<p>^ I doubt that Mizzou will widen your horizons any more than Northwestern...</p>
<p>wis: good point about no real competition for UW-Madison and it still being able to achieve a high ranking. However, I'm sure you're also aware that there are 13 4-year schools and 13 2-year schools in the Wisconsin system, whereas there are only 5 4-year schools and no 2-year schools in the Missouri system. Perhaps it is alternatives, rather than competition, that plays a bigger role.</p>
<p>to nn: I think wis was suggesting that the OP should leave Chicago area and stretch her wings a little bit, so to speak, rather than stay in the same area forever. I'd find it hard to believe that Columbia would widen your diversity/cultural/opportunity horizons much more than Northwestern, but I think there is something to be said for leaving home, forging your own path, and really having to be independent when it comes to going to college. Maybe I'm crazy, but it seems to me that if I went to school so close to home I'd feel like I was repeating high school all over again!</p>
<p>Plus, it's way too easy for parents to check up on you if you're less than an hour from home. I NEED MORE WARNING THAN THAT!!! ;)</p>
<p>I have no idea about J schools but it sounds like you can't make a bad choice so pick the one that you are most comfortable with.</p>
<p>I did want to comment on the quarter system. Unfortunately I feel that the quarter system hurts the student in terms of summer jobs. As most of the country is going to semsters, most of the kids are out of school a month before the kids from the quarter system are home. The kids on the quarter system also don't leave for school until their friends have been in school for a month. It makes for one lonely month before you leave for school. </p>
<p>Good luck, you have great choices.</p>
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<p>there are only 5 4-year schools and no 2-year schools in the Missouri system</p>
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<p>This information is incorrect. There are 10 4-year public schools in MO. Truman State is considered highly selective. The three U-MO campuses (Columbia, KC and SL), MU of Science and Technology (used to be UM-Rolla), and Missouri State are all considered selective. Then there are four moderately selective schools (Central, Southern, Northwest and Southeast). There are 17 2-year open enrollment schools.</p>
<p>While I will agree that U-MO Columbia is certainly best out of the MO schools for journalism, it is not best for every major.</p>
<p>Apologies to the OP because I know this didn't help him/her, but the inaccuracies bothered me.</p>