<p>Well I just got rejected by all the ivy leagues I applied to as well as Stanford. While it is a little disappointing, I'm perfectly happy with the schools I got into, perhaps a little too happy. So now comes the choice of college. I'm going to major in Econ, and pretty adaptive (moved 7 times in life). </p>
<p>Here is what I think the positives and negatives for each choice is:</p>
<p>UC Berkeley: Close (I live in central valley, Cali) and cheap; about 10k cheaper than Chicago. Although it is well known, the fact that so many go there turns me off. Econ department is pretty good, but is not as good as Chicago.</p>
<p>USC: Private, meaning less hassels and students. However, I don't known the financial situation and it is pretty expensive.</p>
<p>UChicago: Best Econ out there with a great looking campus. However, it will be pretty expensive although my parents are more than willing to pay it off. I just feel a little guilty for making them pay so much (doing everything I can to get scholarships). Moreover, I have a little fear of flying, which, while it won't be the decision-maker, it will make me feel slightly uncomfortable every time I make the treck from IL. to CA. Moreover, of the 3, it is the only school I have yet to visit (due to distance), so there is a slight risk as I hear horror stories of academia. I want a balanced college experience, and I hope that can be done at Chicago.</p>
<p>So there is that. UChicago by far has the most positives, while having quite a few negatives. Can anyone give me suggestions?</p>
<p>I think that you should consider Chicago. My child finds that she has a really well balanced life there. She studies hard and enjoys her classes and the academic experience, but she also enjoys her social life. She sings in choirs, spends time at museums, restaurants and artistic events in the city and has made friends whom she goes out with. I am almost envious that my college experience in California did not come close to matching her experience. If you are looking for an intense party school or a real athletic/jock school, maybe it won't be for you, although partiers do exist and there are many jocks. Chicago has changed in recent years and is much more diversified, plus the campus is gorgeous, but you will not experience California weather. Take a trip there and judge for yourself before denying yourself the experience which might be the right one for you.</p>
<p>Thank you newenglandparent, your post was very helpful! I'm in a similar situation, and if I can end up affording UChicago, I believe that I will be very happy there!</p>
<p>Visit the above schools, but for econ, Chicago is by far the best. Keep in mind though that it tends to be easier to find internships at privates and internships are what gets you employed.</p>
<p>To add some perspective here, I'll pull for Berkeley, though if your parents have money to spare private>public in most cases.
I think you're estimating the costs incorrectly UC Berkeley estimates on campus residents will spend $24,272 per year, and UChicago estimates that on campus residents will spend $47,440 per year, and first year students will spend $48,205. UChicago's estimate doesn't allot anything to transportation (while Berkeley allots 684 dollars to transportation), so if you come back for all three breaks, expect to add 1500-2000 per year in airfare. And then think about the whole new warddrobe that you will need to purchase for the winter.
In short, the difference approaches 25,000 dollars per year.</p>
<p>If you're fortunate enough for paying nearly double to not be an issue, you definitely need to visit UChicago and make your decision based on fit. While I've never been there myself, it sounds vastly different from Berkeley.
Lastly, UC Berkeley's economics program is very highly regarded, and while it may not be on the level of Chicago, MIT, Stanford, and Harvard in terms of prestige, you probably won't be short-changing yourself.</p>
<p>And USC isn't worth it.</p>
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<p>Now that I said all that, I think you should choose Chicago if you want a truly unique undergraduate experience--not that I know firsthand, though.</p>
<p>If you want large lecture format classes taught by TA's your first 2 years go to UC. If you want small,discussion format classes taught by professors go to Chicago. Period.</p>