<p>I have been offered admission by both the University of Chicago and UVA (Echols Scholar). The University of Chicago has been my dream school for a number of years but I am a Virginia resident and my VA education is paid for in full (my parents did the VA pre-paid program). I am in the process of making this decision and I was wondering if anyone had any input about either the schools or the benefits of either education. I am interested in UChicago's educational philosophy but I am not sure if $250,000 worth of debt is worth such a fantastic undergraduate education. Unfortunately, financial aid is not an option. Thanks!</p>
<p>You’ll get a great education either place- at schools like these its as much about what you put into it as it is what the schools offer. UC might offer more options in a given major. They are radically different in terms of feel (big city vs Blue ridge mountain foothills- what do you prefer? I’m not sure that any school is worth $250,000 when you could a similar education for $0. Think about what else you could do with $250k!</p>
<p>For your case, UVa > Chicago</p>
<p>I agree, go for Uva. No sense putting yourself in debt if you already have your tuition paid in full at another great college.</p>
<p>UVA when you need a change - study abroad!</p>
<p>UVa is the no-brainer.</p>
<p>UChicago alumnus here. UChicago is a great education, but it’s not worth $250k in debt when you can go to a great school like UVA for free.</p>
<p>UVA definitely. [I am a little biased - D is a “Wahoo”.] Go to one of the admitted students “Day on the Lawn” if you need a push. While the Virginia pre-paid program does not cover room-and-board or textbooks, it is a great deal for the tuition and mandatory fees. UVA has excellent programs in a wide range of majors and do not underestimate the value of not graduating with a large debt. You can save that decision for professional or graduate school, or getting started when you’ve earned your degree.</p>
<p>Being an Echols Scholar really sweetens the deal (Have you seen their housing?! And no gen. requirements?) I am sure this is a difficult decision and I have a nephew at U Chicago and understand your dilemma. </p>
<p>My son is a 1st year at UVA (Art Scholar) and we are instate as well. He actually gave up a full ride to a top LAC to attend UVA. These decisions are tough. You need to really think about what you plan to do after undergrad. You sound incredibly academic and I am guessing that you have grad school in your future. I would choose UVA Echols and then head to UC for grad school :).</p>
<p>Save your debt capacity, and go to U. Chicago for grad or professional school.</p>
<p>Also, take a good look at the Echols advantages. Avoiding some required classes, living in a new residence hall, and getting preference in class enrollment are nice advantages.</p>
<p>UVA without a doubt. I would probably go to UVA even if there was no cost difference since I prefer it to Chicago even though the latter is the better school.</p>
<p>Thank you all for helping me. Now I have an even more difficult decision to make. I am a finalist for the Johnson Scholarship at Washington and Lee (full ride) and I have gotten a postcard from William and Mary (essentially accepted). Does anyone have any further advice or input about these schools? I plan to visit them all before I decide. Thanks!</p>
<p>Uva…</p>
<p>Another vote for UVa.</p>
<p>So…schools are accepting students months before the March 30th/April 1st date?</p>
<p>Still like UVA but I would certainly go to the scholarship weekend at W&L to see how you like it. Also just to experience a scholarship weekend, they are interesting and you don’t get that many opportunities to go to one.</p>
<p>JamieBrown, I assume that the OP applied EA to Chicago and UVa.</p>
<p>Deciding among UVA, W&M, and W&L, if they are all potentially debt-free, is a matter of personal taste IMHO. There’s no right or wrong answer. If Chicago is your dream school, though, my gut says that you should look very hard at WM…of the three, I believe it has the greatest overlap with Chicago.</p>
<p>Echols at UVA gives the OP so much academic freedom. OP will be able to register for classes before anyone else, and does’t have general requirements. Not too shabby to be UVA royalty…</p>
<p>[Benefits</a> of the Echols Scholars Program — Echols Scholars Program, Arts & Sciences, U.Va.](<a href=“http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/echols/about/benefits.html]Benefits”>http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/echols/about/benefits.html)</p>
<p>Hanna has a good point though. Fit will be important and a kid who really likes Chicago might very well like the vibe at William and Mary the best. Check them all out carefully and see what feels right. All great schools.</p>