Northwestern vs. CMU vs. Rochester vs. U of C

<p>I'm deciding between Northwestern University, Carnegie Mellon University, and University of Rochester. I'm not really sure what I want to major in, but I have considered Physics, Economics, Philosophy, Computer Science, Chemistry, Psychology, and Political Science. I got wait listed at University of Chicago as well, so I will consider that if I get in.</p>

<p>How do you think these schools compare academically (espeically in my areas of interest), socially, and geographically?</p>

<p>Rochester is excellent for pol science</p>

<p>NU has top-10 programs in econ and chemistry.</p>

<p>Anyone have information/opinions on the social life of each place?</p>

<p>Id go...
Northwestern
Chicago
Carnegie Mellon
Rochester</p>

<p>Any reason Chicago is below NU on your ballot?</p>

<p>because i personally dont like the atmosphere at the school.</p>

<p>UChicago!!!!!</p>

<p>from a biased UChicago fan...</p>

<p>I personally know students in the econ, poli sci, physics, and computer science depts, and they are all brilliant.</p>

<p>got to uChicago it's the prefect fit for what you want to study, i'm not kiding you!</p>

<p>Do you think this ranking is accurate?</p>

<p>My Academics:
1) Chicago
2) Northwestern
3) Carnegie Mellon
4) Rochester</p>

<p>Social Life
1) Northwestern
2) Rochester
3) Carnegie Mellon
4) Chicago</p>

<p>If thats the case, Northwestern is the best pick unless I value academics over all else, which i don't. Also, is the Chicago core a problem for some students? I don't know if a core will help me or not.</p>

<p>EDIT: I talked to some professors at these schools and they all said they are excellent reasearch universities and I would succeed at all of them as an undergraduate, except maybe Rochester which might be a bit below the others. </p>

<p>Is it better to just forget about what everyone else says and just go on your initial reaction to the campus/atmosphere?</p>

<p>Yeah, I think Northwestern is the smartest choice here. :p</p>

<p>My only problem with northwestern is that its very close to home (less than 30min drive). Has anyone else gone to a school that is close to home? Does it bother you at all?</p>

<p>Well, I don't see that would be a problem unless your parents like having surprised visits. LOL!</p>

<p>To me, the real benefit of studying in a college away from home comes only when the college is not in the same region. So if you want that, that would mean you'll cross out both Chicago and Northwestern all together. There's noticeable (though not really that dramatic) difference between midwest and the west..etc but not much between say, St. Louis and Chicago. I came from Hong Kong; the difference was dramatic and it was an awesome experience to study here.</p>

<p>bob135,
In a way, you should pity me. I live on the University of Chicago campus, and I will be attending there in the fall.<br>
But, it is my choice to attend the U. of C., and I know that I am not making a mistake. A good education is more important than the proximity factor.</p>