<p>I’ve been accepted to both of these schools, and they will cost about the same.
I will be majoring in Economics</p>
<p>Problems I have with Wabash:
1: No ones ever heard of it, at least were I live.
2: Out in the middle of nowhere, and I have no real interest in Indianapolis
3: Don’t really know how grad school prospects are coming from a small LAC</p>
<p>Problems with UIC:
1: Academics don’t seem great, but are improving
2: Not so great reputation
3: One of the most expensive public universities in the country</p>
<p>Pros for Wabash:
1: Great academics, and very qualified and able professors
2: Much smaller class sizes
3: Much better facilities
4: Pretty affordable for a top tier LAC</p>
<p>Pros for UIC:
1: Located (almost) in the heart if the best city in the world (my opinion, obv.)
2: Grad school prospects better coming from a research school? (Not 100% sure on this)
3: Being able to network and intern opportunities would be much better
4: School seems to be getting better in terms of reputation and academics</p>
<p>One of my priorities is getting into a good graduate school. These schools are obviously polar opposites, but I’m interested in both.
Which school would offer me the best possibility of getting into a good graduate school for economics?</p>
<p>Graduate schools are fully award of Wabash. Don’t worry about that! It has a terrific reputation. If you are concerned about internships, contact the career center there, and ask. My guess is that the Wabash alumni network is very tight and looks out for its own.</p>
<p>You forgot to mention student population… Wabash… all guys. Enter into your decision at all? Two completely different schools, one in the country - I went to Purdue, the other in a big city. Wabash is well respected and sometimes small schools offer outstanding networking opportunities. UIC has other advantages - internships, etc. Where are you going to feel at home?</p>
<p>You won’t have a problem getting internships coming from Wabash. Their alumni network is amazing! Also, grad schools know Wabash very well. In particular, they like the senior comp requirement. </p>
<p>My DS will be attending this fall, and it has been his favorite school all along. Academically, you will find rigorous classes, very strong interaction with the faculty. You won’t be able to hide like you would at UIC. </p>
<p>Check out the alumni network, and ask the admissions office to get in contact with alums in your area.</p>
<p>Well, after reading the responses I’m leaning even more toward Wabash.
Would be kind of foolish to pay private school tuition at a third tier public university. UIC just isn’t worth the price, especially when Wabash has given me a generous financial aid package. I’ve read into some of the grad schools Wabash get into (schools like Baylor, columbia, Purdue, uchicago, even oxford) and was pleasantly surprised.
-Thanks for the responses</p>