<p>Whoa! I never said that simply the quirky people belong at UChicago (In fact, I said I hated the word quirky). My statement was that UChicago was for the SMARTEST and most INTELLECTUALLY DRIVEN. I think that is synonymous with ACADEMIC TALENT and CURIOSITY.</p>
<p>And hyeonjlee, I do not really think anyone is playing the “holier-than-thou game.” Nor do I think my “opinions and preferences are too lofty to be influenced by what other mere mortals and minions think,” as you seem to suggest. Forgive me if I came across this way. </p>
<p>This is my last post in this thread. Let me just leave with this clarification: I do not believe that “quirkyness” (again, I hate this word) trumps academic ability in the Chicago admission process. Nor do I believe that US News rankings has led to a surge in applicants (I didn’t think I even insinuated this. All I meant with the US News ranking anecdote was that I know some people apply to UChicago SOLELY because it is in the top ten; this has NOTHING to do with the surge in applications). Nor do I believe that Chicago should not try to build a more competitive student body. </p>
<p>That is all.</p>