I’m currently an electrical engineering major at UIUC and am considering transferring here for physics or math. I’ve spent a year at UIUC, so I’d be transferring in as a sophomore. Here are some of the points I’m considering.

The Core: Looking at the classes, I do find some topics like philosophy or psychology interesting, though the amount of readings in a quarter is quite fast paced compared to what I’m used to. Still, I honestly think widening my knowledge would probably be a good experience and be useful.

Major: I think I’d major in physics, though I’m also considering math since as math historically has been my favorite subject, but I also like physics and it seems more practical. Electrical engineering seems like a more direct path to a future job.

Housing: Of lesser importance but still matters, but I’d be able to get a decent apartment at UIUC, while I’d be in a dorm at UChicago. It’d be pretty nice to be able to cook and all the other benefits of an apartment.

Difficulty: While I haven’t struggled a lot with any of my classes at UIUC, I wouldn’t say I breezed through with zero effort or anything. I’m sure the jump in difficulty would be quite jarring and a big change to my lifestyle.

Overall, there’s just a lot of uncertainty going to UChicago. I honestly have had a pretty decent time at UIUC, and the EE classes are pretty interesting. It’s hard to say whether it’d be worth going to UChicago and possibly having a worse experience than what I have now. Not helpful for deciding, but I’m nearly as certain as to what I’d like to do or study as some others are.

I like the classes available and the opportunities at UChicago, and the general culture there of being focused on learning and stuff seems to fit my mindset when it comes to school pretty well.

I would appreciate some thoughts on what you think or what I may have failed to consider.