<p>three great schools and i can't make a final decision. i'm undecided on my major, as well. pretty sure i'm not going to berkeley though because i was a spring admit, so it's basically down to two.</p>
<p>maryland:
gemstone
cheap, in-state
close
great band
friends</p>
<p>chicago:
superior academics
more expensive, even with financial aid
far away</p>
<p>Although UMD is a great school, it pales in comparison to UChicago. How much more expensive is Chicago for you? Have you visited? If you truly do like UChicago and don't find its price/distance/etc. to be too much of a hindrance, then I'd say go for it. If, however, you much prefer UMD and are considering UChicago only for its prestige (you have a right to -- you got in, after all), then I would tell you to go to UMD.</p>