<p>Obviously U of C is among the most renowned universities in the world, and produces most research than any other school out there. I know they have a "core" curriculum which forces higher level classes, more of them, and a broader range of classes, but how different is The College from any other public university such as the University of Florida? Given that graduate schools are much more important for name recognition and worth it for the money, and that Chicago's undergrad school has no grade inflation whatsoever (making it difficult to get into a top notch grad school), what is the value of an undergrad education at U of C? I realize that it can be personally rewarding since it is just an intellectual atmosphere and such, but is it really that different from any other university?</p>
<p>chicago isn't public.</p>
<p>I realize that. However, my chocie is between a public university, the University of Florida, and a private one, Chicago.</p>
<p>I think you nailed it at 'its personally rewarding'. I know that a lot of professors send their children to UChicago because it makes you smarter as a person. Grades are tough to get and thats why I'm turning my head away from Chicago.</p>
<p>Throughout my career I have had the chance of seeing many colleges first hand, there are few, if any, like UChicago. But, one must be excited more by things intellectual than by things football (though Chicago is in a football conference) to enjoy being there. (Also, Chicago does a great job of placing students in top grad programs.)</p>
<p>I keep posting this, it needs to have a permanent link somewhere. If you don't see yourself at Chicago after reading this, then Florida is probably a good choice. <a href="http://magazine.uchicago.edu/0310/features/zen.shtml%5B/url%5D">http://magazine.uchicago.edu/0310/features/zen.shtml</a></p>
<p>While it is true that U Chicago doesn't inflate grades, many of the top grad programs <em>are</em> aware of this and it doesn't often hurt you too baddly in the long run.</p>
<p>if you do well at uchi you will do well anywhere</p>
<p>That was a wonderful speech by Andrew Abbott.</p>
<p>user_name: read the speech to see where you're mistaken.</p>
<p><a href="http://magazine.uchicago.edu/0310/features/zen.shtml%5B/url%5D">http://magazine.uchicago.edu/0310/features/zen.shtml</a> is a fun read. I heart Chicago!</p>