<p>But Chicago doesn't care about US news. And why should it? If it was so concerned about its ranking, it would make those changes. But then it wouldn't be Chicago. It would be another Wash U, or an Ivy. It prides itself in its uniqueness, and does not want to feed the beast that is the US News. Ted O'Neill has done a good job of attracting students who fit the school, regardless of the statistics.</p>
<p>That's just rationalizing. Why wouldn't they prefer to have most of those they covet most highly actually matriculate - rather than go elsewhere, as at present?</p>
<p>I am a student at UChicago and would just like to say that everybody I know here really wanted to come, whether it was for the outstanding academics, reputation or unique environment. So to say that it is a "second choice school" is completely unsubstantiated; and while it is true that many of those who apply are wooed to Ivies or other institutions that is not because UChicago is lacking in any way but a matter of personal choice and circumstances. I for one was accepted to Brown and considered attending but found myself more attracted to what the U of C had to offer.</p>
<p>I can't imagine going to U of Chicago (based on its rep) if you didn't actually want to go. That sounds like 4 years of hell if you're not up for it.</p>