aanch93

Pomona Vs. Uchicago

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi, I'm in my senior year in New Delhi and was recently accepted at the University of Chicago and Pomona.

Two years ago my boyfriend told me about Chicago as it was his number one (he got rejected) and we both fell in love with the uni for its intellectual breadth.

However, as the decision day came nearer, we learnt more about chicago through personal and internet sources. The environment and atmosphere that we had initially perceived was the very reason we applied. A quote about Chicago was:

"Chicago is not the place where the valedictorian goes, but the place where the guy who the valedictorian was intimidated by goes" or something like that.

I'm certain that this is definately an incorrect description of the student body of chicago. Now, being an international student, I have never visited Chicago and will most probably be unable to do so.

Several others (accepted and rejected) have shared similar concerns as the decisions were suprising. The people who were supposed to be a typically Chicago Student were rejected and vice versa.

_______________

Pomona on the other hand has emerged as a better option. Weather, etc. + my boyfriend will be at CMC.

However, My dream college was Chicago and Now I don't know where to go...

Appreciate any help?

ruyi

not to presume too much, but perhaps the quote is misunderstood?

"Chicago is not the place where the valedictorian goes, but the place where the guy who the valedictorian was intimidated by goes."

i don't think that means that the school is for bullies or whatever. rather, i'd guess that it's supposed to imply that grade-mongers in high school (valedictorians) are intimidated by the genuine intellectuals of chicago. (not to stereotype! i know not all valedictorians aren't grade-mongers.)

i think you will have more options and challenges if you go to chicago. the weather and the boyfriend will be huge pluses for pomona (particularly the weather! i live in southern california and if i get into chicago it's going to be a big deal), but i guess you just have to weigh what's more important for you. i don't think there's a right or wrong answer though. both are great schools.