strength are much narrower (and, in the sciences, rather limited). For someone such as the OP, who is uncertain as to his/her academic path, this is a factor which is worth noting.</p>
<p>I think I’m going to choose Chicago both because it’s good in both arts and sciences and because I prefer Chicago to Baltimore. Thanks to all for your helpful thoughts!</p>
<p>good choice</p>
<p>DD was choosing between Chicago, Georgetown and Pitt. She chose Pitt because of a dandy scholarship and the fact that we would have been full pay at the other two. However, she had been on the Hopkins campus a few times and did not even apply there because of the city.</p>
<p>A very nice decision to have to make, by the way.</p>
<p>Smart choice.</p>
<p>If you’re a potentially serious hard science kid I’d exclude Georgetown.</p>
<p>But if not, why not Georgetown? Chicago is a great city but U Chicago is south side physically removed from a lot - still accessible to everything, but not exactly around the corner. Georgetown’s immediate surroundings are, to me, far preferable. Still, the vibe of UC is pretty unique and great if it’s what strikes your fancy. But make sure that vibe and the Core agree with you. Agree with the reviews of Baltimore, not my favorite place.</p>