The University of Chicago is an urban neighborhood filled with Gothic architecture and students passionate about learning. While the workload at times feels unbearable, getting to learn from some of the best professors in the field makes up for it. The community at the university is like no others, filled with a diverse group of people dedicated to not only academics but bettering the city and, in some cases, the world.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
The essays in the application process are crucial- make sure to take a lot of time writing them and to be sure your voice shines through. The essay questions are usually strange- topics in the past have included, Find X, Write about a jar of mustard, and Where, exactly is Waldo. Brainstorm, write multiple drafts, and be sure you can hear yourself in your words when you are finished. The essays are probably the most important part of the application. Overall, be sure your application reflects your love of learning and any unique interests you have. Be original. Also, visit the campus and interview if possible- it cannot hurt, only help an application. For younger students, focus your time in high school on what really interests you- do not worry about padding your application with a million activities but find your niche instead. Chicago loves ideas and students with passion for academics- make sure those two aspects shine through in an application.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
The academics here are tough and it's what the University is known for. It is not uncommon for students to spend all night at the library and the coffee shops certainly make their money off sleep-deprived students; however, no one at the school would have it any other way. The University is on the quarter system which means the classes are 10 weeks with the 11th week being comprised of exams. With this structure, students can take three batches of classes a year rather than two on the typical semester system. The school's educational experience is divided into three parts: 1/3 are the core requirements which all students must take, 1/3 are the classes in a student's major, and the final 1/3 are electives which can result in a double major, minor, or are simply an assortment of classes a student finds interesting. While the classes are tough, the love of learning at the school is apparent through all the options for classes and the work ethic of the students.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
The dorm life is a critical aspect to the Chicago experience. First year students are required to live on campus and many stay for a second year then move off after. Dorms are comprised of houses all of which have their own personality, tend to be a small number of students, and are tight-knit. In the dining halls, all houses have their own table which can eliminate any of the anxiety about where or who to sit with. The University decides where the students live but the students submit their top three choices, usually after consulting the dorm guide and visiting. Some dorms are located far from classes; one of the dorms is, literally, on the main quad. One of the dorms is where most of the athletes live and another is where the more reserved kids reside. The University of Chicago dorm life is unique in that it tries to create a variety of environments and communities through their housing system rather than randomly assigning kids where to live.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
For being situated so close to downtown, the options at the University of Chicago can be lacking. The dining halls are not great- last year they were shut down for health code violations and while they do offer lots of options, at times the facilities are not clean. The student center has many options which are better bets such as Papa Johns, Qdoba, Einstein Brothers Bagels, and Subway.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
The University of Chicago is located only 7 miles from downtown- it is a fifteen minute Metra ride from the loop. There is always something to do in the city- most students go to plays, explore neighborhoods, and eat out downtown on the weekends. On campus, there are student performances in everything from ballet to improv comedy; the fraternities throw parties on the weekends along with students who live off campus. If partying isn't for you, many students enjoy spending a night having a picnic on the beach or hanging out in the dorm lounge watching movies.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
While the University of Chicago is expensive, the payoff and help from the school is wonderful. The school has worked with my family to provide a financial aid package which is affordable and I know that my education here will provide me with fantastic opportunities. This summer, I received a paid internship with the Illinois Governor's office after only my second year on campus. The resources at the career advancement office at the school helped me land the job- they are a team which offers resume and cover letter review along with guidance in employment-seeking. I feel confident my education at Chicago will result in a fantastic job or an acceptance letter to a top law school; the University of Chicago is definitely worth the investment.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The University has an array of gothic architecture and sculptures- the entire camps at times feels like an unusual location. There is a statue by the library called the Fermi statue which commemorates the first nuclear reactor, built underneath the football bleachers at the University. There is a seal in the student union and the rumor is that anyone who steps on it will not graduate in four years; students, literally will tiptoe around this so as not to brush against it. Finally, a few blocks away from the main quad is a park with a plaque dedicating the first time Barack Obama and Michelle kissed (the presidents home is only a few blocks away from there as well).
Which types of students will excel at your college?
The University of Chicago is great for students who love to learn, debate, and try new things. It is in an urban setting so it's good for those who enjoy that lifestyle and want to meet a lot of culturally diverse people. Finally, it's a good school for those who may have been shy in high school or unsure of where they fit in because at the University of Chicago, anyone can find a place.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Activities here are called rso's or registered student organizations. Along with varsity athletics, the college has a lot of club sports and intramurals. If sports are not your thing, the University has a competitive Model United Nations group, debate team, and quiz bowl. There are also a lot of volunteer clubs such as Health Leads and Neighborhood Schools Program which gets students involved with kids in the local Chicago public schools. Each quarter there is a fair where all the groups come to advertise their club so students can sign up.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There are four sororities on campus and about 8 fraternities- Greek life is not a big part of Chicago life. While the fraternities do have parties most weekends and the sororities host events such as Mr. University, students tend to have a more negative opinion of Greek life and it's not advertised much by the University.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
The University is surrounded by some neighborhoods which aren't so nice; however, campus security is prevalent, there are shuttles at night and the University has an alert system to let students know, immediately, of any threats. Sometimes, I feel uneasy walking home by myself late at night and it's not really a smart idea to be on your phone or listening to music walking alone but students can stay completely safe by paying attention to their surroundings and not taking any unnecessary risks.
