<p>This is in the Stanford forum (I think, not sure cause of my ipod) so there is going to be bias towards Stanford. Now I chose UChicago for many of the reasons you did (the core, the quirky/nerdy/genius students) but I was able to stay in the dorm. Needless to say, the people were my favorite part. In the dorm I stayed in everyone was weird, but interesting, social but academically focused, and so friendly! I was surprised by this. As others have said pick by your gut, but I would like to stress fit. I felt at home at UChicago amd am slightly fearful of the (slight) grade deflation and difficult rigor, but I know I’ll be pushed to learn more, and I love that about UChicago. Good luck with your choice!</p>