<p>I was wondering about the relative merits of Chicago versus some small New England liberal arts colleges I'm considering (Williams, Wellesley, Bowdoin, etc.) Does the presence of grad students detract from Chicago's undergraduate program as far as professor attention, class size, TAs, and discussion are concerned? </p>
<p>Any general advice on pros and cons of either are welcome.</p>
<p>suggest you read the following earlier post:
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=353159%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=353159</a></p>
<p>Chicago will come about as close as any mid-size U can to offer LAC-like attention from profs and generally smaller classes. Despite the 2:1 grad:undergrad ratio, undergrads I've known there have never complained of 2nd class citizenship. That said, listing Williams, Wellesley and Bowdoin alongside Chicago raises some red flags. Those schools, in traditional, bucolic small college towns or a near-pastoral suburban locale are in atmosphere very different from gothic-lovely but gritty and grey Hyde Park. Consider also that Chicago’s “Core” is obviously not Williams’ freedom to choose. The student bodies at each school mentioned also have distinctly different flavors. I’d argue these are the factors you might want to weigh most heavily when seeking fit.</p>
<p>I'll agree with that. The factor that pulls most students away from the LACs (Swat, Amherst, Williams, etc.) towards Chicago is their need and desire to feel connected-- not only to the campus and the people, but to the surroundings and to the city. I imagine that the LAC's you listed could be considered "homey" and "comfortable" in a way that maybe Chicago isn't, but I think I'm happier having the same educational experience as an LAC essentially, as well as a bonded house (a subdivision of the dorm), and an ugrad population of 4400 seems just right to me-- there will always be new people to meet, but you'll see similar faces over and over again.</p>