Why all the Chicago bashing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel like this is the general consensus of the thread:

Those who are hyper-obsessed with rankings & prestige over academics & post-grad outcomes tend to think lower of UChicago because they attract the majority of their students from the ED pool (which, in their minds, must make the school an undeserving T10).

Those who know about academics, job placement, and support their children no matter what college they fall in love with think UChicago is an excellent school that equips students with the skills they need to do extremely well in their future.

Signed, a concerned UChicago student from the DC area.

While you were on the phone, why did you ED?
OP’s premise is that those in her milieu apply precisely because they are obsessed with rankings and it is the best way (easiest) to attend a T6 school.
How are you different? Would you have gone if it was ranked 20?

I ED'd because I visited the school and loved it. I'm studying Economics (popular choice), and I knew that ED would actually give me some boost. If it was ranked 20, I probably would have explored my other top ED choices more, but I applied when it was ranked #13 or so. I don't think anyone I've met here applied ED just because its supposedly the 'easiest' top 10 school to be admitted to. That sentiment seems like something manufactured by this forum.

I appreciate your honesty. But if you cared enough about rankings such that 7 notches might (probably?) have changed your ED decision, what gives you such confidence that Chicago’s increase in rankings by 7 has not changed many others’ decision?

No matter where they are ranked in the top 20, UChicago's education quality doesn't change. I doubt that it being ranked #20 when I applied would have swayed my ED decision––it would've only made me slightly less "sure" about it because I admittedly look at the rankings, but not in an obsessive way. I feel sorry for whoever is compelled to switch a binding agreement to a college just because of an increase from #13 to #7. These rankings really don't matter that much, and they shouldn't have such a grip on families/students to sway big decisions like that. Besides, in the early 2000s, UChicago was ranked consistently from #3-#6. Only now that people are upset over having to ED there to have solid chances of admission do they debate its "true" ranking.

I also think your question about whether I would change my decision lacks nuance. If Harvard was ranked #20 instead of #3, would people stop applying? Many people would say no, because Harvard is unmatched in many areas of study, undergraduate education, and lay prestige. Whats so different about this hypothetical with UChicago? Additionally, there isn't a reality where Harvard or UChicago are ranked #20 because they deserve their higher spots based on merit. I don't see a reason why they would be ranked #20 in this alternate reality you refer to.

Just apply where you want, and don't get hyper-fixated on where a news company decides to rank universities. It’s unproductive.

How I long for the old Chicago where the vast majority of students were not pre-professional Econ and STEM hacks, and where not a one student would so lower themselves intellectually by making such a misfit analogy as part of their “argument.”

If you want to bash my argument, provide a counterargument. All that you've said is that it's "misfit" followed by horrible grammar. It just seems like you felt targeted by my argument and lashed out––something most of us learned not to do in 3rd grade.

Dear Econ Major,

Don’t start sentences with “It.”
Never use “that” two times in one sentence.
My use of the phrase “not a one” was fully intended.
I cannot request PayPal or Venmo from you, so can be of no further assistance.

You continue to deflect by pointing out supposed “grammar mistakes.” This is DCUM, not a PhD dissertation. I’m asking you to provide a reason for why my analogy was a “misfit,” which you haven’t given. Clearly not much is going on up there.

Plus, your hatred for my school and field of study reeks of jealousy. Deep down, I know you feel embarrassed about the diploma that hangs on your wall - or maybe the empty space where your nonexistent degree could be placed.

PS,
“Cannot” is improper grammar. “Can be of no use” is as well. And saying ‘that’ two times in a sentence is perfectly fine.

Perchance the difference between Chicago ED students and students at more selective schools is decorum after all.

I won’t just sit here and allow all of you bored and screen-addicted parents to try to tear down my arguments without backing up your reasoning. But sure, blame it on MY decorum instead of DMV parents’ bullying and competition. Anything to take blame away from yourself, right?

I am sure your parents are used to your having the last word.

[Anonymous]

DS is at Chicago. There are many brilliant kids, especially in math, and it seems like every senior he knows already has a job offer in hand. He says there are also kids who aren't that smart. Which frankly describes every T10 school, with the possibly exception of Caltech and MIT.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel like this is the general consensus of the thread:

Those who are hyper-obsessed with rankings & prestige over academics & post-grad outcomes tend to think lower of UChicago because they attract the majority of their students from the ED pool (which, in their minds, must make the school an undeserving T10).

