<p>I have been admitted to Davidson, UVA, University of Chicago, and Johns Hopkins. I have pretty much narrowed it down to Hopkins or UVA. I am certain that i want to double major in English Literature and Political Science and proceed to law school. Both schools seem to have their respective merits but the debate is plaguing me. Any help or advice would be appreciated.</p>
<p>I think Hopkins (or maybe Chicago) would be best. Here's why:
1) 95-98% of pre-law students at both schools get into at least one law school. That's an extremely high percentage.
2) Davidson is better for pre-med than pre-law. Neither Davidson nor Charlotte is a good college town. It does have an awesome English program, though. It also has a good reputation for producing future corporate lawyers.
3) UVA has one of the very best English programs in the nation, but its political science program isn't as good (lags far behind Chicago and behind Hopkins). Hopkins has a really good English program, and its writing program is one of the (if not THE) best in the nation.
4) Hopkins has a (relatively) lively social scene, while U Chicago has the resources of Chicago.
5) Class sizes are very small at Hopkins and Chicago.
6) Hopkins isn't that far from DC. I'm thinking summer internships...</p>
<p>It really depends on what you're looking for. Hopkins is a good all-around school, but Chicago is definitely not for everyone.</p>
<p>As a Charlottesville resident and member of the Hopkins Class of '09, I feel uniquely qualified to answer this question. :)</p>
<p>JHU has an excellent political science department (mainly centered around International Relations) and a very solid English department.
Class size is small and the professors are super-involved and approachable. For example, in my summer class on 19th century British Literature, there were 6 people in the class, which was taught by a very capable graduate student. For the last few years, Hopkins has enjoyed an 100% acceptance rate for students participating in Pre-Law advising. </p>
<p>UVA also has solid departments in both these fields. However, UVA is much larger and you are more likely to get huge lectures with grad students teaching the sections. I took a political science (International Relations) course one summer, and while the section size wasn't unmanageable - about 24 students, of which maybe 10 showed up regularly, lol - the grad student who taught it seemed unsure and unprepared to handle the class. An isolated example, but not uncommon from what I've seen / heard. I'm not sure of the numbers on UVA Law admissions. </p>
<p>I think that Hopkins is generally better academically than UVA, especially in the departments youre interested in, as well as anything science. </p>
<p>However, in terms of quality of life, I think UVA is better than Hopkins. There are more students, and the "city" of Charlottesville, though diminutive, is centered almost entirely around them. Social life is more vibrant and active, particularly if you're interested in the greek scene. The weather and surroundings are beautiful, and you're minutes away from some of the most gorgeous mountains in the country - and with that comes the opportunity for hiking, climbing, etc.</p>
<p>Hopkins is located in a much bigger city, but that city is Baltimore, and it's not exactly a college town. There is more going on culturally than in Charlottesville - the Baltimore Museum of Art is huge and located adjacent to campus, the Meyerhoff is home to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (and offers cheap student rush tickets,) etc. There are a lot of entertainment venues, like the aquarium, other Inner Harbor stuff, and Camden Yards / wherever the Ravens play. If you want to get out of the city and actually see the stars, the recreation department offers $10 weekend trips, which is pretty neat. So theres a lot to do, but it takes some initiative to enjoy it, and the surrounding areas are certainly not as friendly as Charlottesville. </p>
<p>I was torn between applying early decision to UVA or to Hopkins. Eventually, the fact that I've lived in Charlottesville for a long time, and the academic superiority of Hopkins clinched it for me.</p>
<p>Other factors to consider:</p>
<p>If youre instate for UVA, youll pay ¼ of what youll pay to go to Hopkins.</p>
<p>If youre Echols, the academic differences might even out.</p>
<p>If youre interested in the law school, it might be a good idea to check whether they accept a lot of UVA students. Its an excellent school, and relatively cheap if youre instate.</p>
<p>Both schools are great good luck with your decision!</p>
<p>OK, I did a little bit of poking around on the UVA website. The largest percentage of UVA law students went to UVA for undergrad (48/360 = 13%). U Chicago produced 4, JHU produced 3, and Davidson produced 3. </p>
<p>silver4, if you don't mind answering, why did you choose JHU over UVA?</p>
<p>I chose JHU over UVA:</p>
<p>.... to get the heck out of dodge - Charlottesville is a wonderful place, but 8 years is enough.</p>
<p>.... for my major (Public Health) for which Hopkins is ranked # 1</p>
<p>.... because the academic reputation is better</p>
<p>.... because I actually like Baltimore (gasp)</p>
<p>.... and because all the Hopkins people I've met have been incredible</p>
<p>I think silver4 has set out a pretty good basis for comparison. UVA has an excellent reputation in English but that is largely because it attracts a number of noted writers and it has a strong English graduate program. JHU has smaller classes and will give you more attention from very talented English and writing programs faculty. At UVa you will spend half your life walking to different places or taking the bus. At JHU, buildings are not spread out all over the place. At JHU all the students are brilliant. At UVA there is a greater range of student intellect -- some are brilliant and others are merely smart. The reason so many UVA undergrads go to UVA law is in-State status and preference for students from your own school. There is nothing unusual about that but it does not provide a good way to compare schools.</p>