UChicago vs Dartmouth

         So I have two weeks or something to decide this matter and I can't visit any of the schools because of my circumstances, so it would really be a big help if someone could help me :D

I was admitted into these two schools, and I hope to major in economics or maybe international studies. Yes, I know that UChicago is freaking famous for its economics department and all, but there are some factors that concern me.
To begin with, I originally was leaning towards UChicago. I liked that it was famous for economics, had a law school, and was in Chicago, a pretty cool city I guess. However, when I attended each university’s meet-up sessions, things kinda changed. I know this is a generalization, but I didn’t click with the UChicago crowd that much. They seemed way too formal for me. On the other hand, the Dartmouth people seemed more like ‘family’ if you know what I mean. And more importantly, I don’t like studying hard. UChicago’s really famous for its ‘intellectual’ atmosphere, and people always say that if you enjoy academics or something UChicago is your fit, but I really don’t like studying. The idea of being overworked just to gain a gpa of 3.5 or something is ridiculous- while I know that I do have to study in college, I don’t want to study THAT hard, if you know what I mean. And UChicago’s economics program apparently involves some heavy theoretical math, and I hate math. On that note, I heard that while Dartmouth’s econ degree might not be as prestigious as UChicago’s, the curriculum is much more laid back. But the problem is that I can’t imagine living in Hanover for the next four years of my life; I’ve lived in a city for all my life. And the dorms seem to be way too old, while UChicago’s new dorms seem pretty cool. And another thing that concerns me is that Dartmouth has no law school; I hope to go to a law school after graduation, so I would prefer a university with more law school prospective. The last point is prestige; call me a prestige hogger if you want, but some people do care that stuff, so: while Dartmouth is ‘ivy league’, UChicago seems to be growing, and maybe it could be the next Stanford (tho I doubt that) so I wonder which college will be considered slightly better when I try to get a job. So because of these pros and cons, I’m really struggling to make a decision. Please help!

No one is going to look down on a degree from Dartmouth.

Dartmouth is the top LOA in America. But is in not a world class university. On the prestige front there is no comparison. Outside the US nobody knows what Dartmouth is. Uchicago is always in the top 5 US universities. Domestically, USNWR has Uchicago tied in third with Yale. Uchicago Law School is the fourth in the country and the business school third. It has unrivaled career services. The focus on undergrad has paid off. New dorms and a much happier atmosphere. Uchicagoi has enormous momentum now and this year its admissions yield will be sky high. But if you don’t want to stud,y, Uchicago is not a place for you. Chicago is a fantastic city. Chicago eco is now offering different types of major and will have a business economics major that is less insanely quantitative. Moreover, if you want to go to law school major in law letters and society. Makes more sense. If you are looking for the easy and fun way , go Dartmouth., If you want to build a career and future, go Chjicago.

PS: Grading curve is much better these days at Chicago tan it used to be.

I have friends in both schools doing economics and both are quite happy, although life at Dartmouth largely revolves around the Greek scene and is much more socially tiered than UChicago. You should consider this very carefully, specially if you are a female. My friend is and she is very careful and never goes alone to parties at Dartmouth but she is quite happy there. She also fits the “top tier sorority profile” well, so she is quite popular. Dartmouth also has a preppier feel, but that is changing quickly at UChicago according to my friend there.

In general if you are white, Dartmouth is easier to fit in because of the Greek scene and the social hierarchy, If you a minority, Chicago may be easier. My friend at UChicago tells me that Chicago’s Greek houses are a lot more accepting than the ones at Dartmouth and are not as dominant socially yet.

Good luck with your decision.

The presence/absence of a law school is a non-issue. So is prestige (since they are both very prestigious, but it won’t matter anyway in law admissions.) Not wanting to study hard is a big, big issue (definitely at Chicago but probably at Dartmouth, too.) Are these your only choices?

Each of the top schools with a law school has well known love for its undergrads. That’s why the largest number of kids at Yale, Harvard, . UChicago and Columbia law schools are from their colleges. It does matter somewhat. Prestige is one of the commodities you buy for your insanely high tuition. It is an investment in your futuire. For people who matter and are in the know, a Dartmouth degree says lesser ivy with a stress on fun. A UChicago degree says intellectual and hard working,. I will say that Dartmouth alums are a very cohesive group.

People tend to do better when they are happy and comfortable. If you feel Dartmouth will be that place for you then go there and don’t look back. You are looking at two great schools so you can’t possibly make a bad choice.

If you don’t want to work extremely hard, you should not even consider a top law school …

@namijoan go where you will feel more conformable and fit in best. Both schools offer amazing opportunities. Yes Dartmouth does not have a law school but its undergraduate focus in amazing. you can build an amazing career from either school, you will have amazing opportunities in both. Yes Dartmouth might not be the most prestigious ivy (that is because it doesnt have strong grad schools), but it still is an ivy and its undergrad resources and teaching quality are top notch (small school, a lot of money per students, a lot of individual attention, mentorship etc). Dartmouth is definitely fun, but the students are also very motivated academically and strong.

Another thing to consider is that for law school you need a very high GPA. Chicago is notorious for its super rigorous academics and harsh grading.

In the end you really need to think well where you will be happiest and go with that. You are much more likely to succeed in a place you fit in well, and for undergrad there is not any difference in opportunities.

Is that because each of those law schools gives a significant admission edge to its own undergraduates?
Or, is it because undergrads tend to apply in greater numbers to their own law schools?

I think we’d need to see application as well as acceptance numbers (and stats, too).
However, even if each of those schools does give a home-turf advantage, it won’t help the OP anywhere but Chicago.

Correct.-- home court advantage is only at home by definition. The question was law school admissions and lack of law school at Dartmouth.

“I like the Dartmouth atmosphere, I don’t want to study hard, and I hate math.” I would choose Dartmouth based on your post.

@CU123 Good one!