<p>Hello,
This question is directed towards recent graduates.<br>
The U of C has been my top choice after reading literature from Mortimer Adler and R. Hutchins--the plan they had for the core indicated a systematic approach to educating the "Great Ideas." However I was able to recently get in contact with an '05 econ grad (my major) and he told me there isn't really institutional dedication to the core anymore and Chicago students, while intelligent, are not intellectually curious in the "learning is a form of fun" way.<br>
I am being offered a full-ride at UCLA. I'm sure I can get a decent education, as much as any self-initiated effort will yield, at UCLA--but the attraction of Chicago is an environment that is dedicated toward nourishing this. I'd very much appreciate some insights from recent grads--what is your experience of the mythical Common Core. Do teachers have an vested interest in heuristic learning...or is a "here are the concepts and elaborate on your own" experience? What about the math sequence? Thanks a lot.</p>
<p>I graduated in 2004, and I was a biology major. I really liked the core, I felt that it allowed me to study more things outside of science, which I think is great. I think that the core is one of the best things about chicago, I loved soc and civ and thought hum was okay. ( I took readings in world lit, which is a bit juvinile if you went to a good high school) I would say that people in the sciences and math have a better deal, cause soc, civ, hum are real classes, while the core sciences class are a total joke.... um, in my experience don't go to chicago if you what teachers to ask what you opinion is of the material, its not really that kind of school, they tell you what to take away from the text and you can eloborate on it at home and while creativity is rewarded in its own way, the teachers at chicago are not interested in pandering to each students ego and letting every one believe that their interpretation is correct</p>
<p>I also majored in biology and absolutely loved the core. From my experience, the exchange of ideas and excitement is still there. Like the previous poster, it is not high school where they baby you and waste time going aroudn the room asking what you thought, you have to defend your positions and be ready to be told you are wrong. It makes you start to think about things in a very different way. And yes, teachers do have a vested interest in giving you your money's worth.</p>
<p>Thank you for your replies. Would anyone recommend a dorm at Chicago? I requested Snell, Broadview, and Judson Burton. My main consideration was the availability of singles and distance to class (does the latter matter that much in the winter?), but I don't know what the culture of each house is...in restropect that may matter more. Can anyone elaborate?
Also I'd like to get an idea on what the math assessment test entails.
Also I hear Chicago emphasize theory over practice in the "real world." In your experience how often do you gain insight on application in your education?</p>
<p>Congrats! I take it you chose to go to U of C. In terms of dorms, Max P and Pierce are the the largest and most social but since you requested the others, I would take either Snell (being literally on the quads) or Burton Judson since Broadview is pretty far off campus if I remember correctly. In terms of the education, Chicago is almost all hard core theory, especially the math and physics programs. That is what U of C is known for and they do not plan on changing that anytime soon. And the math placement test is no big deal; it will just see how well you know calculus if you took it.</p>
<br>
<p>he told me there isn't really institutional dedication to the core anymore and Chicago students, while intelligent, are not intellectually curious in the "learning is a form of fun" way. </p>
<br>
<p>I think that there has been movement in that direction since my parents attended in the early 60's, but U of C still stands out among American colleges for its intellectualism and overall devotion to learning.</p>