U Chicago rationale for ranking?

[VeggieGal]

hey guys,

i interviewed at uchicago and absolutely loved the school, even more than some of the ivy ones i interviewed at. although, i have had interviews at more higher ranked, "prestigious schools," u chicago is my absolute favorite. i was wondering why it wasn't ranked in the top 15-20 schools in us news? i know that i shouldn't go by rankings but i would have a hard time passing up baylor, which is higher ranked and much cheaper for me as an in state resident. what does everyone think? uchicago vs baylor?

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[jdovez]

hey guys,

i interviewed at uchicago and absolutely loved the school, even more than some of the ivy ones i interviewed at. although, i have had interviews at more higher ranked, "prestigious schools," u chicago is my absolute favorite. i was wondering why it wasn't ranked in the top 15-20 schools in us news? i know that i shouldn't go by rankings but i would have a hard time passing up baylor, which is higher ranked and much cheaper for me as an in state resident. what does everyone think? uchicago vs baylor?

Time and again friends of mine have told me to "go with my gut" about where you feel the best. They argue that whatever the indebtedness, you'll be a doctor when you get out so you should go where you will be happiest. I interviewed at Baylor and really liked the program (still waiting to hear back), and I think it would be my top choice (although I really loved an ivy I interviewed at as well). Ultimately, for me baylor seemed the best and the proximity to family would put it over the top. I guess I'm saying you can't really go wrong either way. Just out of curiosity, what about chicago made it stand out so much?

 

[CarleneM]

i think its probably not worth it to get so hung up on whether a school is in the top 20 or not given that the school in question is currently ranked 22. When the new rankings come out in a few months it could very well be ranked 20 or whatever. Its right up there and, more importantly, is known for matching really amazingly well. if you loved it there, don't let the ranking thing dissuade you.

i hated u of chicago but it could have very well been a bad set of circumstances- terrible host (trust me, she was a nightmare), one bad interviewer, my friend who was supposed to pick me up had a broken down car so i was stuck outside for like 4 hours after the interview with nowhere to go, waiting for him. it was the only interview i've gone on where i've had a really negative gut response but if i got in, i'd definitely want to revisit or something since it is such a strong school and my reasons for hating it were more circumstantial than anything else.

 

[VeggieGal]

i really loved uchicago because of their interdisciplinary approach to education. being a medical anthropology major, i understand that medicine is not practiced in a social vacuum, and i thought that u chicago understood this and their philosophy of education reflects this understanding. the students were so unique, and i felt like i wouldn't just be going to school with a bunch of biochemistry majors, not that that's bad. but i am looking to learn from my peers just as much as learning from the profs. additionally, it seemed like everyone was so down to earth and really team-spirited. i just loved everything about the school, except the weather and the price. 🙂 carlene, i would definitely revisit if you get in. it sounds like you had some unusual circumstances...