We feel truly blessed as our daughter has been accepted by Chicago and Princeton this year. She intends to double major in economics and chemistry with a post-graduation plan of attending graduate school or law school. Med school is a distant third option. Both schools are outstanding and will offer her a rigorous undergraduate education in her chosen field. We understand there is no wrong choice between these two of the finest universities; however there could be a better one. Here are a few questions to which we would like to have answers from knowledgeable members of this forum.
How is the undergraduate research opportunity at these two schools?
How prestigious is the University Scholar from Uchicago? She is offered the University Scholar with $15K/year, which makes the COA at Uchicago about $7K cheaper per year than at Princeton.
Again she is very humbled to be offered admissions from these wonderful schools and wishes to make a decision as quick as possible so that one of the schools may offer vacant seat to a waitlisted student.
Congratulations to your daughter! She has some great choices before her.
Princeton does not permit students to double major so this may be influential in her decision. Students have an area of concentration and can add a certificate but cannot concentrate in two areas given the thesis requirement of the senior year.
Cantiger is technically correct that a student cannot double major at Princeton because a student conducts independent research and writes a senior thesis in their major. However, when most students say that they want to double major they mean that they want to take many courses in two subjects. Your daughter can take courses in both econ and chemistry.
The educational possibilities in economics are fantastic. Two of the last four Federal Reserve Chairmen came from the Princeton faculty. I believe that Paul A. Volcker is still on the faculty of the Woodrow Wilson School. My freshman econ professor served on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. A recent econometrics course was co-taught by two Nobel Prize winners in economics. Visit on Princeton Preview and decide.
both schools offer exceptional academic and research opportunities but Princeton has the edge. No other major research university is so focused on its undergraduate program and allocates so many resources to its undergraduate students. I believe the undergraduate experience at Princeton is unique and by many metrics arguably superior to that in Chicago.
Also while you are officially not allowed to double major at Princeton due to the requirements, I have heard it is quite difficult to do so at Chicago too due to the rigid core requirements.
I dont think the University Scholar program will make a difference in terms of prestige when compared to Princeton which is orders of magnitude more prestigious. If however the reduced cost that comes with it is important for your family budget, then it is worth considering.
I feel Princeton is the superior choice all around in terms of academic experience, future opportunities and also definitely social life. Of course we are splitting hair here, the difference is small but i think there is a slight difference.
If you’re worried about the money (and who isn’t??), try appealing your aid at Princeton. U Chicago is a peer institution, and showing Princeton your award from them might get you some more money! I’ve heard they’re pretty generous.
I cannot speak to Princeton’s undergrad research opportunities but I can tell you from my D’s experience at UChicago that there are many research opps there for undergrads. As a science major, she has had paid research positions there every summer and during several academic quarters (when she wanted it), as have most of her humanities friends. She had mostly research unis on her list and Chicago has proven to give her many opportunities.
Why is the prestige of the scholarship important to your D?
Both schools are equally prestigious with Princeton having a slight edge in overall name brand. That said, if your daughter is seeking her first degree in economics then UChicago wins hands-down. Also, being a University Scholar is something that can be added to resume for life and clearly indicates she is in an elite student recognized by an elite university. Also, you can never go wrong with the cash savings!
After a long deliberation, daughter has decided on Princeton. When compared with other prestigious colleges including Uchicago where she is also accepted, the biggest draw of Princeton is their senior thesis requirement that allows her to start some type of graduate research as an undergraduate. Besides, the campus and the surrounding area are outstanding.
A big thanks to the bloggers who shared their thoughts on the topic. They are very insightful and make our decision process easier
All the students that I have interviewed and are attending Princeton love their courses, roommates, and their educational opportunities. Chicago is an outstanding university; Princeton is just special. I expect that your daughter will soon be telling you how much she enjoys Princeton.
For years the university has offered incoming freshman the opportunity to meet their classmates through a September off campus trip. This event has proven so successful in reducing homesickness and “will I fit in” anxieties that the university is now encouraging all freshman to participate. Many students have made long term friendships through this program. See: https://outdooraction.princeton.edu/frosh-trip/frosh-trip-brochure
My grad school thesis adviser told me that there was one key predictor to how easily a grad student could write a thesis. Not undergrad university, nor undergrad GPA, nor thesis topic. Students that had written an undergraduate thesis knew how to prepare, outline, and write their grad school thesis. Your daughter will be well prepare for grad school if she decides to continue her education.