Those who know about academics, job placement, and support their children no matter what college they fall in love with think UChicago is an excellent school that equips students with the skills they need to do extremely well in their future.

Signed, a concerned UChicago student from the DC area.

While you were on the phone, why did you ED?
OP’s premise is that those in her milieu apply precisely because they are obsessed with rankings and it is the best way (easiest) to attend a T6 school.
How are you different? Would you have gone if it was ranked 20?

I ED'd because I visited the school and loved it. I'm studying Economics (popular choice), and I knew that ED would actually give me some boost. If it was ranked 20, I probably would have explored my other top ED choices more, but I applied when it was ranked #13 or so. I don't think anyone I've met here applied ED just because its supposedly the 'easiest' top 10 school to be admitted to. That sentiment seems like something manufactured by this forum.

I appreciate your honesty. But if you cared enough about rankings such that 7 notches might (probably?) have changed your ED decision, what gives you such confidence that Chicago’s increase in rankings by 7 has not changed many others’ decision?

No matter where they are ranked in the top 20, UChicago's education quality doesn't change. I doubt that it being ranked #20 when I applied would have swayed my ED decision––it would've only made me slightly less "sure" about it because I admittedly look at the rankings, but not in an obsessive way. I feel sorry for whoever is compelled to switch a binding agreement to a college just because of an increase from #13 to #7. These rankings really don't matter that much, and they shouldn't have such a grip on families/students to sway big decisions like that. Besides, in the early 2000s, UChicago was ranked consistently from #3-#6. Only now that people are upset over having to ED there to have solid chances of admission do they debate its "true" ranking.

I also think your question about whether I would change my decision lacks nuance. If Harvard was ranked #20 instead of #3, would people stop applying? Many people would say no, because Harvard is unmatched in many areas of study, undergraduate education, and lay prestige. Whats so different about this hypothetical with UChicago? Additionally, there isn't a reality where Harvard or UChicago are ranked #20 because they deserve their higher spots based on merit. I don't see a reason why they would be ranked #20 in this alternate reality you refer to.

Just apply where you want, and don't get hyper-fixated on where a news company decides to rank universities. It’s unproductive.

How I long for the old Chicago where the vast majority of students were not pre-professional Econ and STEM hacks, and where not a one student would so lower themselves intellectually by making such a misfit analogy as part of their “argument.”

If you want to bash my argument, provide a counterargument. All that you've said is that it's "misfit" followed by horrible grammar. It just seems like you felt targeted by my argument and lashed out––something most of us learned not to do in 3rd grade.

Dear Econ Major,

Don’t start sentences with “It.”
Never use “that” two times in one sentence.
My use of the phrase “not a one” was fully intended.
I cannot request PayPal or Venmo from you, so can be of no further assistance.

You continue to deflect by pointing out supposed “grammar mistakes.” This is DCUM, not a PhD dissertation. I’m asking you to provide a reason for why my analogy was a “misfit,” which you haven’t given. Clearly not much is going on up there.

Plus, your hatred for my school and field of study reeks of jealousy. Deep down, I know you feel embarrassed about the diploma that hangs on your wall - or maybe the empty space where your nonexistent degree could be placed.

PS,
“Cannot” is improper grammar. “Can be of no use” is as well. And saying ‘that’ two times in a sentence is perfectly fine.

Perchance the difference between Chicago ED students and students at more selective schools is decorum after all.

I won’t just sit here and allow all of you bored and screen-addicted parents to try to tear down my arguments without backing up your reasoning. But sure, blame it on MY decorum instead of DMV parents’ bullying and competition. Anything to take blame away from yourself, right?

I am sure your parents are used to your having the last word.

