Class of 2013: answers to the questions you didn't know you had

unalove · June 14, 2008, 5:04pm

And an opportunity to ask questions that you might have!

1. How do I know if a school like Chicago is right for me? What if it’s too nerdy? What if it’s not nerdy enough?

Chicago kids come in all different shapes, sizes, and flavors, but I think what unites (almost all) of us is that we make a specific commitment to academics and to liberal arts. We liked high school a lot; we loved our teachers; we love the idea of spending quality time with Aristotle and Dante; we think staying up late and making puns based on James Bond movie titles sounds like a lot of fun.

I feel like I’m a social chameleon in that I tend to adapt to the personality of whatever environment I’m put into. I have friends with whom I will talk about my fave America’s Next Top Model contestants and friends with whom I will talk about astrophysics, theoretical math, Bertolt Brecht, and opera. My impression is that most people here feel comfortable talking about “normal” things and “academic” things. I find that many of my conversations oscillate between the shallowest gossip you could imagine and some pretty intense academic stuff.

So to answer the question I posed, I think that Chicago is as nerdy as you want it to be. It’s as normal as you want it to be. It depends on time and place and who you are and whom you meet.

2. How did you find out about Chicago?

Maybe the question is how didn’t I learn about Chicago. It seemed like every adult and older student I admired had some connection to the school and seemed to have an intense love for the school. I did a little bit of research and I realized that the school had everything I wanted.

3. How did you get in? Can you share some vital and wise admissions secret with me that was handed down from the Great Sage of the College Board?

I don’t want to share my exact academic and extracurricular profile, because I feel that’s counter-productive and could possible unravel my anonymity a tad. What I can say is that I made a distinct promise to myself that everything I did in high school was for the sake of it; I never “did” anything for college. So I didn’t have a lot of doo-dads on my resume-- I had one extracurricular that I loved, loved, loved, loved and was pretty good at; I took classes that I didn’t have to take; I dropped classes that annoyed me.

(Some of you might laugh at the fact that I sent in my application without a parental read-over, and on my application I made a very significant omission-- I forgot to mention a prestigious honor that wasn’t obvious from other aspects of my application. I never called the admissions office to have them fix my application. Didn’t hurt).

My feeling was that I could make any college into anything I wanted it to be, so that getting into a “good” college shouldn’t be my primary concern. Instead, I worried a lot about enjoying high school. In the process of worrying about enjoying high school, a lot of unusual opportunities opened themselves to me.

So I don’t have any sagelike advice about college admissions other than be the person you are. If you are the person you are, you will be an amazing person, and whether or not colleges recognize that is besides the point. If you try to be the person that you think colleges want you to be, you’ll just be a tool. Apologies for the blunt language, but I really, really dislike when people try to make themselves into something they are clearly not. No college acceptance can make you as happy as you can make yourself happy.

***4. Why do you post so often on CC? ***

Because if I didn’t know the awesome alumni that I got to know, I would have no idea this school existed. Because I didn’t have the chance to talk to a current student when I applied, and I think I could have benefited from it. Because I really like all of you (students, parents, fanpeople, etc.). Because I can type fast.

5. Why do you like Chicago so much?

I have to be honest and say that I was very, very fortunate on a lot of fronts. For example, I was placed in a dorm that suits me very well, and I got along with the people I live with. I also made very fast friends with some people, and I had had a rigorous high school academic background, so I fell right into the swing of things from day 1.

Chicago is also a great fit for me. I’ve posted this elsewhere, but I think that Chicago fits the kind of person I am and the school caters to my strengths and my anxieties too. For example, I think the last time schoolwork made me worried or anxious in any way was when I was in third grade. I’ve just always liked school and I’ve never found any reason to feel stressed about it. And because I like school a lot, I wanted to go to a place where I could meet a lot of other people who also like school a lot.

On the other hand, I can sometimes get really anxious in social situations, depending on the context. (I inherited it from my dad!) I’ve met a lot of people in arenas I feel comfortable in (class, clubs, organizations, etc.) and as a result I feel a lot less socially anxious than I did two or three years ago, and I’ve put a lot of effort into breaking my shell somewhat. If you were to meet me now, I don’t think you would get the impression that I was socially anxious or awkward.

Oh yeah, the campus is also great, the people are nice, the city is great, blah blah blah.

