UChicago vs NU and more. Please read.

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hi, I'm a Florida student entering my sophomore year in high school.
I've been a longtime lurker of CC and after reading thread upon thread I've come down to a mental debate between a few choice schools, mainly, the ever so cliche "Northwestern vs. University of Chicago."
The thing is, for a few months I was absolutely set on UChicago, I love the city and the beautiful campus, but most importantly, the legendary quirky, intelligent social vibe won me over. I won't even try to name the dozens of other things I love about UChicago. Yet recently I withdrew myself from my awestruck haze and began to think about things. </p>

<p>Why NU appeals to me:
At this point, I'm not quite sure what I want to study, but at the moment I'm leaning towards something that would satisfy both my Computer/Tech Engineering/ and Media/Video/Photo/Audio sides. UChicago's lack of engineering and NU's dominance in the arts has left me uncertain. Also, I've read other posts that mention how UChicago has more of a theoretical focus while NU is more into production, a plus for NU for me. Also, the workload; I enjoy the idea of course discussion everywhere at UChicago, but can't see myself up at all hours writing dozens of papers on subjects that I might not thoroughly enjoy (the Core; intriguing but maybe not entirely practical.) The NU setting is also a pro, despite the fact that it's farther from downtown Chicago, Evanston has many amenities such as the movie theater, Urban Outfitters, and other chain retail stores/restaurants that Hyde Park does not offer. </p>

<p>Why UChicago appeals to me:
I think there is a part of my heart that dies when thinking of leaving behind the geeky, ScavHunt, carefree athletics, Harry Potter loving,Tumblr-ish social atmosphere at UC. I'm in love with the House system which to me is a bit of a security blanket when it comes to making friends, going on trips, and being involved. The Physics program, another of my possible interests seems to be above NU's. I get the impression that the student body at UChicago is more accepting and unified as opposed to the North/South divide and 40% Greek Life stat at NU. As much as I want a taste of general college life, I've always wanted that unique factor that UChicago seems to possess. And finally, though NU is more known by the common person, UChicago rises to the top in ratings worldwide.</p>

<p>Basically, if UChicago had the Tech and Arts programs that NU had, or NU had the social atmosphere that UChicago had, I wouldn't even be worrying.</p>

<p>Though I simply, really, really want to be in the city of Chicago, Stanford or a school near LA or NYC would be my next choice.</p>

<p>I guess my questions for you all are:
Has anyone had a similar debate? If so, which did you choose and are you happy with your choice? Do you think I'd be able to find a niche at NU that fills my desire for the UChicago social life? Is it possible to have fun at NU without being involved in Greek Life? For students from both schools, how often do you travel into downtown Chicago normally and how easy is it? What houses/dorms do you recommend at both NU and UChicago? Do you know of any other schools that seem to fit my interests?
Which school would you choose if you were me?</p>

<p>I know it's a bit early for a sophomore to be making decisions, but I believe the sooner, the more prepared I'll be.
Despite how long this post is, I really, truly would appreciate a lot of input. Thank you.</p>

<p>(This is being posted in College Search, UChicago, and NU forums.)</p>

2

<p>I am an NU alum. Like most NU alums, I think very highly of U of Chicago and it is truly a can’t-go-wrong scenario. There are many past threads on this, but I think the big thing is that NU is more of a “mainstream” college experience whereas UC is more unique. Whether that’s good or bad is in the eye of the beholder. </p>

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<p>You’ll find plenty of geeks at NU :slight_smile: – they just aren’t as mainstream or as celebrated, if that makes sense, compared to U of Chicago. </p>

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<p>NU has residential colleges / houses for certain interests as well – just so you know.</p>

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<p>I can’t speak to whether UC is more accepting or unified one way or the other, but the North / South divide at NU is very overstated and exaggerated on CC. Have you seen the campus? NU’s campus is long and thin and hugs the lakefront. The distance between North and South campus is quite literally one block - it just so happens that there is a seminary (loosely affiliated with the university) that “sits” in between the two and provides a visual divide. But students go back and forth between North and South all day long. Please don’t think of it as a great divide. It really isn’t. </p>

<p>As for the Greek issue, while I don’t think this should turn into a Greek-life-or-not debate, Greek life at NU is the kind of thing that the people who want to participate in it do so, the people who don’t do so, and everyone merrily goes on their way. It doesn’t divide the campus. Greeks and non-Greeks engage in plenty of activities, EC’s, etc. together. In that regard, it’s no more “divisive” than any other activity or club that you might choose or not choose to join.</p>

<p>Good luck either way! I hope you are blessed enough to have acceptances from both and have to decide! I think if you haven’t already, you should try to visit both places – I think you’ll get a feel which speaks to you more. But do understand that there are certainly many people who would be happy / comfortable at either place.</p>

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<p>I would also add that a nice thing about both schools is that I don’t think (I certainly hope!) that as you post on each forum, you’ll get students or alums telling you about the strong points of their school, but it won’t turn into a “Chicago rules / NU sux!!” hatefest or vice versa. They are both fine institutions. They are just different flavors.</p>

4

<p>I am a Chicago alum. I think highly of Northwestern and agree with Pizzagirl’s statements. </p>

<p>You do know about the new Logan Arts Center at Chicago, right?
([arts.uchicago.edu</a> | Reva and David Logan Center for Creative and Performing Arts](<a href=“Arts Institutions & Programs | University of Chicago”>Arts Institutions & Programs | University of Chicago))</p>

<p>Apply to both schools and see what happens. Check out a few other schools, too. I think I can make a pretty good case for Chicago, but it’s not for everyone. Brown comes to mind as a school that might give you a blend of what you like about both.</p>

5

<p>UC = University of California</p>

<p>University of Chicago = U of C</p>

6

<p>You really can’t go wrong–great choices.</p>