Would I Fit In?

ccang10
Sun, 05 Dec 2010 15:48:33 +0000

Honestly, dude, I think you’ll be fine. I think, think, that hyeonjlee may be exaggerating a little bit regarding the academic rigor at Chicago. Speaking as a first year who came from a good private school, I (hopefully) understand the experience you had in high school, in terms of the pressure/belief to do well.

The spectrum here is fairly wide I’d say, (in terms of academic acheivement/ ability) but really the more important thing to take away is that, when you are studying your mind shouldn’t be focused on how your peers do, but rather on giving your best in the class. Then, the grades should follow, i.e. one should be happy recieving the mark of one’s best. (Note, one’s best can improve over time with the effort. And consequently, one’s direct grade.)

More specific to your concerns, those subjects (math and chem) are those, where one is placed. So, in general, the respective test places a student appropriately. On that end, one can easily adjust: move up or down in the level of the class, during the first three weeks called the drop add period.

Lastly and most importantly, it seems from your post that you really would be good fit at Chicago, in that I know many people here who share your interests and/or approach to life, myself included. If you apply, are accepted, and choose to attend, the academic rigor here is respective to yourself. You can definately choose to skate by with easy classes, but it would seem that you’d be missing out on many worthwhile opportunites to challenge yourself. As a more math bent guy, I have always had difficulty with writing papers, probably, haha, because I had spent less time focusing on writing well and academically. BUT, that doesn’t mean I don’t respect and understand the value that that field or area of learning brings.

In short, my suggestion is that you apply, since you seem like a good fit for the school. If you do get in, for which I can’t be a proper judge, I’d be happy to talk with you more about the specifics on the academic and social life at Chicago. I wish you good luck with those essays, interviews, and your entire admissions process!