No, actually. And my parents wouldn’t be caught dead speaking like half of the parents on this forum. Enjoy your afternoon. 🐦‍🔥🐦‍🔥🐦‍🔥

[Anonymous]

The reason I don’t like Chicago anymore is because it’s changed more than other colleges in terms of size, student population, and admissions/marketing. At some point they realized they needed a larger undergrad body so they changed who and how they recruit, fundamentally changing the vibe. It used to be quirky and definitely NOT preprofessional and didn’t play the ED games. Now it seems like a school whose admissions policy is based on their right wing free market b-school bros. It actually used to be a place where- for real- people let their freak flag fly, muttering and thinking and nerding out together. When my kid toured recently it was not at all like that and it made me sad. He didn’t apply, and I don’t have love for my alma mater and won’t suggest my two other kids apply either. Too bad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The reason I don’t like Chicago anymore is because it’s changed more than other colleges in terms of size, student population, and admissions/marketing. At some point they realized they needed a larger undergrad body so they changed who and how they recruit, fundamentally changing the vibe. It used to be quirky and definitely NOT preprofessional and didn’t play the ED games. Now it seems like a school whose admissions policy is based on their right wing free market b-school bros. It actually used to be a place where- for real- people let their freak flag fly, muttering and thinking and nerding out together. When my kid toured recently it was not at all like that and it made me sad. He didn’t apply, and I don’t have love for my alma mater and won’t suggest my two other kids apply either. Too bad.

This sounds like a change for the better tbh.

[Anonymous]

I liked the 90’s nerd-vana Chicago better. It was more authentic back back and had its own unique vibe/culture. The kids who went from my high school was super smart, serious and felt comfortable enough in their own skin to attend a college with a 60+% acceptance rate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel like this is the general consensus of the thread:

Those who are hyper-obsessed with rankings & prestige over academics & post-grad outcomes tend to think lower of UChicago because they attract the majority of their students from the ED pool (which, in their minds, must make the school an undeserving T10).

Those who know about academics, job placement, and support their children no matter what college they fall in love with think UChicago is an excellent school that equips students with the skills they need to do extremely well in their future.

Signed, a concerned UChicago student from the DC area.

While you were on the phone, why did you ED?
OP’s premise is that those in her milieu apply precisely because they are obsessed with rankings and it is the best way (easiest) to attend a T6 school.
How are you different? Would you have gone if it was ranked 20?

I ED'd because I visited the school and loved it. I'm studying Economics (popular choice), and I knew that ED would actually give me some boost. If it was ranked 20, I probably would have explored my other top ED choices more, but I applied when it was ranked #13 or so. I don't think anyone I've met here applied ED just because its supposedly the 'easiest' top 10 school to be admitted to. That sentiment seems like something manufactured by this forum.

I appreciate your honesty. But if you cared enough about rankings such that 7 notches might (probably?) have changed your ED decision, what gives you such confidence that Chicago’s increase in rankings by 7 has not changed many others’ decision?

No matter where they are ranked in the top 20, UChicago's education quality doesn't change. I doubt that it being ranked #20 when I applied would have swayed my ED decision––it would've only made me slightly less "sure" about it because I admittedly look at the rankings, but not in an obsessive way. I feel sorry for whoever is compelled to switch a binding agreement to a college just because of an increase from #13 to #7. These rankings really don't matter that much, and they shouldn't have such a grip on families/students to sway big decisions like that. Besides, in the early 2000s, UChicago was ranked consistently from #3-#6. Only now that people are upset over having to ED there to have solid chances of admission do they debate its "true" ranking.

I also think your question about whether I would change my decision lacks nuance. If Harvard was ranked #20 instead of #3, would people stop applying? Many people would say no, because Harvard is unmatched in many areas of study, undergraduate education, and lay prestige. Whats so different about this hypothetical with UChicago? Additionally, there isn't a reality where Harvard or UChicago are ranked #20 because they deserve their higher spots based on merit. I don't see a reason why they would be ranked #20 in this alternate reality you refer to.

Just apply where you want, and don't get hyper-fixated on where a news company decides to rank universities. It’s unproductive.

How I long for the old Chicago where the vast majority of students were not pre-professional Econ and STEM hacks, and where not a one student would so lower themselves intellectually by making such a misfit analogy as part of their “argument.”

If you want to bash my argument, provide a counterargument. All that you've said is that it's "misfit" followed by horrible grammar. It just seems like you felt targeted by my argument and lashed out––something most of us learned not to do in 3rd grade.

Dear Econ Major,

Don’t start sentences with “It.”
Never use “that” two times in one sentence.
My use of the phrase “not a one” was fully intended.
I cannot request PayPal or Venmo from you, so can be of no further assistance.

You continue to deflect by pointing out supposed “grammar mistakes.” This is DCUM, not a PhD dissertation. I’m asking you to provide a reason for why my analogy was a “misfit,” which you haven’t given. Clearly not much is going on up there.

