UChicago vs. Georgetown?

College Search & Selection
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<p>Hey everyone! So I'm in a pickle - I literally cannot decide between UChicago and Georgetown. I made a pro/con list, and whaddya know, they came out dead even.</p>

<p>So I'm planning on majoring in history, sociology, political science, or English, and I really want to be involved with my college newspaper, creative writing, intramural sports teams, and plenty of other organizations. After my undergrad, I definitely plan on going to law school. Also, financial aid is a nonissue. </p>

<p>Pros of UChicago: gorgeous campus, quirky traditions, Hogwarts, the satisfaction of knowing that I went to one of the damned hardest schools in the country, I love the atmosphere
Cons of UChicago: weather, "where fun goes to die," superbly socially awkward student body</p>

<p>Pros of Georgetown: gorgeous campus, it's in DC, lovely neighborhood, fantastic history program, normal students, school spirit, people know how to have FUN, and I like the East Coast a bit better than the Midwest
Cons of Georgetown: not as difficult as UChi, campus isn't as pretty, bigger student body, maybe a little more competitive (e.g. when it comes time to apply to law schools...)</p>

<p>Right now, I think the biggest thing against UChicago is it's reputation for "where fun goes to die." I'm definitely not a party animal, but I do like to go out and have fun. I'm just worried that I'll be spending four years dying in the library. Can any current/former UChicago students attest to this?</p>

<p>Thanks so much!</p>

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<p>…Are people never going to stop bringing up that phrase as if it’s some sort of argument?</p>

<p>If you want to have fun, you will have fun wherever you go. There is no moratorium on partying at UChicago, I’m sure.</p>

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<p>Have you visited and interacted with students on both campuses? Are your characterizations based on personal observation, or on stereotypes received second-hand?</p>

<p>I think the Chicago stereotypes do have a strong basis in historical fact. However, the school has been changing somewhat. The college is much larger than it used to be. The Core has been relaxed. They’ve built new athletic facilities and dorms. A new arts center is going in.
The city of Chicago is much bigger with more diverse attractions than DC, although the UofC campus is not quite as conveniently located. </p>

<p>If it’s very important to you to have a traditional college experience (including major sports events and such) then you might be much happier at Georgetown. Still, give Chicago a fair hearing. Get out and visit if at all possible.</p>

1 Like
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<p>I’ve already visited both campuses, but I 'm going to the admitted students weekends at both.</p>

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<p>You have some wonderful options. </p>

<p>I think that both schools will prepare you well, but the slight edge has to go to Chicago. </p>

<p>But you really can’t go wrong at either. Good luck!</p>

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<p>Hey so I’m actually having the same exact dilemma as you. I am also thinking of majoring in political science and then going to law school (although I’m not as set on that as you seem to be). I also hope to be involved in the school newspaper (as well as the MUN team) and am not taking financial aid into account. </p>

<p>After attending both schools’ open houses I can at least give you my impressions. It doesn’t seem to me like UChicago is “where fun goes to die” at all- there were plenty of things going on during the overnight. However, I definitely did notice that many students and prospective students of Chicago were very awkward and a little weird. And it was pretty cold- definitely colder than DC (near where I live). In addition, Chicago does not have access to the amazing internships that DC could provide (esp. for a political science major).</p>

<p>Chicago, however, had probably the most beautiful campus I’ve ever seen- better than Georgetown’s definitely. There dorms were amazing and I really loved their common rooms. I also like the rigor and cachet that UChicago offers.</p>

<p>Personally, I liked the “atmosphere” at both UChicago and Georgetown. Georgetown is a little closer to the city, but from what I’ve heard, Chicago is probably a better city to live next to.</p>

<p>So after all of that- I think I’m leaning towards UChicago. I just think it would provide me the best education possible and would prepare me better for law school or wherever I decide to go. I also feel that while it did seem like there are a lot of weird kids at UChicago, it won’t be hard to find students who are cool and fun to be around.</p>

<p>Hope that helps!</p>