UChiago v PA to Ross at UMich v UVA

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Chicago ✅
1

<p>I've whittled my list to 3 options while I remain on the waitlist for Wharton.</p>

<p>Here's my thing. I want to do business, but I'm not 100% sure. I also have interests in Econ, Philosophy, Math, and a bit of Film Studies (not a major by any means). </p>

<p>I know UMich has the best B school out of all these options (and I got preferred admission there), but I feel they have a very "ra ra" atmosphere while UChicago is on the opposite side of the spectrum.</p>

<p>While at first glance, I feel like UChicago MIGHT suit me (I'm an introvert who loves discussing a variety of things from Bulls basketball to literature/philosophy), I don't really want to be in a pressure cooker. I do thrive under pressure, but that's not the point. My high school has been grueling, and while I certainly don't expect an easy college experience, I do want a bit of relief. </p>

<p>UChicago also seems like a very offbeat school, and I don't know if I'll find people like me. I never was into partying, but UChicago seems almost too much on the opposite side. </p>

<p>Also, having lived in Chicago, I can say that the campus isn't particularly appealing to me (not in comparison to UVA or the Ross building). Also, while I have a variety of interests, I'm scared that the Core might make college into high school 2.0.</p>

<p>Despite that, I do think the overall intellectual level of UChicago is much much higher than my other choices. </p>

<p>Also, a sidenote. My dad say that if I go to UChicago, he can buy a really nice condo in downtown since that's incentive for him to finally pull the trigger on something he's been considering for a long time. I can use it (although I understand UChicago is separated from the city).</p>

<p>Having lived in Chicago for my entire life, I'm also worried that the bubble of safety surrounding the campus might be limiting. </p>

<p>One last question. Is there a time I should have made up my decision by so that I don't sacrifice housing or anything like that?</p>

<p>What do you guys think? I'd really appreciate different opinions to help me make my decision.</p>

2

<p>UChicago is academically the best among the three schools. And while UChicago probably has more nerds than any other school, they are nerds who enjoy books as well as some partying.</p>

3

<p>As I have been following issues of political side of higher education, I am more and more concerned about public universities, even those with sterling reputation now.</p>

<p>The venerable Berkeley is in danger of losing a good portion of its luster due to the statewide budgetary problems and state capitol level horse trading. Though Michigan and UVA might not be as affected, all state school budgets are at the whims of politicians. The current trajectory is not promising.</p>

<p>My son was able to take highly popular advanced level courses skipping a two course sequence because the faculty tutored him in one afternoon, and gave him a waiver. He was able to talk to the chairs of two departments to let him pursue a individualized interdisciplinary major involving these two departments. He has no problem getting faculty air time one on one for hours from the first month as a first year on campus. His papers were returned with comments from faculty twice as long as his own writing (no, it’s not because his work was shoddy: he got As for these papers). He hardly has had classes (from his 1st year) taught by TAs. </p>

<p>I highly doubt that above mentioned experience can be easily replicated in large public universities regardless of how well they are ranked. </p>

<p>U Chicago is decidedly not a cheerleader/jock type of a school, and UVA does have some reputation in that department. Michigan less. That said, U Chicago has negatives: it’s not a fun school for those who are looking for more “traditional” college experience that includes vibrant Greek association, big time sports, etc. </p>

<p>In choosing a school, it’s all about benefit/cost analysis of what one pursues and what interests one. No school is perfect for everyone, and every school has valuable aspects that are hard to find in other schools.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

4

<p>Never was into college sports (professional is a different matter), Greek life, or the traditional partying and drinking college life that I feel will dominate at UVA and UMich. </p>

<p>My biggest issue is that I think I will be able to relax more at UMich/UVA, and I will also be able to focus on Business rather than theoretical Econ (although I wouldn’t mind the Econd/Philosophy classes I’d take at UChicago). Plus, I’m already in at Ross and it seems like a really great deal.</p>

<p>Basically, I have a decision of what is more important to me: the student body and the intellectual life (adv. UChicago) vs. ability to enjoy myself and learn business from top 5 B schools (adv. UVA and UMich).</p>

5

<p>As a Wharton MBA, I can tell you point blank there is not that much to LEARN at business school, and much less at an undergraduate business classes. Business school is essentially a trade school- a glorified vocational school. If my son said he wanted to go and major in “business” at the undergraduate level, I would advise him not to waste his time. Rather I would advise him to take on solid, more intellectually challenging basic fundamental education. There isn’t much in the undergraduate business courses that you can’t learn on the job that you must take formal courses - perhaps a couple of accounting classes- again, vocation training.</p>

<p>Now, you may get a better networking opportunity as an undergraduate business major at UVA or UMichigan (I don’t know, I am just guessing and giving them a benefit of doubt). However, based on what my son told me, U Chicago CCIB provides very good such opportunities, and as an undergraduate at U Chicago, you can take Booth courses. Booth is rated much higher than U Mich or UVA MBA programs. </p>

<p>Another thing: to the best of knowledge, all other factors being equal, NO elite employer would ever discriminate against an applicant from a top elite school without a formal undergraduate business program and favor another candidate from the likes of UVA and U Michigan who majored in business as an undergraduate. If this is the case, how in the world do you think Princeton graduates do so well in Wall Street?</p>

<p>If you are interested in a most sought after wall street high finance position, note that they send recruiters out to only top elite schools. If you have to apply on your own, you are already greatly disadvantaged. I know U Chicago is included in this short roster. Last time I checked, I heard that public schools, even the best ones, are not always on the list. This, you must double check, since I am not absolutely certain about it.</p>

<p>Obviously, if you were my son, I would advise U Chicago given your stated preference for culture and what not, but that’s just me. You said you are interested in business major. But, I have seen MANY kids change their major once they start in college. So, unless you are absolutely certain, I think you are better off going to a school that provide excellent education all around and provide you with a better fit in terms of culture and other students, etc. Regarding where you will relax better, well, I can’t advise you on that. You need to investigate more. As for my son, he was able to RELAX a great deal and get GPA between 3.5 - 4.0 in U Chicago till a couple of quarters ago. Last quarter, he decided to take most challenging courses including two courses that he skipped a multi course prerequisite sequence. He had to work his butt off because he wanted to truly excel in them -he got A’s in them all - probably one of the best in all courses. This quarter, he is taking advanced courses, and working with a faculty on a research project, so he will be working hard too. So, whether you will be able to RELAX in U Chicago or not depends on which courses you take,and what else you want to do.</p>

<p>That said, in all all, Mich and UVA are both excellent schools, and should you decide to choose any one of them, your career trajectory will be none the less. Good luck.</p>