I'm a third year, and I want to answer your questions.

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Chicago ✅
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<p>shootastar: So -CB answered this question pretty flawlessly. The big difference between college and high school is that basically professors can do whatever they want in terms of class expectations/tests/whatever. I’ve even had classes without any tests whatsoever, just 3-4 large problem sets and a bigger problem set at the end.</p>

<p>FrannyG: People do get rejected, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get an internship or a job. I know people in CCIB who haven’t gotten internships for their third year summer (which is kind of a big deal, at least as I understand it), and people who aren’t in CCIB who get internships at investment banks and all that. So don’t stress about it too much.</p>

<p>zakuropanda: Phonology is definitely the hardest in the sequence, in terms of workload. I’m taking it next year and really not looking forward to it at all. It looks like Alan Yu has begun to solidify himself as the phonology professor, too. He taught phonology this past quarter, which is when I assume your friend took it?</p>

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<p>As an alum, I’m curious, with all the changes over the past few years, have you noticed a difference in the attitude or outlook of the students (undergrads)?
I don’t mean to suggest that things are going downhill, as some do. I’m hoping UChicago is just as academic and intellectual as ever. I’m just wondering if you feel there is a bit more optimism or excitement about the ol’ U. of C. these days.</p>

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<p>What other schools were you admitted to and what made you chose UChicago? I got in EA and its coming close to making a choice when I find out about the other schools.</p>

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<p>^same “situation”, same question…</p>

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<p>I would say one of the big changes I have noticed is a greater interest in things outside of the classroom. The maroon had 300 people mention interest in being involved. This is a big change compared to my first year where I joined organizations and was nearly immediately offered board positions because no one desired to fill those roles.</p>

<p>I didn’t really apply many places…Chicago, Columbia, and state school was it…so I got lucky in many ways. That said, I choose Chicago over Columbia because I felt more at home from the people I met and talked to and the professors who were eager to answer questions. I also really loved the inquiry based learning calculus class I sat in…that pretty much sealed the deal for me.</p>

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<p>I’ve noticed a switch in the conversations people tend to have. In my experience, upperclassmen prefer to talk about classes above everything else, and underclassmen don’t really discuss classes as much. At least, to them, it’s not the obvious conversation to have when you first meet someone. Underclassmen also tend to bring up letter grades a little more frequently. I don’t know about optimism, but an influx of that would certainly be nice.</p>

<p>I applied EA to UChicago, so I only received acceptances from McGill and NYU before I had to make my decision. Ultimately McGill and NYU were both safeties as far as I was concerned, so I decided to go to UChicago since it was my first choice. I liked the city, and I liked the people I met while on campus. I also knew a couple of first-years who seemed to be enjoying themselves, so I felt like I would fit in well, do well in classes, etc.</p>

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<p>Hi–I’m a little late to the party, and of course you may be too busy to answer questions right now, but here are mine, if you have a chance:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>I’m planning on majoring in English, so I’d love any information you have about the department/classes/what Chicago English majors are like/etc. I’ll really happily read any information. And if you know of any good links besides what’s on the department website, that’d be great, too!</p></li>
<li><p>I definitely want to sing in the University chorus and in an a capella group, so I’d appreciate anything about your experience with singing. I also really like volunteering in schools and would like to keep doing so, so if you could tell me about that, too?</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Thanks!</p>

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<p>I have a question about the AP5 bio sequence. I understand you aren’t in the department, but I was wondering if you had heard anything about it, because information on the internet seems to be very conflicted as to whether it’s valuable and interesting or mindless torture. I took AP biology, and I found it both very interesting and easy (never studied and managed a 5, set all the test curves etc), but I have no intention of majoring in the subject, so would the sequence be worth pursuing?</p>

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<p>how realistic is it to graduate with a double major in spanish and poli sci, with honors in both or one? (and graduate in 4 yrs)</p>

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<p>@shootastar Final exams are a pretty huge deal. For humanities-type classes you’ll have a final essay worth a significant part of your grade. For others I estimate the Final Exam is usually worth about 30-50% of your grade, but there are of course outliers and final exam only classes. </p>

<p>@snipersas, the AP5Bio sequence is definitely not something you can blow over like AP tests. It’s very intense, yearlong, and from what I heard is research-focused, ie. it trains you to think like a researcher. Keep that in mind and don’t take my word for it - do ask around.</p>