6. What schools do you like, along with Chicago?

I’ve had the “hey, I could go here and be happy” feeling with the following schools. This is by no means an exhaustive or ordered list, but it’s a starting point for other schools in your college search:

Harvard, Yale, Tufts, Amherst, Cornell, Williams, Bard, Vassar, Wesleyan, Johns Hopkins, Bryn Mawr, Swarthmore, Carleton, Macalester, Barnard, Columbia, Brown, WashU, Kalamazoo, Rice, Reed, Berkeley, NYU, Pomona, Northwestern, Smith, Whitman, Wellesley, Oberlin

The asterisked schools are those at which I know at least one person there who is very “Chicago” and loves/ loved it, so I feel pretty good about championing the school.

_z · June 14, 2008, 8:21pm

This is where I get stumped.

I’m a prospective '13 applicant, and UChicago appeals to me because it seems so different from my high school.

unalove · June 14, 2008, 10:39pm

lol. I have an emotional attachment to my high school for various reasons that are very specific to me-- I forgot that not everybody has that same kind of attachment.

In its own way, my high school was very much like Chicago-- demanding teachers, smart kids, and a wild streak of intellectualism and kids who do their own thing (in a sea of kids who tend to very much follow each other). In high school, I felt very much like a social “floater”-- at the intersection of hipster, overacheiver, and outcast-- and at Chicago I feel much more anchored.

I probably wouldn’t have liked high school at all if I went to an Anytown USA high school.

IBclass06 · June 14, 2008, 10:49pm

It really is a pity UC doesn’t have better athletic teams. Despite the love-hate relationship between students and the university, it does rather well with producing cheerleaders (only Berkeley and Cornell have similarly devoted posters). It’s one thing that drew me to the school.

unalove · June 14, 2008, 11:07pm

Yeah, I guess I’m pretty proud, though I would be the person at the sports game who is throughly confused about what’s going on and would cheer for the wrong team when I see a ball go into a net (which is what I tend to do).

Something I’ve realized over my torrential downpour of posts is that I would probably cheer on any school I ended up going to. Again, I like school, and I liked my high school tons even though it wasn’t the best place ever, and I’m pretty sure that any college I would want to go to would be a better place for me than my high school.

On that note, I think the love-hate relationship has more to do with the personality that this school tends to attract than the school itself. Meaning that I’ve never heard a bunch of kids whine so much about how every party they go to is boring and repetitive; that they drink the same alcohol and hear the same songs and see most of the same people.

But that’s what a party is (enjoyable, but repetitive). And that’s what U of C students tend to be (critical and questioning).

I happen to dislike this kind of whining a lot. I can’t tell you how many conversations I’ve had that start out with “I want to transfer!” and end with, “I love this place so much, it’s just one itsy thing that’s bugging me!” That’s college for you!

unalove · June 15, 2008, 11:38am

And I guess the other reason I keep on posting on these threads is because I feel like there’s an audience out there that is curious and receptive, either by commenting or by just lurking. The day that this forum becomes a freakout about “chances” and “being good enough” and etc. is the day I will resign from CCdom forever.

More self-generated, poster-inspired questions:

7. What if Chicago’s “grade deflation” gets in the way of my professional aspirations?

This is probably one of the foremost concerns we have, and it’s a question that’s nearly impossible to answer because any of the data one could produce is probably insufficient in one way or another. There’s no way to hypothetically test multiple career/GPA/experience outcomes at multiple colleges before you enroll-- part of it is a matter of blind faith.

Generally, though, it seems to me that the students who have goals for themselves find a way of achieving that goal. My friends who just graduated are going on to do all sorts of things all around the country, and more than a few of them have received particular honors for the work they’ve done and have been rewarded through a career opportunity. These opportunities include national scholarships, investment banking, consulting, law, publishing, Peace Corps, grad school, Teach for America, Fulbright, and more.

Maintaining super-high grades can be difficult, but I don’t think it’s impossible. Of course, there are a lot of variables in play, like what field you’re in, whether you got “lucky” with a prof, etc.

8. What about Chicago’s name recognition?

To be perfectly honest, I think the kind of person who feels that the name of a college needs to validate them or get them pats on the back needs a self-esteem boost. In my experience, everybody who cares about elite colleges and eliteness knows the U of C, and people who don’t care that much think it’s a public school or a big football school. Again, I almost prefer it this way, because I don’t want to feel like I go up to people and say, “Hi, I graduated from IgotahighSATscoreandcanaffordtutition U.”

