<p>Sadly I will not have a chance to visit Cornell, so I look for insight from forum users....</p>
<p>I understand the curriculum for each school and what not, but I'm looking to see what each has to offer in terms of fit, which I will determine based on what information I can collect before Cornell's deposit deadline.</p>
<p>Also, what opportunities each school presents is a key component. I assume schools of UChicago and Cornell's caliber are on the same level, with only minute difference that have to do with personal preference.</p>
<p>But, things I am looking for are:
Workload
Enjoyment/Social life (I don't go to parties and do not drink)
Student/Professor Relationships
How much you actually learn...
The campus/community etc
Where I will be after 4 years at each school...in terms of how much my mind will grow and where I will be as a student and professional</p>
<p>Workload: UChicago is definetly harder. Most ILR students I've spoken to say it's fairly easy, except for the long, long readings.</p>
<p>Enjoyment/Social Life: UChicago isn't exactly a hub of fun, but if you don't go to parties then Cornell doesn't offer a heck of a lot more, except maybe more "nerdy" parties like LAN parties. You probably would also find more people in your "niche" in Cornell, and more clubs/associations. Do you enjoy city life? That's the key.</p>
<p>Student/Professor Relationships: I get conflicting reports in this one. Chicago is smaller overall compared to Cornell but the ILR is comfortably sized and allowed student/professor interaction.</p>
<p>How much you actually learn: if you actually take advantage of all of Cornell's resources and departments, Cornell. If you need motivational guidance, then Chicago's core is gonna teach you more.</p>
<p>Campus/Community: debatable. Cornell's campus is prettier IMO, and Chicago is in bad part of town. Chicago's community is probably tighter as it's smaller but it depends on what you're looking for.</p>
<p>Where you will be in four years: The two are totally different. Chicago's a purely intellectual pursuit with a crap load of math, while ILR is much more practical and emphasize careers/professional schools much more. What exactly are you looking for?</p>
<p>To me, the key is: what do you want to learn?</p>
<p>Doesn't U chicago have a somewhat prescribed core curriculum? How do you feel about that- you should have an opinion, I know my kids did.</p>
<p>Does U Chicago have a foreign language requirement? Cornell's Arts & sciences college does, but I bet ILR doesn't.</p>
<p>Have you looked at the course descriptions and the required courses in the ILR curriculum? Do these appeal to you, or do you prefer a more generic, conventional liberal-arts slant towards the various subject areas?</p>
<p>Would you rather be in a bucolic college town with lots of outdoors activities available? OR are you more of a city person?</p>