<p>Currently I'm choosing between Amherst, Grinnell, Colby, Carleton, Whitman, and the University of Chicago.</p>
<p>I CAN'T CHOOSE!! (As you can see because I have to choose in about two weeks and I've only narrowed it down to six.)</p>
<p>I've visited, or am visiting in the next week, all of them, and I've liked the ones I've visited so far. Does anyone have any insight into how these schools compare academically, socially, etc.?</p>
<p>Any and all help would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Well, these are very different schools. Whitman, Carleton, and Grinnell are extremely isolated and are rather similar both academically and socially. I don’t know that much about Amherst or Colby. But Chicago really stands out from this group of otherwise very small, slightly isolated places. You should probably think about this as a UChicago vs. Grinnell/Amherst/Colby/Whitman/Carleton.</p>
<p>Have you chosen yet? If not:</p>
<p>I agree with antidote’s statement that your choice really comes down to UChicago vs. Everything Else. Chicago is a world-class city, and the opportunities and resources available to students are greater in a metropolis than in a tiny town. That said, though, where do you feel most comfortable? Some people love the isolation and outdoorsiness of Maine or feel at home in the three-stoplight town of Northfield, MN. For people raised in cities, though, the isolation can be an unpleasant shock. The academics at all of these schools are excellent, so you’re in no danger of making a terrible blunder in that respect. Good luck with your decision if you haven’t made it already!</p>