9. Campus safety?

People who come into Chicago by car will probably pass through some uninspiring neighborhoods, and it’s difficult when one arrives on campus to realize that Hyde Park is, for better or for worse, its own oasis. It’s important to be aware and unnecessary to be paranoid. And if you don’t believe me about Hyde Park’s wealth or oasis qualities, check out real estate prices for apartments:

[Hyde</a> Park Real Estate | Chicago Neighborhood Information for Hyde Park](<a href=“Hyde Park | Dream Town Real Estate”>Hyde Park | Dream Town Real Estate)

kyledavid80 · June 15, 2008, 12:43pm

unalove,

There’s always something very refreshing about your posts. Your infatuation with Chicago doesn’t approach fangirlism in the slightest, but still makes me regret not having applied!

Out of curiosity, are you a writer? You are definitely a reader.

unalove · June 15, 2008, 6:46pm

I wouldn’t consider myself a writer, but that’s probably because I equate “writer” with “fiction,” which I’ve decided I’m terrible at. I do like to convey information in a compact and thoughtful way, though. (Or at least I like to think that’s what I’m doing).

And there is a group of people for whom Chicago would be a good choice but would not be the best choice. I can easily see a situation where another school (among my friends, these schools have been schools like Oberlin, Wesleyan, Yale, and Harvard) provide something that would be good for them that Chicago would not. What that “thing” is is a hard question to answer, as it depends on the individual. Chicago might not be extracurricularly hyperactive enough; it might be too inflexible for people who want to focus on one thing; it might not be the best place for studying a certain subject; it might not have enough of an arts culture; it might not be the best place for people who need to wander around and figure things out and aren’t exactly sure how committed they are to intellectualism when it’s in the form of “read a hundred pages for tomorrow.”

I try not to put a halo around the school and I try not to sit on my highly-ranked perch and ignore other institutions. I try not to tout “prestige” and rankings and “you’re-not-good-enough” ness that unfortunately pervades this website. I try not to spew vitriol towards other schools (because really, what does it accomplish?) and I try to be honest. But in my honesty, I’m a very optimistic, enthusiastic, and lucky person.

Disneyguy · June 16, 2008, 12:13pm

I’m almost positive I’m going to apply to UChicago EA, and I’ve always wondered this about Chicago…

Given the size and importance of the University of Chicago’s graduate school, have you ever felt…less important?..than grad students when dealing with the administration or professors?

Are many undergraduate classes taught by graduate students/TAs? Are any at all?

My one concern about the University of Chicago is that its undergraduate student body is sometimes neglected. Any opinions?

Thank you!

unalove · June 16, 2008, 2:51pm

The great thing about Chicago EA is that it’s completely non-binding and non-restrictive, so if you know now that Chicago is on your list, I cannot recommend EA enough. You can even COMMIT to Chicago and then WITHDRAW before May 1.

I’ve never felt like being an undergrad has been a disadvantage in any way whatsoever. At the same time, though, I think your question alludes to the LAC/ University tradeoff. Some people will definitely like to be the only things going on around campus, other people, like me, would rather be part of a university where there’s a lot of stuff going on that doesn’t immediately involve me. There’s a corner of the university I know very well, and it’s my corner, but it’s exciting to me that there’s a HUGE HOSPITAL right next door, Fermilab and Argonne (where undergrads can work), one of the best private schools in the nation, a social work school, etc. etc. etc. I love watching the pre-schoolers who are part of the Lab Schools cross Woodlawn Avenue with their aides, and I think that those itty bitty guys are just as much a part of the U of C as I am.

A “TA” is somebody who assists the class, a teacher can either be an ABD (all but dissertation) grad student or a full professor. Honestly, sometimes the grad students are better, because they are younger, fresher, more into things and more relatable. But if you decide that you only want to be taught by full faculty, you could probably make your schedule in a way that avoided grad students. (Exceptions might be classes like calc, which have a lot of small sections).

Class sizes are capped and are kept pretty small, so it’s easy to know your classmates and your prof. If you can, see if you can access timeschedules.uchicago.edu and look at Autumn 2008 course listings. The numbers give you an idea of how many students are enrolled and how many spaces there are in the class.

unalove · June 16, 2008, 2:58pm

I should clarify the function of a TA. Some classes have them, some don’t. In one of the best classes I’ve had here so far (the professor was visiting from a state university that’s often overlooked on CC, and her class made me want to transfer there) had both a professor and a TA, in a class of about 12 kids. The prof taught the whole time, and the TA held additional office hours to the profs’ and wrote extensive comments on our papers.

In other classes I’ve had that are more lecture-style, there will be a twice weekly lecture and a smaller discussion section with a “TA.” Most TA’s are really good at what they do, because they have to apply to be one, but yeah, there are a few duds.

