<p>I can’t answer how Chicago became well known for its intellectualism initially, but Robert Maynard Hutchins’ ‘Hutchins Plan’ and the introduction of the core were probably contributing factors.
In fact, as others on this thread have noted, the core probably has been the single most important driving force behind perpetuating intellectual discussion. But its not just the core that does a good job at attracting and nurturing intellectual minds. Another factor is the self-fulfilling nature of the visage of intellectualism. I have heard of, and even met, several students who, despite having the credentials, opted out of applying to UChicago because they felt uncertain about the intellectualism (not rigor), and as such, the people who come to the college are either very bold, or are the proverbial round pegs, seeking they’re round holes.</p>
<p>But I know this doesn’t specifically answer your question. I don’t know what “features” the students carry. Like you, I just have the (apocryphal?) tales of CC’ers to go on…</p>