Hello everyone! I was just recently admitted to Chicago EA, and I could not be more excited! I really love the school, from the city to the learning atmosphere and all the awesome research going on. However, there are a couple things I was wondering about, and I was hoping a current student or counselor could help me out.
- Is there anything from the typical "college experience" missing at Chicago? I understand that it's difficult and I'm prepared to work, but I just don't want to miss out on the great social experience and partying that a typical 4 years at college entails. I know it's not Bama or Arizona State, but is there at least a good amount of things to do? I'm basically just wondering if there's truth to the adage of "where fun goes to die" and the admission by many of the college's students that the student body is largely introverted/somewhat awkward (which isn't a bad thing! Honestly just wondering how true it is).
- I've been told by several people from the University that Molecular Engineering is for sure going to get a Bachelor's next year, so that's what I'm mainly thinking of pursuing. While the prospect of being part of a completely new program is exciting, I wonder if it might limit my options. Does anyone know what the career options would be for someone in a completely new program like MolE, straight out of Chicago? I would think that any degree from a university as great as Chicago would be sufficient to jump start an awesome career, but then again it could be a big risk to do a program no one's ever done.
Thank you so much! (and sorry for the brick walls of text)
A couple of comments:
- When my D2 went to accepted students weekend two years ago, her hosts had a bar set up (literally) in their room, and were disappointed that she did not want to go out drinking with them. You will find partiers... but you will also work your tail off, so there will be a fair amount of time when you won't do much partying because you will be working.
- This is a valid concern, and only you can decide if you want to take the risk. You should look carefully at the course selection compared to other choices you have before deciding. No one can tell you how this is going to work out for sure.
Since you are in EA and have until May to decide, I’d suggest that you keep an open mind and try to go to accepted student visits at your top 3 schools if you can once you have your acceptances in hand.
To answer your second question, I would suggest double majoring. You could do Molecular Engineering and choose another major that you’re sure will serve you well in the real world.
Realistically, I think ALL science majors require advanced degree. BME by itself sounds like a science major so I think it will be requiring an advanced degree. As a tradition, Chicago emphasize more on theory than practice so I am not surprised to learn that BME degree will follow the same path/tradition.
My kid is a 1st year and there are plenty of social experiences. There are shows, concerts, speakers, intramurals, films, frat parties, apartment parties, trips downtown, meals out, etc. Plenty of varied and typical college social experience to be had. He does feel that weekdays are more low key than at some other schools his friends attend. Weekdays people do more work and extracurricular stuff and socialization tends to be a little less booze-soaked and crazy, so dinner out, hanging in the lounge playing wii games or watching movies, etc. My kid likes this because he feels like it’s easier to balance academics and social life. A frat does host a Wednesday Bar Night and there are plenty of things to do during the week but most of the traditional, boozy, big parties are on the weekends. He has been happy with the social opportunities and has been comfortable going out and doing the traditional college experience as well as smaller group activities.