<p>I applied because everything about UChicago seemed ready to push, expand and shake up my expectations. I wanted to learn, and to be surrounded by others who were so passionate about doing the same that they’d discuss Plato and Marx and Proust with me at the dining hall, but be equally excited about the Jersey Shore (<a href=“http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/31/arts/television/jersey-shore-has-its-day-at-university-of-chicago.html[/url]”>http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/31/arts/television/jersey-shore-has-its-day-at-university-of-chicago.html</a>). I wanted to live in one of the greatest cities in the world, but have my own campus, and neighborhood, to feel at home in.</p>