Should I go to the University of Chicago or Cornell University??

Question

I am attending either University's of Chicago's College or Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences next year, and I don't know which one to attend.

I want to double major in art history and economics, and although, at the undergrad level programs aren't ranked, the undergraduate econ program at U Chicago is renowned because of the prestige of it's graduate and doctoral programs. However, I'm scared of the competitiveness of Chicago's econ program; 10% of undergrads major in econ, and as a result the university tries to weed out students. Chicago's program is also more quantitative Cornell's.

I also like that UChicago is in the city.

Cornell, however, has the ivy name (although it isn't one of the top tier ivies) and the economics major requirement is easier to meet there.

They both have comparable art history programs, but double majoring would be easier at Cornell because it doesn't have the consuming Core that Chicago has.

Any suggestions??

ANY help would be greatly appreciated.

I'm not lazy, I'm just unsure in my mathematical abilities and this is what is holding me back from choosing U Chicago.

Because the program is more quantitative, it requires more advanced math and more math classes than Cornell's program, which is more qualitative. I like economics and I like math, I'm just not so great at calculus.

Also, because the U Chicago's econ program is the school's most popular major, it is more cut-throat and the likelihood that I'll maintain a high GPA in the program isn't too high.

Class size was also a factor in my decision (Chicago has smaller classes) but the popularity of the economics program makes that factor obsolete.

Cornell has a good program--at the undergrad level, what I'll be learning may not be much different from that of Chicago's program. Cornell is also offering me more money, so I'll have to pay about 7,000 for Cornell versus 10,000 for Chicago, which isn't much of a difference, but it adds up over 4 years.

In the end, I don't know.

Answer 1

Both of these schools are top schools and you will get a world class education at either one of them. I can;t imagine that if you want to major in Econ that you would go anywhere but Chicago. They clearly are the best school in the world in that discipline - six Nobel prize winners on their faculty the last time I checked. No one else comes close. And, Chicago is in the city... Cornell is in the middle of nowhere... it's very pretty if you like being in the country... but it is definitely out in the sticks.... Chicago core is just 15 courses and some of them are art.. some of them are languages -obviously if you are doing art history, then learning Italian, French or Latin would probably be necessary. And learning theology or philosophy would be pretty important to an art major as well. not to mention an econ major, so I don't see why the core should be a problem.

Chicago is definitely a place for someone who wants to work really hard. You need self confidence to be there. Cornell is Ivy, but noone who understands American universities would rank Cornell above Chicago.

So, the real question is, do you have the self-confidence to take on Chicago or will you go off to the lovely woods of Lake Cayuga?

Answer 2

Congratulations on being admitted to two top universities. It sounds like you've already considered the most pertinent factors. I think you're right that Chicago has the edge over Cornell in terms of prestige (especially in Economics) and has the advantage of being in a major city. But the student experience and quality of campus life is probably higher in Cornell, if you're OK with the small town setting. I had a friend who transferred out of Chicago to a Big 10 school, because he wasn't enjoying the campus experience. In the grand scheme of things, I don't think you need to worry so much about which undergraduate economics program is more prestigious--if you plan on becoming an Economist, you'll need at least a Master's degree down the road.

Answer 3

The truth with college is rather simple: If you are talented enough to get admissions, you are talented enough to graduate. An Econ degree from University of Chicago is worth a lot more than a Cornell degree. Either way, if you choose to do a graduate program, you can just move to Cornell then. University of Chicago for the win!

Answer 4

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Should I go to the University of Chicago or Cornell University??
I am attending either University's of Chicago's College or Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences next year, and I don't know which one to attend.

I want to double major in art history and economics, and although, at the undergrad level programs aren't ranked, the...

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Answer 6

It really up to you. Both are good schools. UofChi is an Ivy-level school and is as well known as any Ivy league schools. I'm not sure which one rank higher in those two majors but I'm guessing U of Chi. You have to do some research on that. My advice for you is to visit both campuses and meet the faculties and students from and decide which one you like better.

Answer 7

You're aiming pretty high with those schools. I would say that they are all a reach, but your chances are probably best at NYU. You should probably consider a few more schools.