<p>I'm currently deciding on colleges, and like Chicago a lot for a number of reasons. In terms of a major, I'm considering economics and possibly math/statistics/comp sci. I know Chicago is a very prestigious university in those areas, but I've also heard the undergraduate college is focused more on phD production than job placement when compared to peer institutions.</p>
<p>I may be interested in grad school in academic fields, but am not entirely sure and would like to keep my options open in terms of more career-focused paths. In particular, I'd be concerned about relative levels of grade deflation and perceived lack of prestige.</p>
<p>Have any current students/alumni have any experience getting placed into a career after graduation? I'm also considering Cornell, and am wondering whether that degree would have more of an advantage in terms of job placement?</p>
<p>Foolio: You can’t go wrong with either school. Last year, I too, got accepted by both Cornell CALS and UChicago, and I picked the latter because I wanted the small-class experiences at this school. Both degrees are recognized equally. My admissions interviewer graduated from UChicago (Economics major) and went on to receive a PhD in Economics, and now he is the director of the World Wide Fund for Nature - Pacific Division. Remember, there are a lot of ways for you to find a job in finance, banking, etc. You can either get a MBA or PhD. Companies like Goldman Sachs love people with expertise in math; they love people with PhDs in math.</p>
<p>So far I think grade deflation is a myth. I’ll know for sure once i finish this econ 200 class right now full of people smarter than me (including girl with perfect IBs, one of like 6 in the world or something), but for my other classes it just wasnt there period.</p>
<p>Inflation was pretty obvious in my math class though (of course I took a lower leveld math class).</p>
<p>^^^ better than that, because it’s just about impossible to et a 7 on a lot of the IB exams. Getting a 5 is relatively easy because it’s one test ne time, but getting a 7 involves getting almost perfect internal assessments and presentation grades over the course of 1-2 years. Getting a 7 is a huge deal. And all 7s is ridiculous.</p>
<p>Not only do you have to get all 7’s, (which is pretty much impossible), you must score an A on both Theory of Knowledge paper/presentation and the Extended Essay. Most smart students I know get B’s on EE.</p>
<p>IMO, it would depend on the major. I personally know through my parent’s networks in business Chicago is regarded just as strongly as the top tiered Ivies.</p>