<p>im not really looking at anything too specific.. could anyone just tell me what they know about the differences between these two?</p>
<p>I was making the same decision a week ago, but after visiting Chicago again I ruled it out.</p>
<p>They are similar academically (intense core curriculum) and geographically (located in fabulous cities with cold winters). Columbia has the Ivy prestige factor, but Chicago is prestigious in its own right. I've heard Columbia has more grade inflation. The biggest difference in my experience is the student body -- both are intellectual, but Chicago students seem to be quieter and less outgoing. This is a generalization and obviously I don't know everyone at Columbia or Chicago.</p>
<p>Also, when I visited Chicago and the students there asked what other schools I was considering, I sensed some bitterness in their responses towards Columbia...? One guy told me that he knew a lot of people stupider than him (haha) at Columbia, and that he works harder than any of them. I was a little turned off by that attitude. That's not the reason I decided against Chicago, though -- it was the overall feeling of the place.</p>
<p>Both are great schools, of course! Chicago doesn't happen to be right for me, but I'm sure you'll receive a fine education no matter which one you choose. Good luck. :)</p>
<p>in my opinion, the students at both are brilliant, however, more than likely, most of the students at chicago are prob Columbia rejects for the most part, however, academically they are all on par</p>
<p>tunetherainbow had very much the same experience my son did when deciding between these colleges. He loved Chicago when he first looked at it and visited it, but re-visiting to choose between Chicago and Columbia, he just found the Columbia student body (at the least those he made contact with) seemed happier and did more of the sorts of things he finds fun.</p>
<p>On the other hand, those who love Chicago love it for a reason. It is a unique experience and, I think, a school where it is easier to connect with faculty than Columbia. As it was described to us, the faculty there treat the undergrads more like grad students. For those ready for that kind of intense academic experience as undergrads, I personally don't think you can beat it for excellence in education.</p>
<p>I've attended both. Contact me if you have any specific questions.</p>
<p>I think Columbia is better than Chicago, considering academics, opportunities, location, night life and Prestige (i know i know)</p>
<p>I agree with both tunetherainbow and sac. After visiting Chicago, I found it to be more intense and less out going than Columbia. Both are great schools, and you really can't go wrong.</p>
<p>I'm also going through your dilemma. I've visited both. The generalization seems to be that Columbia is the party school, with more social people, and that Chicago is full of quiet nerdy kids. What I've seen was the exact opposite. At Chicago I went to parties with bunch of cool kids, and at Columbia I just played Super Smash Brothers.</p>
<p>The point is, the school itself as a whole doesnt really matter. There will always be some people that are fun and some not, so you just gotta find the right crowd. Don't worry too much about the social scene. =)</p>
<p>Both are excellent academically, so I think it would be best to look at it to see major you are studying at both schools, which is what I'm doing.</p>