Hi everyone,

Of the 3 universities where I applied, I been accepted into UPenn and Duke, in Chicago, I am on the waiting list. I'm almost decided by UPenn, but I wanted to know if you had information about the cities (in the end we will be there a year) and programs, especially the number of students at class.

I'm not sure if I will be answering your questions directly but here is what I can say about the three schools:

Chicago is located in Hyde Park, which is not in downtown Chicago but can be reached by approx. 30 mins of metro/train/bus drive (I havent been there, that's just what I have read so far). Hyde Park does not have much distraction but Chicago is a lovely city, full of attractions, especially if you enjoy going to blues clubs! :) It is the king of the midwest and very lively. However, the winter is freezing in Chicago.

Philadelphia is rather sunny, close to NYC (so you can consider week-end trips to NYC) but has a high criminal rate.

As for Duke, well, the city does not have the advantages of Chicago (being very lively) or Philly (being very close to NYC), so I wouldnt really choose Duke...

Hi, if it is only a question of the city, I'd go for Philly, since it is in the "Keystone State," that is, very close to other major cities (NY, DC). I bet though the quality of life is superior in Durham than in either Philly or Chicago (and a lot cheaper...).

Philadelphia is rather sunny, close to NYC (so you can consider week-end trips to NYC) but has a high criminal rate.

I visited UPenn, Duke & Chicago. I did not like Durham at all, where Duke is located, nor the law school. I would pick Upenn over Duke but if Chicago comes through I would pick Chicago over Upenn. Chicago campus is not downtown Chicago, unlike Upenn which is in dwt Philly, and it is in a better location. Moreover, Chicago is better ranked than UPenn and is an Ivy League Law School. But you also have to consider the courses offered. If you find what you like most at UPenn (Wharton Certif. etc) than you should go there. If not, Chicago should be your pick. Best of luck.

Note: You must realized that you are privileged. Many student who applied to Upenn, Duke and Chicago were turned down. So no choice at all for them. You are a lucky one (I am in the same boat than you (accepted at Upenn, Georgetown, UCLA) and I feel so privileged).

I visited UPenn, Duke & Chicago. I did not like Durham at all, where Duke is located, nor the law school. I would pick Upenn over Duke but if Chicago comes through I would pick Chicago over Upenn. Chicago campus is not downtown Chicago, unlike Upenn which is in dwt Philly, and it is in a better location. Moreover, Chicago is better ranked than UPenn and is an Ivy League Law School. But you also have to consider the courses offered. If you find what you like most at UPenn (Wharton Certif. etc) than you should go there. If not, Chicago should be your pick. Best of luck.

Note: You must realized that you are privileged. Many student who applied to Upenn, Duke and Chicago were turned down. So no choice at all for them. You are a lucky one (I am in the same boat than you (accepted at Upenn, Georgetown, UCLA) and I feel so privileged).

Erratum:

Thank you Gabi. You are right. Chicago is not an Ivy League Law School despite the fact that it is better ranked than UPenn.

For your information, the IVY LEAGUE Law School are:

1. Columbia;
2. Cornell;
3. Harvard;
4. UPenn;
5. Yale

Thank you for the clarification.

Philadelphia is rather sunny, close to NYC (so you can consider week-end trips to NYC) but has a high criminal rate.

I was curious about this statement, and logged into www.city-data.com to check the criminal index

- Chicago 615.5 - Murder rate per 100,000 18 (index 2008)

- Philadelphia 559.7 - Murder rate per 100,000 19.5 (index 2009)

The historic rates are pretty much equal. I wonder where does this views of Philadelphia being a more insecure city than Chicago come from ?

Philadelphia is rather sunny, close to NYC (so you can consider week-end trips to NYC) but has a high criminal rate.

I was curious about this statement, and logged into www.city-data.com to check the criminal index

- Chicago 615.5 - Murder rate per 100,000 18 (index 2008)

- Philadelphia 559.7 - Murder rate per 100,000 19.5 (index 2009)

The historic rates are pretty much equal. I wonder where does this views of Philadelphia being a more insecure city than Chicago come from ?

well, I dont think you will be murdered. It is more the "normal" crime, which is high in Philly (thiefs....)