Plus, your hatred for my school and field of study reeks of jealousy. Deep down, I know you feel embarrassed about the diploma that hangs on your wall - or maybe the empty space where your nonexistent degree could be placed.

PS,
“Cannot” is improper grammar. “Can be of no use” is as well. And saying ‘that’ two times in a sentence is perfectly fine.

+1. Ignore the faux grammar lesson from the PP that has no idea what they are talking about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel like this is the general consensus of the thread:

Those who are hyper-obsessed with rankings & prestige over academics & post-grad outcomes tend to think lower of UChicago because they attract the majority of their students from the ED pool (which, in their minds, must make the school an undeserving T10).

Those who know about academics, job placement, and support their children no matter what college they fall in love with think UChicago is an excellent school that equips students with the skills they need to do extremely well in their future.

Signed, a concerned UChicago student from the DC area.

While you were on the phone, why did you ED?
OP’s premise is that those in her milieu apply precisely because they are obsessed with rankings and it is the best way (easiest) to attend a T6 school.
How are you different? Would you have gone if it was ranked 20?

I ED'd because I visited the school and loved it. I'm studying Economics (popular choice), and I knew that ED would actually give me some boost. If it was ranked 20, I probably would have explored my other top ED choices more, but I applied when it was ranked #13 or so. I don't think anyone I've met here applied ED just because its supposedly the 'easiest' top 10 school to be admitted to. That sentiment seems like something manufactured by this forum.

I appreciate your honesty. But if you cared enough about rankings such that 7 notches might (probably?) have changed your ED decision, what gives you such confidence that Chicago’s increase in rankings by 7 has not changed many others’ decision?

No matter where they are ranked in the top 20, UChicago's education quality doesn't change. I doubt that it being ranked #20 when I applied would have swayed my ED decision––it would've only made me slightly less "sure" about it because I admittedly look at the rankings, but not in an obsessive way. I feel sorry for whoever is compelled to switch a binding agreement to a college just because of an increase from #13 to #7. These rankings really don't matter that much, and they shouldn't have such a grip on families/students to sway big decisions like that. Besides, in the early 2000s, UChicago was ranked consistently from #3-#6. Only now that people are upset over having to ED there to have solid chances of admission do they debate its "true" ranking.

I also think your question about whether I would change my decision lacks nuance. If Harvard was ranked #20 instead of #3, would people stop applying? Many people would say no, because Harvard is unmatched in many areas of study, undergraduate education, and lay prestige. Whats so different about this hypothetical with UChicago? Additionally, there isn't a reality where Harvard or UChicago are ranked #20 because they deserve their higher spots based on merit. I don't see a reason why they would be ranked #20 in this alternate reality you refer to.

Just apply where you want, and don't get hyper-fixated on where a news company decides to rank universities. It’s unproductive.

How I long for the old Chicago where the vast majority of students were not pre-professional Econ and STEM hacks, and where not a one student would so lower themselves intellectually by making such a misfit analogy as part of their “argument.”

If you want to bash my argument, provide a counterargument. All that you've said is that it's "misfit" followed by horrible grammar. It just seems like you felt targeted by my argument and lashed out––something most of us learned not to do in 3rd grade.

Dear Econ Major,

Don’t start sentences with “It.”
Never use “that” two times in one sentence.
My use of the phrase “not a one” was fully intended.
I cannot request PayPal or Venmo from you, so can be of no further assistance.

You continue to deflect by pointing out supposed “grammar mistakes.” This is DCUM, not a PhD dissertation. I’m asking you to provide a reason for why my analogy was a “misfit,” which you haven’t given. Clearly not much is going on up there.

Plus, your hatred for my school and field of study reeks of jealousy. Deep down, I know you feel embarrassed about the diploma that hangs on your wall - or maybe the empty space where your nonexistent degree could be placed.

PS,
“Cannot” is improper grammar. “Can be of no use” is as well. And saying ‘that’ two times in a sentence is perfectly fine.

Perchance the difference between Chicago ED students and students at more selective schools is decorum after all.

I won’t just sit here and allow all of you bored and screen-addicted parents to try to tear down my arguments without backing up your reasoning. But sure, blame it on MY decorum instead of DMV parents’ bullying and competition. Anything to take blame away from yourself, right?

I am sure your parents are used to your having the last word.

I’m not that poster but I’m glad you need to get your validation from criticizing a 20 year old. You sound so big and tough.

