<p>As a Class of 2016 admitted and matriculating student, I wish you all the very best. May the odds be ever in your favor! Oh and my advice about essays, write them about anything you want, write them however you want, be free, explore who you are and what makes you YOU. Get creative and have fun!</p>
<p>I did mine last year on how Plato connected to Play-Doh. I used a word game, and it went like this: I used a word from the previous phrase and made a new one. Play-Doh (decribed my childhood and staining the table with play-doh) -> Dough ball (described how I just made cookies with my family) -> ball rolling (this essay was getting the ball rolling on my possible acceptance) -> rolling pin (more cookies!) -> pinned down (wrestling term, Plato is a nickname meaning broad shouldered and it was given to a man named Aristocles by his wrestling coach) So a man honored for his intellect and philosophies is known by his nickname given to him for his physical stature. </p>
<p>And for the “why Uchicago” essay, be personal and give specifics why you love the school. Do your reserch on the school, find classes you like, learn the history, learn the motto, and tell why you would fit in!</p>
<p>International student from Canada here! I was super excited when I got the essay prompts last week. It’s finally our turn to apply!</p>
<p>U of Chicago is definitely one of my top choices, and I’m seriously considering applying EA. </p>
<p>My mum is a little wary about Chicago as she was accepted at U of Chicago for her PHD but turned it down because she hated the sketchy neighbourhood it was in. Now every time I talk about Chicago she tells me how dangerous it is! I’m planning to visit the campus this summer, and hopefully the area has gotten better in the past 20 years.</p>
<p>Hyde Park is the, or at least one of the, safest neighborhoods in Chicago! I have heard that south of campus is a little bit sketchy, but students feel very safe on campus. UChicago has a huge private police force as well.</p>
<p>I live 45 min away from the campus and can say that immediately around the capus is fine (lots of housing), but a little further out is sketchy. But there’s really nothing to do out there, so there is no reason for UChi students to be in the unsafe areas anyways haha the campus is immersed in a residential area near Chicago, but I never felt worried or unsafe the multiple times I have been on campus</p>
<p>hope that helps! don’t cross this school off your list because of the area, guys, it really isn’t that bad (:</p>
<p>Thanks PAGrock and mmarilyn11. I didn’t completely believe my mum anyway, as I’ve talked to many people who’ve visited the campus and absolutely loved it. I definitely don’t plan to cross a wonderful school like U of Chicago off my list anytime soon!</p>
<p>It’s been ten days - I believe a revival of this thread is in order.
I just have to know, am I the only one who’s already started my essays and is going frantic with the worry of trying to make them perfect?</p>
<p>Word of advice from someone who definitely didn’t get in on grades alone…</p>
<p>No need to start on the supplement essays just yet. Sit back and let the ideas simmer; you never know where a source of inspiration will come from- mine was from a class I took senior year and how a teacher inspired me (that teacher is getting my nomination for UChicago’s outstanding educators award). Also, I know it sounds hard, but try your best to enjoy the summer.</p>
<p>^The optional essay was released about a month ago to those on Uchicago’s email list. The why chicago essay is probably predictable enough to get a start on it.</p>
<p>magentaturtle, the optional essay topic is:</p>
<p>“Share with us a few of your favorite books, poems, authors, films, plays, pieces of music, musicians, performers, paintings, artists, blogs, magazines, or newspapers. Feel free to touch on one, some, or all of the categories listed, or add a category of your own.”</p>