<p>They're very different schools climate-wise. I'm from IL and familiar with Stanford through a variety of routes.</p>
<p>I suspect the OP is getting irritated because most of the post have been of the "But it's STANFORD!" flavor. The OP is correct in basically saying that's not a real reason.</p>
<p>On the other hand, the OP has not given a lot of info about what he/she is looking for in an undergrad experience.</p>
<p>So, edwinksl, what do you see the pros/cons as being? What are the things you're looking for and looking to avoid? If prestige isn't and issue (and I applaud you for that), what is the info you're seeking? Because both schools are excellent in chem. You know that already. Ask away and we can answer.</p>
<p>Sakky, the USNWR rankings are pretty accurate, but few people would agree that Stanford is better than Caltech in Physics or that any university matches Cal in Chemistry or that Stanford is better than Harvard in Biology. And yet, the USNWR makes all those claims. I agree with the general rankings of the USNWR, but when it comes down to the details, there are a few glitches.</p>
<p>I am of the opinion that the best way to tell which school is for you is to visit both, if possible. I know that as an international student things might be a little tricky, but at least try to visit both Stanford and UIUC, preferably at a time when classes are in session, as that gives you a better feel for what the environment is really like. Furthermore, if it is possible, visit the school at a time that is not the annual Admitted Students Weekend which most schools have - they tend to gloss it up and make an inaccurate picture of the school in order to attract students.</p>
<p>I know when I was applying to schools, few people knew of my top choice school, and a lot of people thought I was absurd to favor it over many other, more layman prestigious schools. But I knew, because I had visited the school, that it was the right fit for me. I admire you for not immediately choosing Stanford just for its name, and for being open minded. So now what is left is to experience both schools for yourself and see where you'd rather spend four years.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Sakky, the USNWR rankings are pretty accurate, but few people would agree that Stanford is better than Caltech in Physics or that any university matches Cal in Chemistry or that Stanford is better than Harvard in Biology. And yet, the USNWR makes all those claims. I agree with the general rankings of the USNWR, but when it comes down to the details, there are a few glitches.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>So, are you saying that MIT doesn't really match Cal in chemistry?</p>
<p>I am not qualified to answer that question Sakky. I know very little Chemistry! You tell me. Is Stanford better than Harvard in Biology...or Stanford better than Caltech in Physics?</p>
<p>Maintaining a 3.8 - or something close - is going to be difficult at both places. It's chemistry, man. You'll have to work your butt off. Take that as a given at both Stanford and UIUC. And yes, UIUC will work you as hard as Stanford. So will dozens of other colleges.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I am not qualified to answer that question Sakky. I know very little Chemistry! You tell me. Is Stanford better than Harvard in Biology...or Stanford better than Caltech in Physics?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>That, I don't know. And that's the point - that I don't think there is any reason to believe that Berkeley is better than MIT in chemistry, contrary to a post made by somebody here.</p>
<p>I agree that stating that any university is better than MIT in any science is indeed gutsy. I know I wouldn't do so. Definitely not in CS, Math and Physics. I have always heard that Harvard is #1 in the life sciences, that Caltech and MIT are #1 in the physical sciences and that Cal is #1 in the chemical sciences. Whether that's true or not is debatable.</p>
<p>edwinksl, a 3.8 would probably be easier to maintain at Stanford. Of the top science and engineering schools, Stanford has a reputation for having the most grade inflation. UIUC, on the other hand, is brutal like Berkeley and GaTech. Medical schools and law schools generally will not correct for this while graduate schools will.</p>
<p>It's not that black and white. Your grade is a function of grade distribution AND how your rank within your class. While Stanford profs give larger portion of good grades, it's harder to rank high within your class (since your peers are of higher caliber).</p>