Pathetic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel like this is the general consensus of the thread:

Those who are hyper-obsessed with rankings & prestige over academics & post-grad outcomes tend to think lower of UChicago because they attract the majority of their students from the ED pool (which, in their minds, must make the school an undeserving T10).

Those who know about academics, job placement, and support their children no matter what college they fall in love with think UChicago is an excellent school that equips students with the skills they need to do extremely well in their future.

Signed, a concerned UChicago student from the DC area.

While you were on the phone, why did you ED?
OP’s premise is that those in her milieu apply precisely because they are obsessed with rankings and it is the best way (easiest) to attend a T6 school.
How are you different? Would you have gone if it was ranked 20?

I ED'd because I visited the school and loved it. I'm studying Economics (popular choice), and I knew that ED would actually give me some boost. If it was ranked 20, I probably would have explored my other top ED choices more, but I applied when it was ranked #13 or so. I don't think anyone I've met here applied ED just because its supposedly the 'easiest' top 10 school to be admitted to. That sentiment seems like something manufactured by this forum.

I appreciate your honesty. But if you cared enough about rankings such that 7 notches might (probably?) have changed your ED decision, what gives you such confidence that Chicago’s increase in rankings by 7 has not changed many others’ decision?

No matter where they are ranked in the top 20, UChicago's education quality doesn't change. I doubt that it being ranked #20 when I applied would have swayed my ED decision––it would've only made me slightly less "sure" about it because I admittedly look at the rankings, but not in an obsessive way. I feel sorry for whoever is compelled to switch a binding agreement to a college just because of an increase from #13 to #7. These rankings really don't matter that much, and they shouldn't have such a grip on families/students to sway big decisions like that. Besides, in the early 2000s, UChicago was ranked consistently from #3-#6. Only now that people are upset over having to ED there to have solid chances of admission do they debate its "true" ranking.

I also think your question about whether I would change my decision lacks nuance. If Harvard was ranked #20 instead of #3, would people stop applying? Many people would say no, because Harvard is unmatched in many areas of study, undergraduate education, and lay prestige. Whats so different about this hypothetical with UChicago? Additionally, there isn't a reality where Harvard or UChicago are ranked #20 because they deserve their higher spots based on merit. I don't see a reason why they would be ranked #20 in this alternate reality you refer to.

Just apply where you want, and don't get hyper-fixated on where a news company decides to rank universities. It’s unproductive.

How I long for the old Chicago where the vast majority of students were not pre-professional Econ and STEM hacks, and where not a one student would so lower themselves intellectually by making such a misfit analogy as part of their “argument.”

If you want to bash my argument, provide a counterargument. All that you've said is that it's "misfit" followed by horrible grammar. It just seems like you felt targeted by my argument and lashed out––something most of us learned not to do in 3rd grade.

Dear Econ Major,

Don’t start sentences with “It.”
Never use “that” two times in one sentence.
My use of the phrase “not a one” was fully intended.
I cannot request PayPal or Venmo from you, so can be of no further assistance.

You continue to deflect by pointing out supposed “grammar mistakes.” This is DCUM, not a PhD dissertation. I’m asking you to provide a reason for why my analogy was a “misfit,” which you haven’t given. Clearly not much is going on up there.

Plus, your hatred for my school and field of study reeks of jealousy. Deep down, I know you feel embarrassed about the diploma that hangs on your wall - or maybe the empty space where your nonexistent degree could be placed.

PS,
“Cannot” is improper grammar. “Can be of no use” is as well. And saying ‘that’ two times in a sentence is perfectly fine.

Perchance the difference between Chicago ED students and students at more selective schools is decorum after all.

I won’t just sit here and allow all of you bored and screen-addicted parents to try to tear down my arguments without backing up your reasoning. But sure, blame it on MY decorum instead of DMV parents’ bullying and competition. Anything to take blame away from yourself, right?

I am sure your parents are used to your having the last word.

I’m not that poster but I’m glad you need to get your validation from criticizing a 20 year old. You sound so big and tough.

Pathetic.

Congrats: you have the last word.

