<p>Think</a> we've got it bad? U. Chicago has it worse - The Daily Princetonian</p>
<p>Um, this is from NINE years ago... Check the about 15 threads that discuss how much Chicago has changed in the past decade. The article doesn't really describe life at the U of C now.</p>
<p>Interesting article.
But I think that author is right about the complainers of our society needing to look in perspective. lol. But the "having it worse" I think is very objective based on each person's mindset.</p>
<p>Still interesting even if old.</p>
<p>Interesting for the theme, but the issue of balance isn't as pressing at Chicago as it once was. In comparison to 2000, students now are immeasurably more capable and adept at balancing the Chicago workload with other activities and pursuits.</p>
<p>I got it today and didn't notice how old it was. (I feel really stupid now.)</p>
<p>But what interested me--and still does--is that the Chicago workload is greater than that of a lot of other schools. BUT the U Chicago kids have plenty of time for other activities. Made me wonder what on earth those Princeton kids were doing, just going to house parties. </p>
<p>I guess it makes me look even more stupid if I say I hadn't intended to make it look like the U Chicago students were only studying. Just like I know they're busy, I know they're having fun. (And maybe learning more than those Princetonians....but that's just one more topic that's fun.)</p>
<p>I think it's important to point out that the most important variables in workload-- attitude of student, rigor of classes, intensity of outside commitments-- are largely independent of institution. Compared to some of my friends who attend these "easy" institutions, my current workload is about as demanding as a jacuzzi. A lot of my friends at other institutions are self-described workaholics, and often fill up their courseload as much as they can. I commend the institutions they attend for offering them this challenge-- and clearly enough students are taking the institution up on the offer, otherwise the classes would not be offered.</p>
<p>Where I do think Chicago differs from other schools is that it's difficult to take gut courses and avoid workload. Somebody I know went to a well-respected school and was able to hide in the back of lecture halls, never do the readings, and turn in a final paper at the end of the course that was the result of an all-nighter in the library, only to get back the paper with 0 comments from the TA and a grade attached at the end. This person could have chosen to take more engaging and more personal classes, but didn't. But Chicago doesn't really offer those classes to begin with.</p>
<p>I'm a Chicago grad with a daughter at a certain NJ community college, and I have to admit that even by Chicago standards the students there seem to work very hard and the courses are anything but easy. Her "gut" course last semester was extremely challenging.</p>
<p>Chicago still only provides two reading days prior to finals, that is, if the profs even bother to recognize them. :)</p>
<p>S1 has relatives and friends at a range of colleges, top Ivy's and Stanford to state Us. One has close to the same major. For the fun of it I track the parallel courses and efforts where I can. For the same or similar courses, none has had the work requirements he has had nor the Core requirements. For similar programs, no other school has approached them in the multidisciplinary way Chicago has. As to the workload, I am not saying this is necessarily a good thing, I, at times, think it may be too much for undergrads.</p>
<p>It all hast to do with your approach. If you come in wanting to slck and breeze by then your not going to happy.
If you applyied with the hope of being challenged and not minding work then you prolly will be fine.
I will be a first year next year and things like this excite me. my school doesn't have AP or honors classed and I'm sick of certain goof offs boging down the pace to a sloth's crawl. I can sleep and get A's and frankly it bores me.
I can't wait for the challenges.</p>