My sister, from Southern California, applied to five of the top ten elites and was admitted to each including U Chicago. It wasn’t financially possible for her to visit schools in the East and Midwest before applying but she did attend all of the schools “in city” and “in school” presentations. Through them, she met regional admissions recruiters and established brief, but useful, email relationships with each of them. They knew who she was and that is always helpful unless, of course, one makes a negative impression.
After admission she did visit each of the Universities and fell in love with U Chicago. Not everyone will find it to be a fit for them. She is highly intelligent, introspective, and a high achiever who enjoys deep philosophical and political conversations over several cups of coffee. She is the kind of young woman who enjoys learning and that is true of most U Chicago students.
I can’t imagine anyone not being impressed by the campus or the physical plant unless they visited some years ago or in winter. But, to each his own.
The campus is beautiful and many new buildings have been, and are being constructed including two state of the art dorms with a third for upper class students ready in about year or so. Many of those who live in older dorms, that will be shut down, are not happy about it as they enjoy the unique life style they afford them. U Chicago has several outstanding libraries and they are well used for research and study.
After all of her life in Southern California she wanted the four season experience; to wear layers and coats rather than shorts all day…every day. Sounds a bit off, right? Well, she is not your average young woman. She did have problems adapting health wise (sinus infections etc.) and the wind knocked her down on the ice a time or two but she is ready for year two with no reservations.
She found it easy to make a lot of friends many who have common interests. She has now moved off campus (Hyde Park) with two other young women. Rent is far less than it is in San Diego and it is less expensive than living on campus. And, U Chicago’s overseas study program opportunities are outstanding.
Safety is always a concern but she wouldn’t be walking around by herself at night in San Diego either so being careful is nothing new. Safety is no more an issue at U Chicago and Hyde Park than it is at UCLA, Berkeley, UCSD, USC or Columbia. But, if one did not grow up in an urban area, I can understand the concern.