I have a few questions. Is your son taking the hardest curriculum at his high school? Does he have significant extracurriculars? When you say super duper SAT, are we talking close to 2400? 2200? For you to spend the time, money and energy to go, all these factors matter. Is 3.5 weighted? Is he thinking of applying eD to NU? If yes, then I’d advise going to see the schools if the other puzzle pieces are where they should be. If not, that 3.5 is going to be even more of a problem. How has your high school fared at these schools? One or two kids a year? Other kids applying with legacy?
With respect to University of Chicago’s campus, I thought it was one of the most beautiful campuses that we toured. Magnificent in fact! The surroundings were totally fine, I did not feel insecure AT ALL. Let me tell you, I’m walking around SAn Francisco as a tourist and I’m more freaked out here than I’ve been in NYC or Chicago! Lol
You can always attend a road show even if it is not in your city if it is driving distance. Or a college fair. Or at the high school if they come to visit. If they don’t come to yours, maybe he can be a guest visitor at a neighboring school.
Good luck.