<p>I doubt your gpa will be any different at Chicago or Northwestern and don’t this should factor in to a decision. If you felt more sympatico with the U Chicago vibe I’m inclined to tell you to go with your gut and head south to Hyde Park. I also wouldn’t worry about the Core limiting research opportunities. I would worry if the Core is not something you’d enjoy. It’s simply too dominant a part of the academic experience at the school.</p>