Advice Needed for Chicago (ALL aspects, academics, athletic, etc.)

coffeecake13
Mon, 04 Apr 2005 21:50:36 +0000

Hey all, I was recently accepted into Chicago’s class of '09, and I want some general info/advice from those with qualified knowledge. (Meaning you’ve gone there, are going there, have done an overnight, or have first-hand info from friends who have done any of the above…) SO…my questions are basically concerning:

1) ACADEMICS - what are the classes like? Are they as rigorous as everyone says? And are the curves as harsh? Is it really impossible to get above a 3.3 GPA?

2) HOUSING - What are the traits of the different houses? Which are the bigger ones? Which are the new ones? Which are the “social” ones? Which are the single ones?

3) COLLEGE TOWN - What is Chicago like? Is it very easy to go uptown/downtown into the heart of the city? How is the shopping and entertainment? (Stores, bars, dance clubs, etc.) And how expensive is the cost-of-living?

4) FOOD (this kind of links back to the dorm question) - What kind of meal plans come with each dorm? Which are the best? How is the food? And how expensive is food if you get it in the city?

5) SOCIAL - I know this is a can-of-worms topic on this forum but…quite honestly, how is the party life? I know it is minimal compared to other colleges, but do people generally respond when you talk to them? How easy is it to socialize with other colleges?

6) ECs - What organizations are available? Which ones are the most popular? Which ones are the most fun?

7) ATHLETICS - how talented do you have to be in order to join a team? And what sorts of sports are offered asides from the usual ones?

8) SECURITY - Honestly speaking, how safe do you feel at Chicago? What are safety precautions to take, etc.?

9) STUDENT POPULATION - What is the student body like, generally speaking? Is there a wide variety of ethnicities? Are there a lot of homosexuals? How often do you see D&D type/frat boy & dumb blonde type/etc.?

Please answer these questions as fairly and unbiasedly as you can . . . I am really trying hard to decide on a college.