University of Chicago or Washington University in St. Louis

College Search & Selection
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<p>So, I have to choose between WashU and UChicago. Both are great schools but I am having a hard choice picking which one I will be attending next fall.</p>

<p>I love the whole idea of UChicago: Their overall mission and quest for knowledge is compelling and there was just something about that scarf they sent that I loved. Oh and Chicago is an amazing city. However, I am nervous about the environment at UChicago; I have heard so much about it being a very cold place (when I called admissions the woman that answered the phone seemed very bothered by my question) where academia and nerds (I don't mean it in a bad way-- I just may not fit in that kind of environment) trump everything else. I wouldn't call myself a nerd... Its just that I love learning and am passionate about biology and becoming a doctor. </p>

<p>WashU, on the other hand, has amazing Premed and I heard its a very friendly place. The opportunities for premed studies are bountiful (seems like way more than at UChicago) but I am worried that the premed atmosphere at WashU because the program is so famous is very cut throat (I'm not sure about UChicago but it seems like a much more cooperative atmosphere).</p>

<p>On paper, UChicago is way more appealing. And just reading about the school makes me want to go there. But it seems deceptive and too good to be true. And UChicago seems like it is very hard to get a good GPA which is of course very important for getting into medical school. And this fact alone sorta makes me lean towards WashU.</p>

<p>So, what would you do? Thanks so much for your help!</p>

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<p>Anyone?!?!</p>

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<p>You can’t go wrong with either. If you know for a fact you plan on going to medical school, than your GPA is very important. If you think you’ll have an easier time achieving a higher gpa at wustl, then go to wustl. chicago is kind of a niche school. It’s not for everyone.</p>

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<p>Thats exactly why I have no idea what to do… Can’t go wrong at both, love UChicago, but it is a niche school and nobody has gotten a 4.0 since 2003 (so it goes…).</p>

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<p>Well, I just copy and paste my answer from the other forum where you posted the same thread.</p>

<p>If you want to have premed, I think WashU is a better choice.</p>

<p>I too was admitted to Uchicago (though I can’t go there due to some stupid language issue) But from what I heard about the university from my friend’s friend is that the competition there is so fierce that some students even breakdown. It is indeed a place for “nerds” (not offensive way) So if you don’t really like this death-or-live atmosphere, UChicago is not the choice.</p>

<p>Both schools’ academia is undoubtedly awesome, so no need worry about that one.</p>

<p>BTW, when I was an exchange student in Chicago during winter, I hate the weather there (cold windy)</p>