Stanford vs. UChicago (URGENT!)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
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<p>Okay. So I know I need to commit today...and although I am leaning towards Stanford, there are certain things about UChicago that I really don't want to give up. Officially committing to Stanford scares me...I want to be absolutely sure that I'm making the right choice before I commit.</p>

<p>I visited Admit Weekend at Stanford, and it really was an amazing experience. I did visit Chicago as well, but I did not stay overnight at the dorms (which I regret)...so my basis for comparison between the two isn't exactly fair.</p>

<p>What drew me to UChicago is the core curriculum that it offers (partly because it'll help me expand my horizons and therefore aid me in deciding what to major in, but also because it's just very cool), and I really like it's unique--and pretty nerdy!--student body. I think I would fit in great there, and I love their academic philosophy. At the same time, however, I'm not sure that the academic intensity of the school, plus the grade deflation, would be best for someone like me, who is considering doing pre-med/pre-law.</p>

<p>From what I've gathered of Stanford, it's a very welcoming and collaborative place, and there are a lot of great interdisciplinary opportunities for someone like me, who is interested in many different areas of study. I like how the atmosphere differs from many of the Ivy League schools. I also LOVE the study abroad opportunities (Oxford)! What I'm worried about, however, is fit--although I like the lack of a cut-throat atmosphere, I worry that maybe there isn't an emphasis on intellectualism (vs. "work hard, play hard," pre-professionalism) at the school? Or maybe that I won't be able to find people like me (aka: cool nerds, obviously :P) at Stanford?</p>

<p>Am I over-thinking this? I also know that it's likely that I'll find many different types of people wherever I go (I DID meet some amazing people at Stanford's Admit weekend, but I also met some that I definitely wouldn't hang out with...but then again, I didn't even interact with anyone when I visited Chicago so I don't know to what degree the intellectualism is even present there), but I was wondering if there was a pre-dominant attitude in any way, academically or socially.</p>

<p>I'm leaning towards Stanford because of it's location (I feel like it's just the right amount of distance from home--I live in southern California), and the fact that it would be better for me if I wanted to do pre-med/pre-law (inflation vs. deflation). They also have great research opportunities, and are great for interdisciplinary studies. I know there is the SLE option at Stanford as well, which is kind of the equivalent of a UChicago-esque dorm/house and curriculum at Stanford (<a href="http://www.stanford.edu/dept/undergrad/cgi-bin/sle/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.stanford.edu/dept/undergrad/cgi-bin/sle/&lt;/a&gt;). </p>

<p>I seemed set on Stanford yesterday, but then I keep thinking of the seemingly unique/quirky/somewhat hipster student body of UChicago, and I'm finding it difficult to let go. I also know that going to UChicago would be a risk, in terms of it being father away from home and because it's located in a city, and that kind of makes it exciting to me. But I also know that it will be difficult to turn down Stanford as well. </p>

<p>btw- I'm THINKING of studying international relations and also doing pre-med, but I keep changing my mind so I'm not completely sure as of yet. (also might do something interdisciplinary, like history and philosophy of science, etc--which is available at both schools)</p>

<p>Help! :(</p>

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<p>I think all the reasons you state, are more pro-Stanford. You can’t go wrong with either. But ranking wise, Stanford is ahead of Chicago. Stanford is better location/weather wise. Easier for you to take a car trip to S. California. It is understandable to have second thoughts. All colleges will have some pros/cons…just discuss with your family and do what makes sense for you.</p>

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<p>As anyone would say, even the admissions officer(s) at UChicago who admitted you, a gut reaction really tells a lot. I would advise you to go with this instinct - choose Stanford. You’re clearly not making your decision purely based on ranking or prestige, so don’t feel as if, by choosing Stanford, you’re being superficial in some way. You are actually a great fit for the university!</p>

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<p>You sound like a future SLE-er (including all the vacillation about U Chicago.) You’ve done all the ‘brain’ part of the analysis. Now go with your gut and don’t look back.</p>

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<p>1/3 of Stanford students are HYPSM cross-admits. If you think that the students at HYPM are fine, every one of three students you meet at Stanford is like that, not sure about Chicago.</p>

