<p>Congratulations on some fine choices. They’re so different in environment and size: My guess is that after visiting (or re-visiting) your decision will be clear.</p>
<p>You might ask Williams – and the others – to match Chicago’s financial package. </p>
<p>I think you may be underestimating Williams’ prowess in job placement in finance, government and economics related fields. Internships and other networking opportunities among alumni/ae is very strong. Track record for admissions to top law schools and other professional graduate programs is also very strong.</p>
<p>Tutorials, as far as I know, are optional. Since they’re both a pro and con for you, it’s hard to understand your concern, but If you don’t like the format you can avoid it. Also missing from your pro list are Williams’ small class size and personalized attention. The opposite belongs on your Cornell con list.</p>
<p>If Williams’ remote and rural environment is a con for you, the same may be true for Cornell, even though Ithaca is a much bigger community. It’s unclear whether you’ve visited Williams. Usually people know right away whether it’s a right place for them. Some like the insular environment, some don’t.</p>
<p>I think the “appropriate balance of smart and sporty” is an important pro in understanding the cultural difference between Williams/Cornell and Georgetown/Chicago. No idea about the rumored lack of faculty support for athletes. This sounds far-fetched to me.</p>
<p>My impression is that Williams reputation for binge drinking is not an accurate reflection on the social life there, but that substance abuse and out of control fraternities are a real issue at Cornell. (Source: my son did his undergrad at Williams, graduate at Cornell. He felt this was an ideal combination.)</p>