<p>UChicago is apparently very good at Economics, but I don't want to just pick a school for a major. Does anyone here know how it compares to other institutions, and if possible, how it fares against Amherst's program?</p>
<p>UChicago is said to be #1 in the country for Economics, but don't choose on that basis, because the culture of the two schools is so different. Amherst has no core and minimal other course requirements. It has a more jockish/preppy/party-oriented population. UChicago has access to the big city, where Amherst has the 5-college consortium. Lots of differences for you to consider.</p>
<p>At the beginning of the year I actually talked to a Ph.D student in economics at Harvard, she told me that lots of very good students come from places like Swarthmore and Amherst with just as good a background as other students from research universities. I agree with Greennblue that the major shouldn't worry you, rather choose the campus culture that you like more because they are very different.</p>
<p>VERRYYY different schools, the most noticeable being the difference in setting and that one is a huge research institution and another a liberal arts college. Both are fantastic, though. CONGRATS on your acceptances!</p>