University of Chicago and Macalester College

Trying to find the best fit between these 2 schools. I understand that the best fit for one person won’t be the best for another, just looking for opinions, comparisons, insight. Did anyone here have a similar decision to make and end up choosing UChicago? Here’s what I posted in the general college search forum:

Can anyone give some thoughts to help choose between the two, or basic pros and cons? The departments I’d be focusing on are English, History, etc. Then just basic college life, academic rigor (challenging=fun/doable or challenging=put a cot in the library), professors, size (how small is too small?), and quarter vs. semester system. Thanks.