<p>newmassdad,</p>
<p>actually one of them got a BA from nu (patrick williams). i was aware that you didn't comment on northwestern because you know little about it (most of us know a lot more about our own or s/d schools). but i felt compelled to clarify and correct that "virtual ownership" comment. i second what you said about fit and this is especially the case for uchicago since it's more different from the other four choices.</p>
<p>tsdad,</p>
<p>Georgetown does not have the security the WH does! :)</p>
<p>Ironically, the WH was pretty close to some tough neighborhoods until the real estate boom of the past few years gentrified some of them.</p>
<p>What I like about anthropology is more the cultural than the scientific aspects. I'm also interested in sociology. Just the study of cultures, societies, people. Oh yeah... and I am very interested in linguistics (especially in respect to the Romance languages). But I could very easily see myself as a history major. Not too many strictly humanities-based careers these days. So I'll probably end up in Corporate America.</p>
<p>BA44,</p>
<p>With your varied interests, focus on the overall educational quality, flexibility and cultural fit. Don't worry about what others call the "best" because it is irrelevant for you. You need to find your "best".</p>
<p>Just to update on the original question. My D's friend sent her deposit to (drum roll) Northwestern. My information is second-hand but I think it had a combination of academics and location she and her mom could agree on. </p>
<p>BA44: I have a liberal arts undergrad degree and a Master's in Urban Planning. You might want to look at urban planning if you are interested in societies and people. I mainly do grantwriting now which involves a lot of interesting research and writing on different issues. </p>
<p>Sam Lee: thanks for the input on CS at Chicago. I don't know much about CS but fortunately my husband has been working as a programmer for 20+ years so I will ask him to look at the curriculum. My D's college list includes the "tech" schools you mentioned. She really liked the atmosphere of MIT when we visited although it remains to be seen where she will get accepted. My husband recruits at UT-Austin and really likes their CS department but unfortunately my D wants to leave Texas and have "her own experience." </p>
<p>Thanks again to everyone for their responses.</p>