<p>Is anyone else applying on the boards applying to both? I was wondering what characteristics attracted you to each of them. I didn't get to visit Chicago, but I've only heard and read good things. Emory has that feel of competitiveness but not 'cut-throatness' which really attracts me. I love how they're both right in major cities.</p>
<p>I'm applying to both. Chicago offers top notch academics that I view as better than nearly every other school in the country. What attracts me to Emory is its strong pre-med program, close proximity to the CDC, and laid back atmosphere. It is clear to me that Chicago and Emory are two very different schools, and it will be hard deciding which characteristics of a college I value most.</p>
<p>Weasel, I think your view of the two colleges is right on target. And I think you have properly taken into consideration what each colleges offers in relation to your plans.</p>
<p>UChicago has world class academics. While Emory has great academics, it's supposedly (and from experience I believe this to be true) not the same intensity as UChicago's academics. I also think, as most others believe, that it is a more burdensome task to get a high GPA at UChicago than Emory. Also, UChicago is known for being anti-pre-professional. Literally, they seem to shun the concept that "you go to college to get a good job", rather they believe you "go to college strictly to learn." Whereas, Emory is known for being pre-professional, with excellent pre-med and pre-business programs.</p>
<p>UChicago's campus and buildings are modeled after European colleges. (Cambridge or Oxford? I forget) But, UChicago is also known for funky architecture, which really creates a unique mix of old/new design. Its located in Hyde Park, which is surrounded by low income areas. While areas by UChicago are quite nice and safe, Hyde Park also has some really run-down areas. In contrast, Emory is located in a quiet, high income, and suburban neighborhood. Most buildings are composed of Georgia marble. UChicago's physical area feels "urban/dirty/grungy" while Emory's physical area feels "clean/rich/suburban/tidy".</p>
<p>UChicago's student body is more 'quirky' than that of Emory. At UChicago, you'll find more stereotypically nerdy/freaky students. At Emory, you'll find more stereotypically rich/preppy/long island students. Of course, there is plenty of diversity at both colleges and one can find any type of student, but you can't reasonably ignore the distinct differences in the student bodies.</p>
<p>It is important to take into consideration their respective cities. Chicago's climate is much colder than Atlanta's climate. Chicago is a bigger city. Chicago is midwestern; Atlanta is less southern than Nashville but more southern than New York City, somewhere in the middle.</p>
<p>Now, there are also similarities between Emory and UChicago. Both colleges are located near the downtown, but not quite in the downtown. Both colleges are about the same size, medium size research institutions yet have personalized attention at the undergraduate level. While the student bodies are different, both also draw in similar types of students. Both are great colleges with excellent reputations in their respective specialities.</p>
<p>i'm applying to both schools, with EA to UChicago
i like the Latin American and Caribbean Studies program at Emory, plus the libraries are fabulous
Chicago just feels like that intellectual community i would love
i must say that I have heard negative things about emory's financial aid, which will definitely impact my final decision</p>