<p>Hey, please help me decide which seems like the best fit for me. I know that I should visit these schools, but the truth is that I can't visit * all * of these schools. Anyways, please tell me which seems like the best fit for me and why. Also, if any of these schools seems completely wrong for me, please let me know as well. Here is what I'm looking for:</p>
<p>** Strong Pre-Medical Program: ** great advising programs that can show me places for internships, research, etc.; great science classes/teachers that can really prepare me well for the MCAT's</p>
<p>** Competitive, but Not * Too * Competitive: ** i would definitely like to have super bright people around me that can push me to my best, but i don't want people to be cutthroat; somewhat laid-back atmosphere where people help each other out; i don't want grade inflation necessarily, but i don't want a school where there is tons of grade * deflation *</p>
<p>** Nice Surrounding City: ** i know that i won't leave campus every single weekend and go out, but i want the possibility to go out to a great city... it doesn't have to be a * big * city, but i want to be surrounded with numerous opportunities to experience things like sports, great restaurants, and maybe even a museum or a broadway show every once in a while</p>
<p>** Pretty Good Social Life: ** i'll be honest... i'm not the biggest party man. however, i really like hanging out with friends, but i don't want to have to go to hardcore parties every weekend in order to have fun. i'd like to have social places where i can simply relax and chill with friends</p>
<p>It just sounds like you’re a normal person. You probably wouldn’t like U Chicago. Duke has no city, really. St. Louis can be fun, but more or less the same thing. So basically Rice, Penn, or NU if you’re serious about location.</p>
<p>Use your Hogwarts magic and change your NW to NU. </p>
<p>IMHO, they are all great schools, and I would be happy if my son went to any of them. However, due to location, I would rank them NU, Penn, WUSTL, Duke and Rice last - cuz it’s in TX. Chicago’s out for my son - they have NO Engineering program.</p>
<p>So, you have to ask yourself what you are close to, and go visit. It’s really the best way, because everyone’s different.</p>
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<li><p>Pre-med prep: I’ll offer my much repeated mantra - no magic to pre-med programs at top schools (despite what they may try to have you believe). All your options will do equally well to prepare you for med school apps. Take this out of the equation.</p></li>
<li><p>Competition: Probably give the nod to NU, Rice and Wash U based on personal experience with these schools. FYI, I’ve spent time at each school you’re considering and know students who’ve recently attended/are currently attending. This is not a rec in a vacuum.</p></li>
<li><p>City: Clear winners are NU/U Chicago followed by Penn/Rice followed by Wash U/Duke.</p></li>
<li><p>Social Life: Definitely no answer here. Depends on who you are. U Chicago really does have a more sedate and intellectual vibe. If that’s your thing, Hyde Park it. If you’re hoping to incorporate some dose of college sports, NU/Duke over Penn/Rice over Wash U over U Chicago. NU/Duke/Wash U/Rice/Penn will all offer up the standard fare of other social opportunities. Students at each tend to be very happy with the choices they’d made. Find your fit.</p></li>
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