<p>I know that they're really different from each other, but each school caters to different sides of my personality. Chicago has always catered to my intellectual nature, and after visiting a couple days ago I realized that it's social scene isn't too bad if you look hard enough for it and I can learn to love it easily (plus the food is really good). But I live ~20 minutes away from Michigan so it's basically home already, a bunch of my close friends are going there, and I'll already have a group to fit in with (academically and extracurricular-wise). </p>
<p>I've already put in a deposit for Chicago, but since it's refundable, I'm still a bit shaky on my decision, can someone point out some pros and cons of either school that I haven't considered? This is basically an impossible choice.</p>
<p>What is your intended major? Are there cost implications? I would argue that Michigan/Ann Arbor is as intellectual as any college/college town in the country, but obviously, not in the same way as Chicago, which is admitedly more intense.</p>
<p>Right now I'm thinking either econ and/or public policy at Chicago or a BBA at Ross if I can get in, but other than that it can vary from sociology/psychology to history (I lack direction in my life). I think both schools are top in their fields, which was why I'm trying to fit in more on the "fit" aspect. Money isn't too big of a factor; of course Michigan will be cheaper since I'm instate, but Chicago gave me a decent amount of aid that my parents and I will be able to handle. Plus my mom wants me to graduate with some debt-apparently it's good for my character or some other life managing skills that I'm currently lacking =P. </p>
<p>As for surrounding areas, Ann Arbor has that special college town vibe that Hyde Park lacks, but then again I think it'd be super exciting to live in one of the biggest and most vibrant cities in the country. Then again, Detroit has a special place in my heart...</p>
<p>That's one tough decision you have to make. Go with your gut. You really cannot go wrong. Both are awesome schools in their own way.</p>
<p>Ken, I am sure monkeyjoint will make as many new friends and have as many new experiences at Michigan as he would at Chicago. It's not like he knows all 25,000 undergrads at Michigan, or that the Michigan campus is devoid of any activity. Besides, how difference is Chicago? The OP can probably go to Chicago every couple of weeks if he wanted to, even as a student at Michigan.</p>
<p>Well, part of the appeal of going to Chicago for me was getting away from home.</p>
<p>Sometimes it's hard to accept that college begins a new chapter of your life, but it really does. It might seem more comfortable now to go to a school where you already know a bunch of kids, but I would think after a semester or two it would feel too much like high school, round 2. Even if high school was amazing for you, I think you learn more about yourself when you throw yourself into something new and different. College has been an amazing time for me to toss myself in a new situation and see if I come back the same person. I tossed myself into this new situation, and I came back a very different person. A much, much, much happier person, too.</p>
<p>You (and many other prospies, I'm sure) have discovered that our party scene is small, but decent, so that shouldn't be one of your major concerns. If you were looking forward to big-time sports, I can see where Michigan might be pulling you home a little more.</p>
<p>I faced the same choice as you are right now last year around this time. I ended up choosing UChicago because I thought it suited me more. (I am also from Michigan and many of my friends go to UMich)</p>
<p>I would say go with your gut, but as far as academics, I would argue that a major sell point for me was class size. I have had, in one year, numerous classes with less than 10 students, and have gotten to know every single one of my professors pretty well (even in Econ). When I spoke to kids at Michigan, a big complaint is the class size (Ross is about 70 kids per class, or so I was told) and the long lines at office hours along with lack of individual attention go hand in hand with that.</p>
<p>I think if your okay with the U of C social scene, you will love it here. Just go with where you think you'll fit best.</p>
<p>Well, I have to say, (and this is totally my bias since I go here), go to Michigan. Michigan is an exciting place to be right now. The school has a great deal of money, (don't let them fool you, they do). The extra-curriculars are outstanding, (broomball, softball, ultimate frisbee...the list goes on), and the scene is fantastic.</p>
<p>I know that you live here, but honestly, that could be a major perk. You could go home if you need to, or stick around. </p>
<p>I wish I could give you more Maize and Blue support. All I can offer you is this: this place has a lot to offer a student...you could be a part of it. UChicago is a great school...but Michigan is Michigan!</p>
<p>kyledavid posted this great list of things to consider in a different thread. feel free to add/subtract/prioritize criteria to suit you.</p>
<p>Accomplishments of the university
Admissions
Alumni
Campus (architecture, size, etc.)
Campus culture (strictness, parties, religiousness, gay friendliness, intellectual, competitive, etc.)
Classroom sizes + subsections
Cost/financial aid
Courses
Degrees
Dining (on and off campus)
Diversity – ethnic, cultural, sexual, religious, geographic, political
Events
Facilities -- incl. computers
Faculty
Grad school prospects
Greek life
History
Housing (on and off campus)
Job prospects
LGBT community
Library
Location/area (nature, etc.)
Organizations/activities
Parking
Percent degrees in different areas (concentration in engineering, English, etc.)
Places to go (botanical gardens, etc.)
Politics
Post-grad placement – grad school + jobs
Prestige
Programs
Prominence of drugs/alcohol
Prominence of religion/religiousness
Proximity to city
Required classes (core, distribution requirements, etc.)
Rigor
Safety/security
Size (student population)
Sports/athletics
Strange and miscellaneous features (Happy Happy man)
Structure (semester/quarter, colleges/schools, etc.)
Student life
Student:faculty ratio
Students
Traditions
Transportation
Undergrad:grad ratio
Weather</p>
<p>I'm surprised such an all-inclusive list doesn't mention anything about the opposite sex (at least not specifically). </p>
<p>I would go with Michigan unless you really like learning for the sake of learning. The fact that you're even considering Michigan leads me to believe you're not the Chicago type. </p>
<p>Also, keep in mind that because Michigan's a big state school, you're going to find people you like, no matter how you turn out. Chicago doesn't have a little bit of everybody though.</p>
<p>Igellar, nothing wrong with the opposite sex at both universities. Chicago and Michigan both have their fair share of attractive (and intelligent) young men and women. </p>
<p>I think people underestimate Chicago's social scene. I have been to some Chicago "social gatherings" and they were a lot of fun. </p>
<p>I also think people assume that Chicago is more intellectual and/or undergraduate-focused. That isn't true. Michigan/Ann Arbor is one of the most intellectually stimulating college experiences to be found anywhere. I agree that Chicago is more intense. Hell, Chicago is more intense than most undergraduate institutions save Caltech and MIT. However, Michigan more than holds its own against Chicago academically speaking.</p>
<p>The OP has probably visited both campuses several times and already knows which school feels better to her/him. She/he should go with that.</p>