Aron20

Hi everyone. I'm considering my college prospects across the ocean in Amsterdam but my options just make my head spin. I was accepted at the University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins, Middlebury College, and Bowdoin College. I still need to decide between going to a liberal arts college and a research university, but this is the perfect place to compare Chicago and Hopkins.

I want to major either in the Humanities or International Relations (broad interests I know) but I think that both Hopkins and Chicago are great in these areas. From what I've read as well often the holistic experience matters more in undergraduate years than departemental reputations. Both Hopkins and Chicago seem incredibly challenging.

Hopkins provides freedom, research opportunities, and the advantage of less graduate students. Chicago has a structured Core Curriculum, the life of the mind, and a sprawling wealth of opportunities. At a small liberal arts college I would probably receive more personal attention and perhaps better teaching, but not necessarily the excitement of these universities.

Both schools are known for research but both argue in their marketing that they do not want students to sink or swim, but to succeed. If anyone is in the same boat or has some critical advice please help!

prowlin panther

wow I'm an international, and I had to make the same choice too!
but uh..... I chose Chicago without much hesitation...... for undergrads Chicago seems to have the best program in the US.

do note, however, that JHU is considered to have one of the best(along with Georgetown SFS) international relations program. That was what I would've taken had I gone to JHU. However, as I said, I'm goin to Chicago for economics.