If you’re looking for help with an assignment, though, you can use either the prof or the TA for assistance.

Disneyguy · June 16, 2008, 5:13pm

Thank you so much! That’s exactly what I wanted to know.

Well, it looks like EA for me.

kyledavid80 · June 17, 2008, 2:32pm

You really should be a moderator! Alexandre : Michigan :: unalove : U Chicago. ;)

beefs · June 17, 2008, 6:59pm

kyledavid :: Berkeley? =D

kyledavid80 · June 17, 2008, 9:42pm

Sort of, but not really. ;)

bohbeep · June 18, 2008, 11:54pm

Hello, unalove I’m a part of the class of 2012 and I have to tell you how grateful we ought to be for your presence and honest, enthusiastic, thorough replies to our questions/concerns. It is because of people like you on CC and the uncommon app admissions blog that I have chosen to come to this school! =D

Bottom line: you is super freakin awesome! Hopefully I’ll meet you in person one day when Sept rolls around.

Oh, and about the “too nerdy/not nerdy enough” student body: I found what unalove says to be very true. From being facebook friends with 2012ers, reading posts on the admitted students website, and meeting some myself at overnight, there is an obvious element of nerdiness in them, but then I also met several really cool people (some of them at Pierce) whom I hung out with, play Mario cart, watch Office/Family Guy, and are your average Joes. Go ahead and check out the discussion boards/threads on the “UChicago Class of 2012” facebook group, and you’ll get a sense of what makes UC different…

@ (z): I empathize with you. My high school was the generic, hormonally enraged public high school, full of kids who went to school only because they were required by law to (e.g., although my school was called “North Star” it was nicknamed “Gangstar” because of its perceived badassery). That’s a huge reason why I chose UC, actually, to get away from it all. You’re not alone. A lot of prospective app’s to UC and current students chose UC to get away from the stupidity of most public high schools.

Anyways those are my 2 cents. Good luck to all of those to-be seniors out there applying for college!

nickoftime · June 27, 2008, 12:26am

I plan to apply to U of Chicago EA this Nov. I would also like to apply to either Dartmouth or Bowdoin ED in Nov. Is this permissible? What are the guidlines governing EA when one applies ED at the same time? Thanks!

glasses · June 27, 2008, 8:34am

Chicago places no restrictions on applications to other schools BUT other schools may limit your apps. This may show up as “early action single choice”. Check the schools’ web sites carefully or call them to be sure.
Just make sure that you really understand that ED is binding and you must withdraw your applications to EA schools if accepted to your ED school.

JHS · June 27, 2008, 9:07am

Most ED colleges don’t mind if you apply elsewhere EA at the same time, as long as you understand that you are committed to the ED school if you are accepted. I haven’t done any comprehensive search in the past three years, but the only college I knew in that category was Brown. These things have a way of changing year-to-year, though, so you should definitely check Dartmouth’s and Bowdoin’s policies carefully.

Also, most EA schools (including Chicago) permit you to apply to other colleges EA or ED at the same time. A few don’t: Famously Yale and Stanford, with their single choice EA, and Georgetown, which doesn’t want you to be applying to any college ED if you have an EA application in there. There may be others, too.

I can’t be the first person to observe that Dartmouth (or Bowdoin) and Chicago is sort of an odd pairing. People over-emphasize the differences among elite colleges, but in this case, the differences are significant. If you would be willing to commit to Bowdoin if accepted, do you really want to go to Chicago?

nickoftime · June 27, 2008, 11:49am

My parents and I did a college tour over spring break. Being from the midwest, we visited Northwestern and U of Chicago. I love Northwestern (did a summer program there 3 years ago). I consider Chicago the greatest city in the world. I would be happy at Northwestern…would be less happy at U of Chicago (but it is in Chicago). I have researched Dartmouth, Bowdoin and Middlebury out east. From what I have read, these schools are tops. I can see myself fitting in at any one of them very well. We will be visiting all three eastern schools next month. All of these schools are ED, except U of Chicago which is EA. My original plan was to ED at Northwestern, while EA at U of Chicago…and apply to about 3 or 4 other schools RA (if I am not accepted ED). I am keeping an open mind, though. After I vist the eastern schools I would make a decision to ED at either Northwestern, Dartmouth, Bowdoin or Middlebury and still apply EA at Chicago at the same time. Any thoughts?

Class of 2013: answers to the questions you didn't know you had

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