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<p>are you sure the program your son tried last year is the same one we are talking about here? They clearly mentioned in the letter that this year is the pilot year for this program and they were in a hurry to put this first year program together so that the program is up and running by the fall.</p>
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<p>They are opening up this program for 15-20 kids and investing a lot of resources. Based on the description S shared with us, this requires intense commitment on the part of the students. Of course, they are looking for kids who are really determined to follow this route. Why would they take dilettantes who are casually exploring their options? Those who are still at the exploration stage concerning what they want to do post graduation can explore as much as they want, but they should not claim a spot that is clearly intended for those who already made up their mind and are ready to invest blood, sweat, and tears.</p>
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<p>This would be a valid statement, if this is their “regular programming” (meaning curriculum for the entire student body). However, this is an extra curricular activity for a very small number of students who have very specialized interest, and determination to succeed in their chosen field. By the way, if you do not support any practical field or training, would you consider the whole engineering field merely a trade school stuff not fit for a “real” university?</p>
<p>After a year in U Chicago, I have seen the mark of U Chicago education on my son already, and it’s precisely what I wanted to see happen. I knew that he wanted to pursue a career in Wall Street, and I support it. But, I also wanted him to be well educated and intellectual in his orientation and view. If he had to be a banker, at least, I wanted him to be a banker with an intellectual view of the world, and it’s happening, and I am a very happy customer. </p>
<p>I see U Chicago gearing up to provide more career focused support for those thus inclined, and I think it’s a wonderful thing, both for the University community and the students - even the ones who are not pre-professional in nature. It provides more well rounded and diverse education and experience for everyone. </p>
<p>Hey, some of the kids in this program may indeed become extremely successful financiers and donate immense resources to the university, which can be used to provide the life of the mind education to a lot of students who may otherwise not be able to afford it. My son is already saying that, in time, he would like to pay back to U Chicago because he loves what it is doing for him and teaching him so much.</p>