<p>I have spent the last several days thinking of pros and cons for attending each school. I am just grateful to be in this position at this point, but nonetheless I want to make the best deicision for me and I would love to hear some feedback from you guys. With that said, here are some background info.</p>
<p>Potential Major: Economics
At this point, it seems like econ is what I'll most likely major in. Of course, this is subject to change. But if my mind does alter about a major, I am sure it'll still be something in the social sciences. </p>
<p>Career plans: Definitely planning on attending grad school. I am still deciding whether I want to attend a business school or law school. I am leaning more towards business schools, however. </p>
<p>What I want to college - Obviously academically challenging experience, but also a good deal of fun social life as well. I do not really have a preference for student body population, although I do look forward to having small class sizes. </p>
<p>Any perspectives would be very kindly appreicated! Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>Economics is also very strong at both Northwestern and Williams. Academically all of these schools are top notch. Think about the type of overall college experience you are looking for, and that might help make this choice easier.</p>
<p>NU doesn’t give up anything to the others academically for a prospective undergrad major in econ. If you want small classes, NU and Chicago will both have larger classes your first year or two; Williams and Swat will have smaller ones, of course.
In terms of great all-around college environment, I personally would pick NU, but it’s so subjective, so jrpar’s response ^^ is right on that score.</p>
<p>I had done some research before I applied last winter.</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Chicago: Top notch academically. However, everyone is required to complete its DEEP ‘core-curriculum’. Unless you enjoy it, it will likely lower your gpa, and thus lower your chances of graduate school admission. Also, Chicago’s nickname is ‘Where fun goes to die’. Many people that I know recommended me not to bother applying, unless I am willing to study humanity/social sci (not my fortes) in true depth. I appreciate those fields and am willing to explore them in depth, but not as heavy core requirements. Students seemed quite stressed.</p></li>
<li><p>NU: Top notch academics, as well. Beautiful campus. Bright and ‘practical’ minded and yet reaxed students. The area around campus is full of shops and cafes. Chicago’s busy-ness and sophistication is close-by. Abundant extra-curricular resources and opportunities from Chciago. National/int’l name recognition. Job prospect is excellent in case you don’t pursue grad school. </p></li>
<li><p>Swarthmore: Top notch also. However it does not seem to provide the wholesome college experience. I thought college was the only chance I could savor this ‘work like crazy and play like crazy’ spirit, among all the differently talented friends coming from everywhere. This school did not meet that need of mine. A bit grim… to me. I thought of doing ED2 but gave up. </p></li>
</ul>
<p>Sorry, I know little about Williams.</p>
<p>As you may have sensed, I picked NU out of a few: Berkeley(oos), Vandy, and Cornell. Hope you find the right one soon.</p>
<p>The University of Chicago’s Economics program is ranked very highly-- if I remember correctly, some websites rank their Econ program at the same level as that of Harvard and Princeton.</p>
<p>^^Are you sure those rankings aren’t for PhD programs?
There’s a big difference between that and an undergrad major in Econ, in which I suspect NU is among the very best.</p>
<p>^^FWIW, NU College Fed Challenge team (basically a collegiate competition in economics) has never lost in the midwest regional which includes Chicago. Our economics program is ranked just slightly lower (top-10 or even top-5 depending on which rankings you look at).</p>
out of a few: Berkeley(oos), Vandy, and Cornell. Hope you find the right one soon.</p>