<p>I'm interested in doing a major in math/stats/econ/comp sci. My impression is that Chicago has stronger academics, but that Cornell is more prestigious. Specifically, the alumni networks/post-grad opportunities are frequently cited as a big advantage of Cornell. Financial considerations are a non-issue, but I'm slightly biased towards Chicago because of closer proximity to home and smaller size.</p>
<p>The other consideration I have is competitiveness/workload. Both of these schools tend to have a reputation for being hyper-competitive. Is there an appreciable difference between the two in this respect (ie average gpa of undergrads, etc.)?</p>
<p>Cornell is more prestigious? Are u kidding me? Chicago is as prestigious as Columbia…so, please compare the prestige between Columbia vs Cornell and you will know the difference. Also, when you wanna major in econ/math/stats/comp sci., Chicago trumps Cornell.</p>
<p>I agree that Chicago is probably the better option for math, stats, and econ, but nobody can argue that their computer science program is better than Cornell’s LOL.</p>
<p>I don’t necessarily mind a huge workload in itself, but it is a factor that I’d like to be aware of when considering the two institutions. Especially when I’ve heard conflicting estimates of the two places in terms of competitiveness.</p>
<p>In terms of prestige, Chicago is comparable or surpasses Cornell depending on the specific subjects. Outside of academia, I was under the impression that Cornell had more “name recognition”.</p>
<p>Chicago’s workload perception is exaggerated. You will find hard work anywhere if you opt to work hard. And I agree Chicago is a notch above ranking with the top Ivies HYP and Columbia. I would go to Chicago in a heartbeat, barring any financial considerations.</p>
<p>Cornell is much better than Chicago in Computer Science.</p>
<p>And prestige? Tschh. Anybody who argues that there’s a significant level of difference in the schools’ “prestige” is an idiot. Choose based on location, in this case.</p>
<p>vociferous: Are you basing that assessment of Chicago’s exaggerated workload on your personal experience or have you talked to others who attended? Based on my observations, I think that it probably is exaggerated. However, it’s hard to get a definitive answer on this matter because objective data on this matter is hard to come by with respect to Chicago.</p>
<p>I don’t know where you live now, but you should also seriously consider location. One reason I could never go to Cornell no matter what is because I could never live in Ithaca, NY for 4 years. On the contrary, Chicago is in, well, Chicago.</p>
<p>Ithaca is a great location! I have heard people argue that there is nothing to do there, but while it probably depends on where your from, I personally find that there is always something to do in Ithaca.</p>
<p>I am basing it on what I have heard from friends and colleagues. I have also examined a U of Chicago syllabus and it doesn’t look much different than many others. College will be work regardless when you are in the U of Chicago realm of institutions.</p>
<p>Chicago and Cornell are both excellent. In terms of academic excellence and reputation, they are peers. Chicago has the edge in Econ and Math and Cornell in Computer Science. Both are excellent in all fields of study, so you really cannot lose. </p>
<p>Between those two schools, I would go for fit. As a campus, I think Cornell has more to offer (in terms of social and extra-curricular activities) than Chicago. However, the University of Chicago has access to the city of Chicago, one of the World’s great cities.</p>
<p>This is a tough decision. I would recommend visiting the two campuses and chosing the one that appeals more to you.</p>