| * So I got into Chicago, and I'm all excited about it, but I still don't know if it's the *right* place for me. Any help with this one?
If nothing else, there are two stereotypes about Chicago that are carried out to the extreme. They are:
1) Everybody is a nerd.
2) Nobody likes to have fun.
I think we are a nerdier and less-hard-partying school relative to the Ivies as a whole, but I don't think that's saying much. You'll find a lot of kids here who don't put much thought into the way they are dressed, and a lot of kids with a sort of "If you don't like me, that's not my problem" attitude, which can be annoying, but also refreshing. (I only know one person who carries that attitude out to the extreme, and he's graduating this year). This is a kind of place where people can talk about academics any time, anywhere. That's not to say that they do. But you may find yourself discussing your sosc readings when you're totally sozzled after a game of beer pong.
Social life here is toned-down. As is, I think there are plenty of opportunities for parties, and there would probably be even more if I lived in a more social dorm. There's a big difference between a non-existent social life and a toned-down one... the people looking to party will find them. As my schedule and my workload stands, I could party 3 nights a week if I wanted to, which is what kids at "social" schools brag about doing. I choose not to party 3 nights a week, but the fact that I could and that I have the time says a lot about how social Chicago is or can be, even when it is giving your brain a workout. My impression is not that Chicago kids don't have enough time to socialize, but rather that not all of them want to go and party with every social opportunity they have.
I think these issues have also been addressed sufficiently on this forum.... but I'm willing to expand if there are more specific questions.
That said, I still think Chicago has a "fit" and a "feel" to it. The best way to determine exactly what this feel and fit is is to visit campus for yourself. If you can't, I think you're a good fit if you're willing to work hard in college, like the idea of the Core curriculum, and are willing to make adjustments to your high school routine. If you want to party and socialize a lot, maintain a deep EC commitment, AND do super-well in school, something will have to give. This school's emphasis is, after all, on academics, and it's the academic community that really shines and is central, and it's why people end up coming here. |