Recent U Chicago Experiences?

[Anonymous]

My kid likes U Chicago a lot and thinking about EDII'ing there. They are a very serious, earnest, into learning, speech and debate type kid. I'm the one who isn't sure it is the best choice. Friends my age who went there said it was overly intense with little student support. What is it like now? My kid really likes learning but I want to make sure they have time for things like internships and study abroad and other activities that make you an interesting person.

[Anonymous]

Are you trying to disguise their gender or are they non-binary? Non-binary may help with admissions.

[Anonymous]

We have heard that it is intense. Everyone has to follow some kind of pre-defined course in addition to their major.

[Anonymous]

Ah, UChicago. Where fun goes to die.

[Anonymous]

Definitely intense. My daughter has three friends who are freshman currently and they seem to mostly love it but their high school is also extremely intense work-wise so I don’t think it was a huge change for them. They do seem to mostly hang out with each other, though, so I don’t know how easy it is to meet people? I do know they love being in the city and they are definitely taking advantage of it.

[Anonymous]

If your child is interested enough to consider early applying, then I think that says it all. It's a self-selecting pool, tbh, because of it's reputation for being intense.

As for student supports, I think it'll vary by the student. This is a well-resourced, world-renowned university -- they have everything. But they're not going to hold your child's hand and guide them to it. The faculty also vary wildly in terms of how involved they care to be with undergrads. In my DH's department (a social science), the younger and more recently tenured faculty tend to be very happy to spend time talking to and helping undergrads, but they're not going to seek them out. The older faculty are less helpful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I want to make sure they have time for things like internships and study abroad and other activities that make you an interesting person.

U of Chicago might be one of the worst schools to achieve these goals.

Try U of Nevada at Las Vegas or U of Texas at El Paso.

[Anonymous]

know a bunch of kids who are really happy as a lot of private school kids go. Very different interests, all very bright.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I want to make sure they have time for things like internships and study abroad and other activities that make you an interesting person.

U of Chicago might be one of the worst schools to achieve these goals.

Try U of Nevada at Las Vegas or U of Texas at El Paso.

Do you know kids who actually attend? The ones I know personally had internships, did weekly volunteer work in in the city, and were active members of clubs. They are great kids! I don't know about study abroad bc the ones i know well are freshmen and sophomores and the older kids were anxious to stay on campus bc of time lost to covid -- but i am sure Chicago would get you stats on that.

[Anonymous]

DC is at UChicago now and loves it. It is intense. The quarters are 9 weeks and fly by. But there is a great comradery because they’re all similar personality types. DC loves to bowl and watch The Office, and has found a large group of people who love to frequent the campus bowling alley and hang out in the House Commons room and watch TV. Really the only drawback for DC is the weather. The only drawback for us is the price.

[Anonymous]

I know a bunch of kids as well. They're all interesting and well rounded kids. Several are super dynamic and sporty with an "extroverted leader" type persona and they seem to have found their people as well. So this might not be the traditional Chicago stereotype but they do exist and thrive there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC is at UChicago now and loves it. It is intense. The quarters are 9 weeks and fly by. But there is a great comradery because they’re all similar personality types. DC loves to bowl and watch The Office, and has found a large group of people who love to frequent the campus bowling alley and hang out in the House Commons room and watch TV. Really the only drawback for DC is the weather. The only drawback for us is the price.

Oh I meant to add the DC is studying abroad this spring and has had two great internships that are fully funded by the University. Like my DC found the unpaid internship they wanted and the University funded it at $3k for the 8 weeks I think.

[Anonymous]

Quarter system is a pain. I would really not send my kid to a school that is on a quarter system. you barely learn anything and are always rushed.

[Anonymous]

Another NP with a DC there. She is very proud to go there because it is a tough school. The free-speech subculture is real, and highly valued.

We are from Southern California, so I thought either the harsh weather and/or gray days would get to her, but it has not. Her one complaint is that it's in a dangerous neighborhood, so she feels at times trapped on campus.

If your kid wants to go, I agree...that says it all. It is a self-selecting school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Another NP with a DC there. She is very proud to go there because it is a tough school. The free-speech subculture is real, and highly valued.

We are from Southern California, so I thought either the harsh weather and/or gray days would get to her, but it has not. Her one complaint is that it's in a dangerous neighborhood, so she feels at times trapped on campus.

If your kid wants to go, I agree...that says it all. It is a self-selecting school.

I passed through. The immediate area is not dangerous. Kind of nice actually. But there is such a thing as too far off campus