<p>I really want to go to college in Chicago, and I narrowed it down to Northwestern, Loyola, University of Chicago, and DePaul University. I can definitely make it into DePaul and Loyola, but Northwestern and U of Chicago might be a reach. (I got a 30 on my ACT and have 3.9 GPA, my school only has 2 ap classes and i'm taking both) Anyway I just wanted to know what the general vibe of each was and which one would be better for me. I want to major in international relations/international studies. I really care about community service (one of the reasons I'm leaning towards DePaul), and I definitely am going to study abroad. I'd prefer being right in the city than near it. So I know that U of Chicago and Northwestern are more prestigious. Should I go to one of them, or should I go to Loyola or DePaul, which both have more of the values I'm looking for?</p>
<p>First, check their net price calculators to see if they are affordable. If not, check for large enough merit scholarships.</p>
<p>Then you need to apply to them and get admitted with enough financial aid or scholarships. Only then will you be trying to decide between them.</p>
<p>If none is a safety in terms of certain admission and certain affordability, then you need to have an actual safety elsewhere in your application list.</p>