I have been admitted to both schools. (got into Princeton early and found out about Chicago this week because I am an athlete). I feel like Chicago is the better fit for me as I would fit in better on the team there. I also know that I would like the school based on my recruiting weekend where I stayed with UC student - I have not done this for Princeton. While it would seem therefore the obvious choice to choose Chicago how much weight should I put on the greater prestige of Princeton - how much ‘bettter off’ will I be in later life if I am able to say I am a ‘Princeton alumni’ versus a ‘U Chicago alumni’
No one cares except people who are fixated on one or another.
You shouldn’t pick a school solely based on prestige. You don’t want to be looking back four years from now wishing you made a different decision. It seems UChicago is a good fit for you and that you would enjoy your time there. However, you should probably attempt to visit Princeton, if possible, before making a final decision.
Depends. What do you want to do with your degree/what degree are you pursuing?
Planning on majoring in something humanities based but otherwise not sure
Chicago is not chopped liver. Department by department, some are better at one, some at the other, many roughly equivalent. Princeton may have slightly better name recognition, but it’s hard to see where Chicago would be a disability where it counts. I’m a Chicago grad school alum, and I can attest that in its own mind, it’s the greatest university in the world. Also ask yourself do you want to live in a great city or a pretty suburban town for four years.
They are at the same level of prestige among those who know schools. To those who don’t, Princeton might have better name recognition, but so what? Go visit Princeton. Meet the team. Given how much you are going to pay for your education, the cost of making this trip is tiny and the peace of mind you will buy if you come back sure of your choice will be great.
I couldn’t imagine you being at a disadvantage choosing either of these schools. The difference in prestige is infinitesimal (if there is even a difference at all).
This idea that Princeton has more prestige that UChicago just isn’t one that I’ve encountered outside of CC.
Granted, I’m from the Midwest. Maybe in the Northeast & NYC, Princeton has more prestige. That’s definitely not been my experience in the Midwest. I daresay that that isn’t the case on the West Coast either.
However, visit both schools; you shouldn’t make a decision before doing so, and do take note of Princeton’s strong alumni network.