<p>So the college process is coming to a close, and in the end I've narrowed my decision to uchicago and Columbia. Any opinions on what to choose?
Some background:
- I plan on majoring in economics and getting an MBA
- I want to minor in ancient history/film
- I don't like NYC, but I have family there and numerous friends will also be attending Columbia
- I was awarded the John Jay Scholar thing for Columbia
- I have a scholarship that's more than enough and applies to both schools so money isn't a factor.</p>
<p>Economics and Film? NYC is the right city for that, but as you say, you don’t like NYC. If your distaste for NYC is high I would say go to UChicago. If there’s a possibilty that you could learn to love it or tolerate it, I’d say go Columbia. Friends, family AND direct contact to those internship possiblities make UChicago a hard sell over Columbia.</p>
<p>U Chicago is where fun goes to die.</p>
<p>There’s a reason Chicago’s the SECOND city, but if you’re not a fan of the first (i.e. New York), then you probably wouldn’t like Columbia. I mean, it is in New York. As far as econ, what do you want to study and what do you want to do with it?</p>
<p>Chicago, of course, is well-known for more conservative economic theory as well as a more academic/theoretical focus. Chicago’s great if you want to get your PhD. Columbia, on the other hand, tends to be more leftist* when it comes to economic theory, and sends a ton of econ grads into Wall St.</p>
<p>*think Joe Stiglitz. Econ is a fairly conservative discipline by definition (at least that’s my view from the Anthro department), but Columbia’s econ department is definitely to the left of Chicago’s, which is probably the most conservative in the country.</p>
<p>I’m more into application so the explanation of the differences between departments is very helpful. Thanks!</p>
<p>My son had the same choice to make. He ultimately chose Columbia. It is a tough decision, both great institutions. NYC is a great place to go to school though and I think the students are more diverse at Columbia. You can’t go wrong with either place.</p>