<p>My youngest daughter just got into Cal - got into Chicago EA a few months ago. She's very excited about Cal. I'm a little concerned though that she's not doing a proper analysis of the two schools. From what I've read her classes will be much larger at Cal, teaching will be more impersonal, and she'll have to fight the bureaucracy to take the classes she wants and to make any changes in major, etc. Her overriding concern about Chicago is that it's where "fun goes to die".</p>
<p>I'm totally confused - I'd save some money if she goes to Cal (even though we're OOS) but I want her to get the best education - academically and socially. When I read the comments from students at <a href="http://www.studentsreview.com%5B/url%5D">www.studentsreview.com</a> Chicago gets higher marks but I know the site isn't scientific in any way.</p>
<p>Help! Any thoughts!!! I posted the same thread on the Cal site too.</p>
<p>P.S. Her third choice is McGill - which would save me a boatload but her older sister is graduating from McGill this year and my youngest wants "her own school."</p>
<p>I actually was in the exact same position last year. I really liked Cal, and applied, and was also concerned about the social life at Chicago, but I ended up choosing UChicago and I'm very happy I did. The thought of being in an enormous university with basically 90% California people didn't appeal to me, as UChicago's student body is much more diverse. Also, the stories I hear about the Cal red tape are horrific; I think that Chi does a much better job at working with students and being helpful with regards to classes and majors. </p>
<p>As for the "where fun goes to die" issue, it's really not. Not one bit, actually. There is a party/social scene at this school like there is anywhere else. Frat parties on campus, bars/clubs/concerts downtown. It's a smaller social scene, but I would pick Chicago anyway. </p>
<p>I would recommend she do an overnight, maybe even one of the two big ones coming up (this Thursday and the next). It's a little short notice, but I don't think it would be right for her to pick a school based on what she thinks the student body is like without actually experiencing it first-hand.</p>