My kid is at UChicago and says that the mix of students looks very different from 1st years to fourth. DC is an internal nerd in a external social, athletic wrapper and that mix is still the minority but has felt accepted and welcomed by all. The social coin there is based on smarts. Culturally it is a combination of feeling like they are valued for what's important to them and the Midwest friendliness is bone deep. The kids help bolster each other with homework and mentor the younger ones trying to follow in their footsteps. DC hasn't run into a cutthroat competitive attitude from anyone yet. My kid feels like he's in college heaven. Everyone is super smart, humble because everyone else too and the range of interests are so great, there's always a group you know that wants to do what you want. The housing system is great for 1st years to feel they have a community right away and the size is big enough to always meet new people yet run into friends. Campus is beautiful with Chicago right there for fun and internships. It is a tough school academically; however, the work is interesting so the load is not a burden if it's viewed in that light. It is also possible to load balance to do more ECs if that is the right personal mix. The quarter system is fast . Ideally for kids that like to dig deep into fewer topics at a time but want a greater variety over the year. It also appears totally missing the "Duck" syndrome which might be a pro or con from your perspective. I had my reservations too while the choice was being made, but as a mom I couldn't be happier now. DC will absolutely be ready post college for anything and is already benefitting from the halo " UChicago " affect. We also looked at Cornell but I don't really know it so I really can't compare. Kids we know there also seem happy. I think the culture is different though so the gut feeling you got from the accepted visits is important. Keep in mind that this will be their HOME for the next 4 years and think about what they expressed yearning for during HS. Sometimes their initial feeling will be to choose safely for what feels right now at the moment or what their friends are doing but may be not so much after the initial 6 month adjustment. Finally, for most kids they are very resilient and the likelihood is they will end up happy where they are. Your kid is in a great spot with two respected choices. Congratulations and I hope your whole family enjoys the rest of senior year celebration.

Chicago is well known for being nerdy and serious-minded.

Depends on your definition of fun. Last Saturday my U of C kid Marched for Science in Grant Park and spent a few hours at the Field Museum afterward. Went to a Hindu-Muslim dance/music festival (with free food) that evening, then to a student-written and performed musical based on A Wrinkle in Time. DC declared it a great day.

U Chicago.....where fun goes to die.

^^lol, NO substitute.

Chicago. There is mo substitute.

U of C is Mecca.

Congrats to your kid on a job well done.

UChicago. My alma mater. Where an official school shirt had the logo and said "where hell freezes over."

Few things in existence are as nerdy as UChicago.

I've actually studied this specific topic and Chicago is nerdier. Watch the campus videos. And I think Cornell's claim is accurate -- "we're cooler than the nerds but nerdier than the cool kids." Congratulations on two great options!

But I'd think less about comparative nerdiness and more about whether DS likes/embraces the idea of the Core. If not, Cornell is probably the better choice.

My nerd is loving UChicago!

De. U of C.

You can find partiers and nerds anywhere. Just look for your people and you'll find them.

Which is nerdier: Cornell or UChicago? DC is trying to decide between the two schools. DC is very nerdy. Either school is excellent for intended major. Which would be the best social climate for this type of kid?