<p>I've narrowed my choices down to these two schools, I'm really having trouble deciding which one I should go to. I loved both campuses so that really isn't an issue for me. Both are fantastic academically (although U chicago is technically ranked higher in chemistry in all rankings I've looked at and chemistry is my intended major). I know that rankings mean relatively little, especially at this tier of college but that seems like a hard fact to ignore. A pro of chicago that I can see is a significantly smaller student body. Can anyone offer me some advice? I'd like to make a decision ASAP so that I can get good dibs on dorms.</p>
<p>These are two excellent choices, and quality differences are likely negligible. If finances are roughly equal, I’d recommend going where you think you will be most comfortable and happy. You really can’t go wrong with either choice.</p>
<p>postscript: If you like both places more or less equally, then consider whether Chicago’s (presumably) more extensive core requirements match your educational philosophy/objectives.</p>
<p>The wharton school at Penn is the primary reason they are ranked so high, so if business is not your intended major, and Chicago has the better chemisty program, then go to Chicago, where you will receiver a far superior,well rounded education that will better prepare you for your future.</p>
<p>Flip a coin. If you don’t care about Chicago vs. Philadelphia, or Hyde Park vs. University City, or Core vs. non-Core, or anti-professionalism vs. pre-professionalism, then there isn’t a hell of a lot of difference. The size really doesn’t matter. Don’t let people on CC tell you that only Wharton is high quality at Penn – that’s pretty ignorant. Chicago, however, has a much stronger intellectual tone in its student body, and Penn unquestionably has better parties.</p>
<p>I’m a little surprised that there’s a meaningful difference between the Chemistry Departments, and wonder just how true that is. Philadelphia, much more than Chicago, is a world center for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. There is a ton of research that goes on around here, lots of it at Penn or in the University City Science Center that is essentially part of Penn’s campus. The American Chemical Society is based here. There are more chemists per square mile in the Philadelphia region than anywhere – it’s like physicists in the Chicago burbs.</p>
<p>I would’ve gone to UPenn. Unfortunately, I got waitlisted. Luckily UChicago accepted me! So I basically second JHS both are top-notch.</p>