<p>U of C v. Washington University in St. Louis?</p>
<p>University of Chicago. Definitely.</p>
<p>Unless you're a WashU kind of person, which we don't know since you didn't give us any additional information about your desires/hopes/interests/etc.</p>
<p>Er...perhaps more information might be helpful? If you're looking for fit, there is really no clear-cut answer. Compiling a list of categories would make it easier to determine: e.g., Academics, Extracurriculars, Location/Campus, Student/Social Life, Financial Aid, Reputation in the so-called "real world", Long-term Career Opportunities, etc etc.</p>
<p>But, with all that aside, UChicago seconded (simply because it's amazing!).</p>
<p>In general terms, I think that WashU would benefit a student looking for an education solely as a means to an ends (i.e. "I want to become a doctor/lawyer/whatever and I want a school that will help me do that") whereas at Chicago, the undergrad education is kind of an end in itself and it's up to you whether you want to take that into a professional program.</p>
<p>But again, if you give us more criteria or even your idea of your ideal school, we might be able to give more details.</p>
<p>on the Wash U board, OP posted the same question, and when asked for details, responded:</p>
<p>"academic environment and for majors English/Biology/Premed"</p>
<p>To which I will reply:</p>
<p>1) Chicago's definitely got a halo that surrounds the classrooms, and those looking to delve into academics, participate in discussions, and do research, will find no parallel to this school. As has been discussed extensively, though, academics don't compromise our abilities to have a good time.</p>
<p>To give you an idea of the academic environment and what Chicago students can be like, I know of a humanities core class where everybody went to lunch together after class ended. The discussion often oscillated between imagery in Dante's Inferno and who hooked up with whom last Saturday.</p>
<p>2) My friend was in exactly your predicament, deciding between WashU and Chicago. She ultimately chose Chicago, but not without much thought. What pushed her towards Chicago was that she thought she wanted to do Pre-Med, but she wasn't completely sure. (Had she been sure she wanted to do Pre-Med, she said, she would have chosen WashU).</p>
<p>Now she's doing English as her major, and while she's still completing the Pre-Med requirements, her heart isn't in it the same way it once was.</p>
<p>Simply from that point of view, recognizing that your interests may change and may change rapidly and unexpectedly, I think Chicago may have richer offerings in whatever field you end up choosing to pursue. Though Chicago isn't "known" for English, its department and its faculty are absolutely excellent.</p>
<p>How is premed at Chicago compared to WashU or JHU? More specifically, research opportunities and the competition?</p>
<p>I am looking for school where students are focused and driven by academics. A school that teaches students how to read, write, and improve their abilities. I would also like there to be a feeling on campus where students are involved in extra-curriculars and volunteering in their free time. Friendly administration and professors who are willing to help students every step of the way. I come from a small rural town and the city life is intimidating. Participating in class and speaking my mind has always been a problem, but I would like a school where everyone participates in the discussion and no one is put down for doing so. Medical school is the path I am looking for in the future, but literature has also been a passion of mine. However, I do not know how I would put this into practice.</p>
<p>Chicago has good pre-med. Students work together in all areas, so there's not a cut-throat atmosphere between the students. People are always helping each other with papers and problem sets or just general questions. I've heard horror stories of competition at other schools. I really think that this is one of Chicago's strong points. There are plenty of research opportunities. There is a major hospital on campus, and there are tons of graduate schools and graduate students around who need help. I have never heard of someone looking for a research opportunity who couldn't get one in the area desired.</p>
<p>You sound as if you'd do well at Chicago, Lotr. Academics are the focus, and learning and questioning is valued more than a "will this be on the test?" mentality. I know a lot of students who volunteer. Tutoring and mentor programs are especially popular. Student groups like sports teams, model UN, mock trial, political groups, and musical and theater groups have a lot of student participation. Administration is mostly friendly, with the notable exception of the financial aid office, which is often reported as rude or annoying to work with. Academic advisors and such are amazing, though--far better than any my friends or siblings have had. Professors, like students, are committed to education, so they are available for helping students or answering questions. The classes are small, and many classes are discussion-based. In these classes, participation is extremely important. Students who participate thoughtfully with insightful comments are resepcted. There is definitely not a stigma to participating in class since almost everybody does so (and those who don't usually end up paying for it since it's a big part of the grade), with the exception of "that kid" who is stereotyped as the student who always talks but says very little. Participating is low-pressure in most classes, so even shy students don't have a problem speaking up. The campus surroundings will be a big change for you, but college is the best time to make that transition since a lot of other students will be in similar circumstances. I think it's something that you will get used to. We're on the outskirts of the city in a neighborhood called Hyde Park, so you won't be directly in the hustle and bustle of the city. There are a good number of pre-med students, so you won't be alone on that. I think you will enjoy the core, especially humanities, and the courses you take in the core will help guide you toward an academic plan that can involve pre-med, literature, and any other area you discover.</p>