<p>I got the following from Yahoo Education:
UChicago
Admission 8,751 applied, 3,503 admitted, 1,203 enrolled
Test scores SAT verbal scores over 500 100%, SAT math scores over 500 100%, ACT scores over 18 100%, SAT verbal scores over 600 93%, SAT math scores over 600 93%, ACT scores over 24 93%, SAT verbal scores over 700 66%, SAT math scores over 700 59%, ACT scores over 30 61%
NU
Admission 15,637 applied, 4,684 admitted, 1,915 enrolled
Test scores SAT verbal scores over 500 99%, SAT math scores over 500 100%, ACT scores over 18 100%, SAT verbal scores over 600 91%, SAT math scores over 600 94%, ACT scores over 24 97%, SAT verbal scores over 700 51%, SAT math scores over 700 63%, ACT scores over 30 68% </p>
<p>"Much much much stronger applicant pool"??? The above stats speak for themselves.<br>
By the way, UC's average GPA is 3.26; the grading isn't as bad as you may think.</p>
<p>It's that 3.5 that is tough. I found these numbers that tend to indicate that the applicant pool is similar in terms of numbers for those admitted last year in terms of the SAT. </p>
<p>NW SAT AVG = 1389
UofC SAT AVG = 1415</p>
<p>Having been involved with academics at both campuses, I would say, however, that their are distinct cultures that reflect each campus. I don't think the word "stronger" in reference to applicants captures it. Though of course overlapping in many ways, the theory/intellectual emphasis at Chicago is more pronounced than at NW, and the applied/pre-professional emphasis at NW is more pronounced than at Chicago. These are not exclusive categories and one will find each at both campuses, it's just the general "look & feel." This all comes back to fit, and what are one's aspirations, and why spending time at each is so important.</p>
<p>The numbers I used were from this year's Princeton Review, but the point remains, there is little difference in the numbers. One cannot make a case for real differences even using the numbers I cited. As a matter of fact there is little difference, in terms of numbers, among applicants to all the more selective schools.</p>
<p>Lemonjello put it well. The U. of C. campus is very academically-based. It is refreshing (and, at the same time, a bit strange as well) to walk around campus and hear students discussing multivariable calculus or the definition of "justice." I have not visited Northwestern, so I can only speak for UChicago.</p>
<p>How do NU kids view UChicago kids and vice versa? Is there a sense of rivalry or are they all just doing theyre own thing? I remember seeing a picture of UChicago kids going to NU and taking down their banner or something but I wouldn't think that it was a common thing. If a student of each school saw each other in Chicago away from each campus, would there be a common reaction? </p>
<p>Also, how is NU/UChicago viewed by the residents of Chicago? I remember reading that most think NU is a 'better' school. Not that these questions matter too much, but I'm just curious. Thanks</p>
<p>I think there's a rivalry, but everyone is pretty mature about it. (Nothing like Harvard/Yale.) It's just sort of a teasing thing. </p>
<p>One of my friends got into NU, while I got into UofC. We're pretty cool with each other. People that go there and alumni are nice to me, even though I've gotten into UofC.</p>
<p>Also, although this isn't about NU, is any thing between UChicago and UMich students? I think I read somewhere that UChicago kids often go to UMich to party and whatever, but it didn't make sense to me.</p>
<p>idad, you are 100% correct about the U of C being UIC mixup. My mom, a U of C graduate, gets this all the time. </p>
<p>There is rivalry between UChicago and Northwestern, through it seems rather playful. I have seen signs in front of people's house on campus saying, "Better here than Evanston!" It is funny to me as a native Hyde Parker.</p>
<p>Regarding Chicago/NWU interaction, there isn't much. Neither group really even thinks much about the other. </p>
<p>Frankly, there is so much going on in between the two campuses that most students don't find any need to make the full trip.</p>
<p>Yes, even the locals confuse UofC with UIC. Such is life. No one attends UofC for the decal - outside of the academic world, who knows what quality lurks on the quads?</p>
<p>Final point: Trying to compare stats between NWU and UofC is rather pointless, IMHO. both are fine institutions (my wife went to one, my D is at the other) but in very different ways. Focus on those differences, which were discussed above, and decide what fits better.</p>
<p>"Concerning pre-professional fields, an economics degree from the U of C is easily one of the most marketable degrees in the country"</p>
<p>I've got to say that this is very right. When I tell people I'll be going to UofC, and that it was my first choice, 9 out of 10 reply with: "you're going to study economics?"</p>
<p>or, when I say economics, they say "that's what I figured"</p>
<p>My mom, when asked, told a co-worker that she attended the U of C. The co-worker responded, "Oh, you went to Circle too?!"</p>
<p>That cracks me up every time I think of it.</p>
<p>Believe it or not, many kids I know from my music school (which is IN Chicago) have never even heard of the U of C. At first, I was shocked, but it is now a common occurance. The U of C seems to be better known on the national level than the local one.</p>