<p>Better campus: Probably Chicago, purely out of space constraints. New York more than makes up for it, though.</p>
<p>Friendly: Columbia, but not by much. The stereotypes for both schools are kind of true, and campus can seem like a cold place if you don’t find your niche. It’s there if you look for it, though.</p>
<p>Intellectual nature: You really can’t go wrong between the two. Obviously, both have their fair share of pre-professional sharp-shooters, Columbia being a top feeder to finance/consulting positions and law/med schools. But really, both are significantly more academically oriented than your typical school and more than adequately prepare you for great PHD programs. Really, only liberal arts colleges have a more intellectual atmosphere, to the point where it might be a hindrance if you change your mind down the line about your goals.</p>
<p>You can’t go wrong between the two just based on these. Assuming you got into both, evaluate them on other criteria (fin aid, location, social atmosphere, dorms).</p>