<p>I am attending either University's of Chicago's College or Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences next year, and I don't know which one to attend.</p>
<p>I want to double major in art history and economics, and although, at the undergrad level programs aren't ranked, the undergraduate econ program at U Chicago is renowned because of the prestige of it's graduate and doctoral programs. However, I'm scared of the competitiveness of Chicago's econ program; 10% of undergrads major in econ, and as a result the university tries to weed out students. Chicago's program is also more quantitative than Cornell's.</p>
<p>Cornell, however, has the ivy name and the economics major requirement is easier to meet there, making it easier to double major.</p>
<p>I like that U Chicago is in the city, but I've consulted teachers in my school familiar with the UofC and they have emphasized the fact that it is HIGHLY academic; there isn't much of a social aspect to Chicago. I am also wary of the workload.</p>
<p>At the undergraduate level, does it really make a difference where I go?</p>
<p>Any suggestions?</p>
<p>It doesn't make much of a difference in terms of how successful you'll be in life, but it does matter based on which experience you'll value more. Chicago's workload isn't as bad as it's made out to be, it's just emphasized so UofC has something "over the Ivies," it can complain...they like their reputation as one of the most "academic" schools in the world...ex. no other school would ever raze their football stadium for a new library. It's really not significantly different than other top schools in terms of workload though.
I would choose Chicago on a few principles:
1. The city.
2. Chicago is clearly a "rising" school (especially in prestige), whereas Cornell is going nowhere.
3. Undeniably the best econ department in the world. I don't really think it "weeds out," like you've been told.</p>
<p>Both are excellent schools and you can achieve your career goals from either one. But you will be at college for 4 years, and you should consider which school will provide the best the undergraduate experience for you beyond academics. And I dispute the suggestion that "Cornell is going nowhere." Is this simply another USNews groupie comment? Or is it based on fact?</p>
<p>Id choose Chicago just merely becuase Chicago is located within a city which would provide more practical experiences for art history with all the cultural things. (and I got to cornell so im trying to be unbiased)...
however...
Chicago is known to be very cut throat... and cornell has a very campus-y feel to it. SO if you want a more sterotypical 'college experience', Id pick Cornell.</p>
<p>I agree with Odyssey...I dont think Cornell is going nowhere. Chicago is another old school. I think their reputation is already set (they have a descent reputation). Cornell is better for some majors and chicago is better for others. It really all depends on what she looks for in a school</p>
<p>u. chicago is located in the ghetto. whats the point of living in the 'city' if youll be swamped with the workload and when going out would be considered a danger.</p>
<p>Econ at UChicago is amazing. If you ONLY care about the program and not your own personal safety/college experience then sure, it could suit you better. I am still bothered by the fact that they have NO engineering department. very bothered. but that could just be me.</p>
<p>Both great schools but I still think Cornell is slightly ahead, not sure why people hate on Cornell so much these days anyway. UChi is a great campus but if you stray off campus in that kind of neighborhood you're on your own.....</p>
<p>I wonder why Cornell always gets this type of trash post where everyone from other schools barge in and talk crap about the school...</p>
<p>jealousy maybe...</p>
<p>U. Chicago is definitely less selective even though it's currently ranked higher..which some still can't believe. College rankings suck</p>
<p>"2. Chicago is clearly a "rising" school (especially in prestige), whereas Cornell is going nowhere."</p>
<p>Chicago has been one of the most prestigious universities in America, esp. in terms of faculty reputation and achievements. Perhaps you mean that Chicago's prestige has been rising in your scope of knowledge on schools.</p>
<p>I'd also number Cornell as one of the most active universities among the Ivy League in view of their recent efforts to improve undergraduate experience and in adjusting admission standards. Cornell also stands distinguished in their international involvements--most conspicuously, they have recently expanded their med school to Qatar.</p>
<p>Cornell is an amazing school, but the trash about it doesn't stop.</p>
<p>its like people talking trash about harvard. when you are good, it happens. it's better than no one cares to talk trash about you i guess</p>
<p>I don't think the University of Chicago is directly ghetto material.</p>
<p>For one thing you are on the lake ... which is a park ... whihc is totally cool when it's not totally freezing.</p>
<p>There is a great academic neighborhood around UC.</p>
<p>There are great restaurants, not too expensive, college type places.</p>
<p>Physically the campus is huge, huge, huge.</p>
<p>I would go to Univ. of Chic in a heartbeat before I'd go to Cornell.</p>
<p>But I'm biased toward their more German approach to education.</p>
<p>Go to Cornell, simply because Cornell girls are much much prettier than University of Chicago girls. If that isn't an important reason, then I don't know what is lol.</p>
<p>One thing that can help you make your decision is that Chicago's Econ major is alot more quantitative (multivariable calculus and linear algebra necessary). That's something you need to consider if you are weak in math.</p>
<p>Also, don't pick a school based on the stregnth of their graduate program. Undergraduate courses and studies are of similar quality almost everywhere. It's when you get to the "breaking edge" or really complicated graduate stuff when the differences appear in quality and research.</p>
<p>I wonder what was invisibletrees' final decision.</p>
<p>I hope it was Cornell. Haha.</p>
<p>i was making the same decision last night.
i chose chicago.</p>