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<p>This is in the Stanford forum (I think, not sure cause of my ipod) so there is going to be bias towards Stanford. Now I chose UChicago for many of the reasons you did (the core, the quirky/nerdy/genius students) but I was able to stay in the dorm. Needless to say, the people were my favorite part. In the dorm I stayed in everyone was weird, but interesting, social but academically focused, and so friendly! I was surprised by this. As others have said pick by your gut, but I would like to stress fit. I felt at home at UChicago amd am slightly fearful of the (slight) grade deflation and difficult rigor, but I know I’ll be pushed to learn more, and I love that about UChicago. Good luck with your choice!</p>

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<p>I did UChicago undergrad, Stanford grad. Undergrads are comparably able at both institutions. The big difference concerns “look & feel” with Stanford more “academic superstore” and UChicago more “high-end boutique.” There is no meaningful difference, in aggregate, ranking-wise: in some places, Stanford leads, in others, UChicago rules the roost. Depends what you want to do.</p>

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<p>Also UChicago has tons of research opportunities and incredible/good variety of study abroad! I want to do the Cambridge partner program but there are tons of other England ones. Oxford is not a partner program but you can study abroad there if you want.</p>

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<p>I chose Stanford over uChicago. The whole “fun goes to die” thing turned me off. I didn’t visit, though. AND IT’S STANFORD! Best school ever. Warm, prestigious, great computer engineering. . .</p>

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<p>^Good thing you followed a stereotype without personal experience. Stanford will help you avoid making rash decisions based on a sarcastic motto and will help you make decisions based on actual experience and evidence! To each his or her own though. Many people aren’t ready for the cold or the difficult academic environment of UChicago. ;)</p>

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<p>Great decision talkthattalk. Mercifully, common sense has prevailed and you were not ‘talked’ into choosing chicago over STANFORD. PAGRok, chicago definitely isn’t for every body, the academic environment is way too intense and all students must possess a penchant for masochism and hyperbole (ohh and pretentiousness, how could I forget that one) ;)</p>

<p>OP, you have been spared from witnessing conversations such as this one:</p>

<p>Chicago student #1: Dude, we have the best econ department in the world.</p>

<p>Chicago student #2: Really, I didn’t know that, lets boast about it on college confidential while simultaneously discussing Satre.</p>

<p>Chicago student #3: Yeah, we’re lucky we got in when the acceptance rate was in the high 60s. No wonder we’re so insecure.</p>

<p>Of course, this is intended to be a light hearted portrayal of the ‘life of the mind’. I’m sure you Chicago kids can spare a few moments from your ‘grueling’ schedules to cultivate a sense of humor. ;)</p>

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<p>Just for the record: many of us here at Stanford do read and discuss philosophy (of the existential, as well as many other, varieties), and even know how to spell Sartre. ;)</p>

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<p>

True! </p>

<p>It is even more true for the people @UChicago, they just don’t have other choices. :)</p>

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<p>You will find friends at any university. You will eventually meet someone you like. And don’t forget, not all friends have to be just like you. Open up to diversity!</p>

<p>Nonetheless, you are leaning more toward Stanford. Stanford is an amazing institution and has both fun and intellectual environments. Who says a school cannot be both?</p>

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<p>i will never be sarcastic on the internet again (or at least from now on i’ll put a sarcasm html tag) o.o i was mocking a frenemy of mine (a nearby school’s val) who is going to stanford but got into chicago despite not visiting either. he’s a laxbro. ( i didn’t even apply :stuck_out_tongue: essays and a huge fee for stanford!) “best school ever!” “computer engineering” “warm” “fun goes to die.” every school has its type and i realize that. i didn’t really read my post before or after posting it and i guess it seems like i was serious. i didn’t mean any harm, i knew my post wasn’t even valid anymore since i posted it after may 1. :stuck_out_tongue: idk i feel bad, and i should. i’m going to curl up into my turtle shell now. </p>

<p>edit: oh, and i hope you chose what was right for you! :slight_smile: there’s no going wrong with either school</p>

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<p>Oi! Sorry about that, I truly had no idea it was sarcasm… I mean people actually say stuff like that about Stanford so you can understand why I was confused. Haha!</p>

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<p><sarcasm>my new sarcasm tag :P</sarcasm></p>

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<p>haha zenkoan, thank you for correcting my typo. It was much appreciated, god forbid I spell Sartre incorrectly. The arm chair intellectuals of the world will get offended ;)</p>