solsehjee

Hi guys. I feel somewhat like a leech for never having posted/registered until today but i'll disregard the feeling so I can continue to leech and have my first post be a question for myself

I've gotten into several LACs, Amherst and Williams being the ones I'm considering the most, as well as into Chicago, and I plan on visiting the east (and midwest) in a couple weeks. But I just gotta ask some questions here.

I really want to be in a big city, i.e. Chicago. But I've heard that the five-college atmosphere isn't too rural-feeling at amherst and williams redeems itself for the community's discounted snowboarding ticket prices And I guess the rural feel isn't too bad if four years is compared against 22 years of life, 18 in L.A. and Las Vegas. Comments?

But my primary concern is on how much I will get out of whichever college I choose. I know Chicago is reputed to be more intense, but for every cramp of my fingers, will I get back in return the same amount of intellectual reward? I mean the lacs make a compelling argument. Days ago, I was set on Chicago. Strong liberal arts education, in a big city, and.. well that's enough for me. Or was enough. I'm sure Chicago has plenty of small classes/seminars, but how does the number compare against amherst/williams? Or the amount of attention given to students by faculty? Is it more individual in Chicago and is that better? I have no idea for a major, no specific goal, I just want to learn stuff and enjoy every moment of it. Which will provide me that?

idad

S had a similar choice and chose Chicago because of the opportunities provided by having a College of 4400 in the middle of a great research university and medical school/research complex, and it was in Chicago. All are great schools, visiting is important.

NonSponteSequor

I'm also trying to decide between a lac and UChicago.

One thing I like about smaller colleges is that they offer a great opportunity for community --everyone can get to know each other and it's more like living as part of a family than part of a small town. Does UChicago have this feeling ever? Is there any general community feeling that unites everyone on campus?

felipecocco

There definitely is. Like idad mentioned, it is very important to note that the college is actually kinda small at the UofC, so you always run into several people you know. Also consider the fact that the structure of the housing system also fosters an amazing sense of community between your dorm and housemates.

idad

Though you will have to carefully watch out for them when playing Assassin.

justanotherCCer

Oh, boy, Assassin! -_-"

I have the exact same situation as you, solsehjee. Using a very simple and probably highly illogical equation (because I am terrible at math):

(UChicago + Williams) / 2 = Amherst

Which translates roughly to:
The average of "pretty urban" + "pretty rural" = balance.

This is not the only factor, of course, but one that I am considering.