<p>@nondairycreamer Keep in mind that a lot of people want to do double majors… but it may not be beneficial to you. If you are applying to businesses or grad school double majoring doesn’t necessarily add much to your application. It also hurts you when you take, say, certain Spanish classes simply because they are required for your major and not because they actually interest you. In that case you would be better off as a Poli Sci major and spanish minor, or simply a Poli Sci major who takes a lot of Spanish classes. But yes, you could probably double major in Spanish and Poli Sci even though they do not have much overlap. Honors in both would be more difficult since honors usually involves taking extra classes or writing a BA. But you’d have to look up specific departmental requirements for honors degrees for that. I suggest browsing through this:
[University</a> of Chicago 2011-2012 Catalog - University of Chicago Catalog](<a href=“http://collegecatalog.uchicago.edu/]University”>http://collegecatalog.uchicago.edu/)</p>

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<p>Lorinda: I have a few English major friends that really love the department. The course requirements are relatively relaxed (I.e. you get to take the classes you want in the department with few specifically required classes) which they like. And while the BA process (required for honors but not the major) makes some go a bit crazy during their senior year (true of most who write BAs), they also seem to have enjoyed that process as well. There are also done great profs in the department that they speak highly of.</p>

<p>A cappella is totally a possibility. There are less chorus at the school, but you can probably find yourself doing that as well if you want.</p>

<p>Snipersas: the app5 sequence, as mentioned above, is really meant for people interested in doing research. It isn’t a general overview of biology like an AP class. Instead, they expect you to know that and then teach you in depth topics in certain areas. It is set up where the person teaching you will teach you stuff related to their current research. I have heard of no one finding the class easy no matter their background in biology as it isn’t like any hs biology class. If that sounds interesting to you, talk to people when you get here. Many people take the class, so you won’t have trouble finding people to talk to you about it.</p>

<p>Nondairycreamer: to get honors in both would likely require you to write two BAs. This is possible (I know someone who did it), but is not something for most. Some majors allow you to write one BA for two majors. Whatever the case, double majoring isn’t a problem if you use your electives on the second major. And honors is something to think about maybe towards the end of your second year and definitely not now. See above for other great advice. Who knows, maybe you will fall in love with another subject all together after taking some classes. ;-)</p>

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<p>I’ve worked in a biochemistry lab for two years now and I love research in the field, so if I end up at Chicago I might just take that class up. Thanks!</p>

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<p>Thanks CS!</p>

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<p>I know i’m a little late to the thread, but hopefully you see this and don’t mind replying.</p>

<p>I recently found out I got into UChicago and up until the past few days, i didn’t really think I was going to go there, but now I am really reconsidering. So here are my questions.</p>

<p>1) How did you adjust to the quarter courses from high school? I was already worried about semester classes, but with taking new classes every quarter… that seems like a lot!</p>

<p>2) I am very outgoing and was wondering how the social scene is. I’m not a big partier, but are there different options available if you want that? I tend to slide into different social circles.</p>

<p>3) I’m an african-american girl and I’m wondering how the whole mix goes. Not diversity as in who you see in your classes, but will it be impossible for me to find other people like me? Most of my schooling taking harder level classes I have been very isolated, so I was wondering if it will be the same at UChicago.</p>

<p>4) Oh! One more thing. Kinda silly, but still important. How is the dating scene?</p>

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<p>I have heard conflicting information about how competitive/cutthroat vs. collaborative Chicago students are; any opinions?
Also, I’d appreciate hearing about your experiences with professors. I am interested particularly in how much individual attention you’ve received and whether students in general tend to develop personal relationships with Chicago professors.</p>

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<p>Hey guys!</p>

<p>I’m actually studying abroad right now. So I will probably be slow to respond. Lorinda, you got really good advice. I would also mention that the English major is really what you make of it. Know what you want from the program and take the classes that will satisfy that! And do your reading, otherwise the classes will be pretty much useless.</p>

<p>moving on.</p>

<p>1) How did you adjust to the quarter courses from high school? I was already worried about semester classes, but with taking new classes every quarter… that seems like a lot!</p>

<p>It is a lot. There’s a pretty steep learning curve, but don’t worry. Everyone is on it together, and professors are understanding for the first quarter.</p>

<p>2) I am very outgoing and was wondering how the social scene is. I’m not a big partier, but are there different options available if you want that? I tend to slide into different social circles.</p>

<p>Yup! There are all kinds of people here. You have to definitely try and find them. Do lots of RSOs your first year, if you can manage it. Meet lots of people. Say hi to everyone. Some people will be antisocial and standoffish, but most social people will be more than happy to talk to you about whatever.</p>

<p>There are weekends when nothing is happening on campus, but there are also always options in the city for things to do, which is why having a diverse and outgoing group of friends can help.</p>

