University of Chicago

Visit Report by chronicidal (Member since June 26 2006 with 687 posts) Visit Date - August 2007

2 of 2 people found this visit report helpful
Visit to University of Chicago in August 2007 by chronicidal (Student, HS Class of 2008)
Visit Activities:
Admissions Interview: No - I should comment here that my visit was on a Summer Information day. Information Session: Yes - The essay was greatly emphasized, immediately differentiating this info session from those at other schools. There was a student panel, too. Campus Tour: Yes - Sat in a classroom, emphasizing discussion-style learning. Couldn't see a dorm. There's tons of ivy on the buildings. They tried to make the construction going on sound positive -- improveme
University of Chicago Campus:
Friendliness/Courtesy of Students: 5 - Excellent - A questioner during the info session said Chicago seemed more sci/eng than drama/arts and a student quickly interrupted and said, WE DON'T HAVE AN ENGINEERING PROGRAM. Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff: 5 - Excellent - The admissions officer present quickly added, BUT your point is well-taken! Many of the officers, for the most part, seemed "hip" and young and thus can relate to applicants more. Appearance of Campus: 4 - Very Good - Ivy! But some construction. Quad! Modeled after Oxford? Somethign like that. Max Palevsky is more modern and orange and an eye sore, sure, but nobody cares because they all like it as a dorm. Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness: 3 - Good - The inside of the building was less impressive than the outside. But they don't need fancy technology to teach every class because so many are small discussion-style. Dormitories: - Don't know. Security/Safety: 4 - Very Good - I think safety is directly related to the surroundings of campus. I don't imagine there's much need for intra-campus security. Dorms are locked and whatever. Overall Campus Impression: 4 - Very Good
Off-Campus:
Area Immediately Around Campus: 5 - Excellent - The immediate neighborhood surrounding campus seems quite safe and detached from the rough downtown area. Midway Plaisance is right across the street. The beach is not too far. City/Town/Community: 5 - Excellent - Many artsy things, Navy Pier is fun, the beach is right there (only good if warm). Hang out on the Magnificent Mile. Liberal.
Campus Visit Notes for University of Chicago:
Visit Description: The best part of the Summer Information Days are the free food and the student tour guides / panelists. They exude passion and do a great job of portraying UChicago as a unique institution. They easily shrug off the less appealing parts of life as a Chicago student, like the seasonal depression people get from the weather, the price tag, the lack of grade inflation. They said the school isn't cutthroat competitive but people get really fired up during class discussions arguing about trade theory or whatever. At the info session, the presenting admissions officer tried to be very transparent about the whole process. He explain in detail how they read applications. Regional person first, some other officer second, third person makes the decision unless the first two didn't agree or something. Scores not important - just check for ballparking. Read like 40 apps a day. etc etc. Hotel/Lodging Recommendations or Comments: Lake Shore Sheraton was the closest reasonably-priced place I found. Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments: Eat some deep-dish Chicago-style pizza near-by. PSAC gives out a handout of local food places, including pizzerias. Other Comments (Transportation, local attractions, parking, etc.): Early morning parking near Midway Plaisance was no problem. Park in the hospitals garage rather than the visitor garage if street parking is not feasible because the admissions office can validate it?
2 of 2 people found this visit report helpful