The University of Chicago is an urban neighborhood filled with Gothic architecture and students passionate about learning. While the workload at times feels unbearable, getting to learn from some of the best professors in the field makes up for it. The community at the university is like no others, filled with a diverse group of people dedicated to not only academics but bettering the city and, in some cases, the world.
The essays in the application process are crucial- make sure to take a lot of time writing them and to be sure your voice shines through. The essay questions are usually strange- topics in the past have included, Find X, Write about a jar of mustard, and Where, exactly is Waldo. Brainstorm, write multiple drafts, and be sure you can hear yourself in your words when you are finished. The essays are probably the most important part of the application. Overall, be sure your application reflects your love of learning and any unique interests you have. Be original. Also, visit the campus and interview if possible- it cannot hurt, only help an application. For younger students, focus your time in high school on what really interests you- do not worry about padding your application with a million activities but find your niche instead. Chicago loves ideas and students with passion for academics- make sure those two aspects shine through in an application.
The academics here are tough and it's what the University is known for. It is not uncommon for students to spend all night at the library and the coffee shops certainly make their money off sleep-deprived students; however, no one at the school would have it any other way. The University is on the quarter system which means the classes are 10 weeks with the 11th week being comprised of exams. With this structure, students can take three batches of classes a year rather than two on the typical semester system. The school's educational experience is divided into three parts: 1/3 are the core requirements which all students must take, 1/3 are the classes in a student's major, and the final 1/3 are electives which can result in a double major, minor, or are simply an assortment of classes a student finds interesting. While the classes are tough, the love of learning at the school is apparent through all the options for classes and the work ethic of the students.
The dorm life is a critical aspect to the Chicago experience. First year students are required to live on campus and many stay for a second year then move off after. Dorms are comprised of houses all of which have their own personality, tend to be a small number of students, and are tight-knit. In the dining halls, all houses have their own table which can eliminate any of the anxiety about where or who to sit with. The University decides where the students live but the students submit their top three choices, usually after consulting the dorm guide and visiting. Some dorms are located far from classes; one of the dorms is, literally, on the main quad. One of the dorms is where most of the athletes live and another is where the more reserved kids reside. The University of Chicago dorm life is unique in that it tries to create a variety of environments and communities through their housing system rather than randomly assigning kids where to live.
For being situated so close to downtown, the options at the University of Chicago can be lacking. The dining halls are not great- last year they were shut down for health code violations and while they do offer lots of options, at times the facilities are not clean. The student center has many options which are better bets such as Papa Johns, Qdoba, Einstein Brothers Bagels, and Subway.
The University of Chicago is located only 7 miles from downtown- it is a fifteen minute Metra ride from the loop. There is always something to do in the city- most students go to plays, explore neighborhoods, and eat out downtown on the weekends. On campus, there are student performances in everything from ballet to improv comedy; the fraternities throw parties on the weekends along with students who live off campus. If partying isn't for you, many students enjoy spending a night having a picnic on the beach or hanging out in the dorm lounge watching movies.
While the University of Chicago is expensive, the payoff and help from the school is wonderful. The school has worked with my family to provide a financial aid package which is affordable and I know that my education here will provide me with fantastic opportunities. This summer, I received a paid internship with the Illinois Governor's office after only my second year on campus. The resources at the career advancement office at the school helped me land the job- they are a team which offers resume and cover letter review along with guidance in employment-seeking. I feel confident my education at Chicago will result in a fantastic job or an acceptance letter to a top law school; the University of Chicago is definitely worth the investment.
The University has an array of gothic architecture and sculptures- the entire camps at times feels like an unusual location. There is a statue by the library called the Fermi statue which commemorates the first nuclear reactor, built underneath the football bleachers at the University. There is a seal in the student union and the rumor is that anyone who steps on it will not graduate in four years; students, literally will tiptoe around this so as not to brush against it. Finally, a few blocks away from the main quad is a park with a plaque dedicating the first time Barack Obama and Michelle kissed (the presidents home is only a few blocks away from there as well).
The University of Chicago is great for students who love to learn, debate, and try new things. It is in an urban setting so it's good for those who enjoy that lifestyle and want to meet a lot of culturally diverse people. Finally, it's a good school for those who may have been shy in high school or unsure of where they fit in because at the University of Chicago, anyone can find a place.
Activities here are called rso's or registered student organizations. Along with varsity athletics, the college has a lot of club sports and intramurals. If sports are not your thing, the University has a competitive Model United Nations group, debate team, and quiz bowl. There are also a lot of volunteer clubs such as Health Leads and Neighborhood Schools Program which gets students involved with kids in the local Chicago public schools. Each quarter there is a fair where all the groups come to advertise their club so students can sign up.
There are four sororities on campus and about 8 fraternities- Greek life is not a big part of Chicago life. While the fraternities do have parties most weekends and the sororities host events such as Mr. University, students tend to have a more negative opinion of Greek life and it's not advertised much by the University.
The University is surrounded by some neighborhoods which aren't so nice; however, campus security is prevalent, there are shuttles at night and the University has an alert system to let students know, immediately, of any threats. Sometimes, I feel uneasy walking home by myself late at night and it's not really a smart idea to be on your phone or listening to music walking alone but students can stay completely safe by paying attention to their surroundings and not taking any unnecessary risks.