<p>3) I’m an african-american girl and I’m wondering how the whole mix goes. Not diversity as in who you see in your classes, but will it be impossible for me to find other people like me? Most of my schooling taking harder level classes I have been very isolated, so I was wondering if it will be the same at UChicago.</p>

<p>The campus is incredibly diverse, actually. I’m biracial myself (none of me is black, however…) and I meet tons of people like me! Well, more people than I ever met in my high school. It’s refreshing. Also, basically everyone at UChicago is smart, so the people in your classes will reflect the diverse campus.</p>

<p>4) Oh! One more thing. Kinda silly, but still important. How is the dating scene?</p>

<p>Not silly at all. Dating can be kind of difficult. I think a main issue is a lot of people haven’t dated much in high school before coming to college. That’s the narrative I see a lot; dude/lady hasn’t dated at all and has no idea how to approach it. Just be outgoing and friendly and do the best you can. I’m not a hook up kinda person, but I could definitely hook up with people if I wanted to, for example.</p>

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<p>“I have heard conflicting information about how competitive/cutthroat vs. collaborative Chicago students are; any opinions?”</p>

<p>The cutthroat ones are pretty universally disliked. That kind of attitude isn’t appreciated at all by the majority of students here. So those students who are cutthroat probably sense a little of that and feel like everyone else’s cutthroatedness is magnified.</p>

<p>That said, I’ve only found really helpful people here. Most everyone is willing, and eager, to help you when you need it, provided they don’t have an exam the next day. There’s a great sense of camaraderie, also. Everyone’s very aware that everybody else has work to do. That helps a lot when the quarter gets tough.</p>

<p>“Also, I’d appreciate hearing about your experiences with professors. I am interested particularly in how much individual attention you’ve received and whether students in general tend to develop personal relationships with Chicago professors.”</p>

<p>I’ve had great professors and not great professors, but all my professors have been accessible and willing to talk to me. I tend to make myself known in class - I talk frequently and I have a fairly assertive personality. Professors like me, and are willing to talk to me and help me out when I need it. Of course, they’re willing to help when they don’t like me, either.</p>

<p>The thing is, if you want to develop personal relationships with professors, you have to be the one to take initiative. That means going to office hours, sending emails, chatting with them on campus when you see them. Professors aren’t going to dedicate time to getting to know all their students. However, if you make it known that you want to get to know them, are looking for mentorship, have questions about class/your future/the discipline you’re studying/whatever, they’ll be more than welcoming.</p>

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<p>since you sound like a parent (based on your login), I will add an observation as a parent.</p>

<p>The access to faculty is FANTASTIC. My son, a third year, had absolutely no problem getting hours of air time with faculty at a time even as a first year two years ago. So far, he did not find any faculty that he wanted to talk to who did not engage him thoroughly. He said, sometimes, he had to cut the conversation short because he had stuff to do. He showed some of the papers that he submitted - and the comments from the faculty (not TA) were longer than the original work written by my son, and it’s not because his work was shoddy - he got As on these papers. This year, he wanted to take some really advanced courses for which he did not take any prerequisite courses (two course prerequisite sequence). He thought he could only audit. However, when he talked to his faculty about it, the faculty tutored him for the rest of the afternoon, and waived the prerequisite requirement for him. I am talking about faculty members here, NOT TAs.</p>

<p>Another really amazing faculty interaction he had was during the first two years when he was staying in the dorm. Chicago has a resident master (head?) system - a faculty and his spouse live in an apartment in a dorm and s/he is accessible to the students in that dorm. My son struck a really close relationship with his resident master and spent countless hours reading together, going over his writing, just talking well into the wee hours. He once said that “talking to Dr. XXX class” was well worth half of the tuition. He said Dr. XXX taught him how to REALLY READ (and my son has always been avid reader). </p>

<p>Now, is this a typical experience? Don’t know. But my son did not make it sound like he had to jump through the hoop to have this kind of experience and exposure.</p>

<p>Regarding cut throat competition, I actually asked this question to my son some time back. he said, NOT AT ALL. He said, he spent several hours before one exam to teach his friends and classmates who were having difficulty with some of the course materials. He similarly benefited when one of his class mates was a world class class note taker and walking Sparks Notes on all the reading assignments. He said, grade grubbing and cut throat attitudes are simply considered very gauche and unfashionable.</p>

<p>OK. back to the OP and her great work in assisting other students.</p>

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<p>Thanks to both of you for your thoughtful and reassuring replies!</p>

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<p>Dear Chicago student(s),</p>

<p>I always hear about Chicago’s intellectual culture. Do you think that Chicago students end up learning more material, and learning it better, than students at peer schools? Specifically Dartmouth and Penn in my case. Or do they just enjoy learning it more than students at other schools?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>