I'm in the exact same boat. I've been thinking on it for a while, and I've decided to go with Brown. It seems to offer just as many perks as Northwestern (i.e. internship opportunities, research, etc.) with a lower tuition. Plus, the fact that we get to make our own curriculum and conduct a legitimate thesis seems like a better use of our time. Providence is only an hour or so from Boston, the biotech capital, and rent is relatively cheap as compared to Chicago. What are your thoughts?