<p>I think that you should consider Chicago. My child finds that she has a really well balanced life there. She studies hard and enjoys her classes and the academic experience, but she also enjoys her social life. She sings in choirs, spends time at museums, restaurants and artistic events in the city and has made friends whom she goes out with. I am almost envious that my college experience in California did not come close to matching her experience. If you are looking for an intense party school or a real athletic/jock school, maybe it won’t be for you, although partiers do exist and there are many jocks. Chicago has changed in recent years and is much more diversified, plus the campus is gorgeous, but you will not experience California weather. Take a trip there and judge for yourself before denying yourself the experience which might be the right one for you.</p>