[Anonymous]

The problem with UChicago is that, as others have said, it completely sold out everything it was in the interest of an admissions-shenanigan-fueled drive to become more "elite," which it's tried to achieve by opening the doors to HYPSM rejects and guaranteeing them a spot through enforced ED. It's also taken on tons of debt to build fancy new dorms and as a result had to cut back key academic elements. Not only that, but its provosts office has produced scores of university administrators who repeat these games elsewhere. It's basically ground zero for everything that's wrong with US higher ed right now. And I say that as someone who recognizes the faculty and programs as top-notch! (They're precisely what recent and current administrators seem to care so little about.)

[Anonymous]

The problem with UChicago is that, as others have said, it completely sold out everything it was in the interest of an admissions-shenanigan-fueled drive to become more "elite," which it's tried to achieve by opening the doors to HYPSM rejects and guaranteeing them a spot through enforced ED. It's also taken on tons of debt to build fancy new dorms and as a result had to cut back key academic elements. Not only that, but its provost's office has produced scores of university administrators who repeat these games elsewhere. It's basically ground zero for everything that's wrong with US higher ed right now. And I say that as someone who recognizes the faculty and programs as top-notch! (They're precisely what recent and current administrators seem to care so little about.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The problem with UChicago is that, as others have said, it completely sold out everything it was in the interest of an admissions-shenanigan-fueled drive to become more "elite," which it's tried to achieve by opening the doors to HYPSM rejects and guaranteeing them a spot through enforced ED. It's also taken on tons of debt to build fancy new dorms and as a result had to cut back key academic elements. Not only that, but its provost's office has produced scores of university administrators who repeat these games elsewhere. It's basically ground zero for everything that's wrong with US higher ed right now. And I say that as someone who recognizes the faculty and programs as top-notch! (They're precisely what recent and current administrators seem to care so little about.)

Yes, there is the irony, Chicago's faculty and programs are really top tier.
But the school is selecting for ability to commit, not ability to thrive. Admitting for yield control, not fit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The reason I don’t like Chicago anymore is because it’s changed more than other colleges in terms of size, student population, and admissions/marketing. At some point they realized they needed a larger undergrad body so they changed who and how they recruit, fundamentally changing the vibe. It used to be quirky and definitely NOT preprofessional and didn’t play the ED games. Now it seems like a school whose admissions policy is based on their right wing free market b-school bros. It actually used to be a place where- for real- people let their freak flag fly, muttering and thinking and nerding out together. When my kid toured recently it was not at all like that and it made me sad. He didn’t apply, and I don’t have love for my alma mater and won’t suggest my two other kids apply either. Too bad.

This sounds like a change for the better tbh.

In a really boring way i guess. There’s very few colleges these days that aren’t filled with pre professional snobs who don’t really care about getting a degree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problem with UChicago is that, as others have said, it completely sold out everything it was in the interest of an admissions-shenanigan-fueled drive to become more "elite," which it's tried to achieve by opening the doors to HYPSM rejects and guaranteeing them a spot through enforced ED. It's also taken on tons of debt to build fancy new dorms and as a result had to cut back key academic elements. Not only that, but its provost's office has produced scores of university administrators who repeat these games elsewhere. It's basically ground zero for everything that's wrong with US higher ed right now. And I say that as someone who recognizes the faculty and programs as top-notch! (They're precisely what recent and current administrators seem to care so little about.)

Yes, there is the irony, Chicago's faculty and programs are really top tier.
But the school is selecting for ability to commit, not ability to thrive. Admitting for yield control, not fit.

All the kids we know there (including mine) are thriving. And it is a hard school!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The reason I don’t like Chicago anymore is because it’s changed more than other colleges in terms of size, student population, and admissions/marketing. At some point they realized they needed a larger undergrad body so they changed who and how they recruit, fundamentally changing the vibe. It used to be quirky and definitely NOT preprofessional and didn’t play the ED games. Now it seems like a school whose admissions policy is based on their right wing free market b-school bros. It actually used to be a place where- for real- people let their freak flag fly, muttering and thinking and nerding out together. When my kid toured recently it was not at all like that and it made me sad. He didn’t apply, and I don’t have love for my alma mater and won’t suggest my two other kids apply either. Too bad.

This sounds like a change for the better tbh.

In a really boring way i guess. There’s very few colleges these days that aren’t filled with pre professional snobs who don’t really care about getting a degree.

Lower-tier SLACs. Which are dying on the vine. With all due respect, hanging onto the "quirky" non-preprofessional model in today's world would have driven Chicago into the ground a lot faster than taking on debt to build nice new dorms.