<p>I have two questions concerning the atmosphere of UChicago (preferrably to be answered by current/past students or those close to them):</p>
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<li><p>I know the academics at UChicago are intense, and I very much like that, but is the environment one that is incredibly competitive? I am prepared to work hard and enjoy my studies, but I wouldn't want to be in a place that is always stressful and one in which friends compete against each other more than they compete against themselves.</p></li>
<li><p>Is the academic atmosphere purely theoretical? I love a good argument and theorizing 'til the cows come home, but ultimately see action as equally rewarding and important. Do the students tend to sit and talk more than get up and try to change things? I am thinking about this with a political bent (I would most likely study poli sci and already do a lot of political activism), as I know that theory and research in the sciences go hand in hand at UChicago.</p></li>
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<li><p>It’s this weird magical place where everyone works together even though it’s all curved and complains about the professor/class instead of their own grades and doesn’t get defensive. Something about the culture I guess.</p></li>
<li><p>The academic atmosphere is very theoretical relative to other school, but I think you’re asking about the social atmosphere? There’s a large amount of projects started by students and in general there’s a strong culture of activism. There’s also the new political institute which is getting very popular/involved. I actually am helping work on a new website that hosts some of these public work ventures, innovationnation.co</p></li>
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<li><p>It’s certainly not competitive. Most of the student’s drive and stress doesn’t come from trying to beat others. It’s more of a personal persistence in trying to really learn and understand the material. There is a lot of collaboration.</p></li>
<li><p>I can’t even begin to list how many times a day I hear about new projects, initiatives, fundraisers, etc. I think there is a nice balance.</p></li>
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<p>Some of the people you will meet in college (anywhere, but there are plenty of them at UChicago) will be so much smarter than you that thinking of competing against them in any way academically would be akin to wanting to bring your Barbie Power Wheels to a demolition derby. So for the people who are smart, smart, smart, I’ve seen a quiet culture of reverence for their intelligence and accomplishments, along the lines of, “I’m so happy so-and-so is in my class.” I think this has its good moments and its bad moments (distancing and in some ways de-humanizing those who have extroadinary academic talents.)</p>
<p>It’s also important to remember that school is one of many talents students bring to campus, and for a sizable number of students, grades are important but not top priority. Students may be involved in a significant internship or campus leadership experience, or they may have interests in fields that are of no concern to you. So if they are doing better than you in classes, why would you care, you don’t want to achieve what they want to achieve anyway.</p>