<p>I'm having a bit of trouble deciding between these schools; I'd appreciate your inputs. Here's some info about me which might help:</p>
<p>I will definitely study math; i want to take as many math/physics courses as possible, though i do want to take some humanities classes for a balance; i like the city, but i haven't had a chance to visit duke yet so maybe i'll like that area.</p>
<p>ask me if you need more info to give some input</p>
<p>UChicago is strong in every field, but math is one of the strongest focuses. UC is meant for math nerds. Chicago is an awesome city too. But UC has a very distinct atmosphere that isn't for everyone. While I think it would fit you very well academically, visit...make sure the atmosphere is right for you. </p>
<p>Otherwise, I'd say Duke.</p>
<p>OK, you DO realize that at Chicago and Columbia you have to take the core , which is a required broad liberal arts series of classes, which at Chicago, eats up almost 2 years worth of time[ I don't know about Columbia, but I'm guessing it's similar] I don't think Duke has as rigid a required curriculum, but you may want to consider how the core may restrict your ability to take as many math/ physics classes as you desire.</p>
<p>None of these are academically distinct enough to choose for one of them for that reason. They are VERY different in terms of social life and community. </p>
<p>Columbia has access to the city and lots of diversity but the campus isn't that community oriented and the students are not that excited or loyal. </p>
<p>Duke is very social and has a suburban feel but might seem too jocky and based on a "WASPY" culture. </p>
<p>Chicago is known for its intensity, which may or not be a good thing. It also is not known to have much of a social life or strong community. </p>
<p>Depends on what you find most comfortable. I would personally choose Duke but I know many who would choose Columbia. Personally I would rule out Chicago.</p>
<p>Again, it depends what kind of student and person you are-- Chicago is a haven for math/physics nerds and I know students who are attracted to it over MIT and Caltech precisely for the balance of quantitative courses with reading courses, and also the bonds that students form with professors. One of my math major friends, for example, brought flowers to his former math professor when the professor was in the hospital.</p>
<p>Chicago's social life is what you make of it-- nobody's going to thrust a beer cup into your hands, but if you want parties, they are there. If you want movies at Doc Films and takeout Chinese food, that's there too. If you want to bum around downtown with a bunch of your friends, you can also do that.</p>
<p>i was accepted to Chicago back in the day, and I think it is a fantastic school for certain people. However, given your choices, I see no reason to choose it when you have Columbia.</p>
<p>columbia is a "nicer" version UChicago. I am willing to bet that the majority of cross-admits with Chicago and Columbia choose Columbia. </p>
<p>For me, it would be between Columbia and Duke. And in contrast to Slipper, I would choose Columbia. But that is just me. Duke is great though as well.</p>
<p>If you go to UChicago, you won't see numbers in math class again. Okay, I exaggerate, but UChicago's math is all about proof from the first class (Honors Calculus probably). If this appeals, go to Chicago. If you prefer formula math, perhaps engineering would be a better major.</p>
<p>Decide after you visit. Be sure to sit in on a couple of classes. </p>
<p>None of the math courses are listed as open to visitors, but I'm sure you could visit them if you let the professor know in advance. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.siss.duke.edu/schedule/1190/MATH%5B/url%5D">http://www.siss.duke.edu/schedule/1190/MATH</a></p>
<p>I agree that Columbia is a "nicer" version of Chicago and that was my reasoning for removing Chicago. I see no upside in choosing Chicago over Columbia. Duke is very different from these two (and I would prefer it) but I think you should be able to tell whether you like the more lively campus environment of Duke or the more urban, city, intense environment of Columbia.</p>