<p>I know that the U Chicago is famous for their quirky essay topics and responses, but does that quirky character extend into their "Why Chicago" essays?</p>
<p>On the application, applicants are asked to explain why the University satisfies a type of learning or community that the applicant desires. Is this to be taken completely seriously (like a regular college essay) or are applicants permitted to have a little fun with it?</p>
<p>BE SERIOUS. Uchicago is as playful with the unique question as they are serious about the WhyUChicago. Bruised feelings about being a safety school for most applicants they accept and all that, to put it cynically. </p>
<p>Have a very good answer for why UChicago is your college of choice - talk about a specific professor from the undergraduate or graduate school and some research they’re doing or whatever. This is your chance to convince them that you would attend if admitted to both UChic and a peer school; you can show off your personality later</p>
<p>Or, you can do both! Show them who you are and why you fit at uchicago. The school knows it’s amazing, but wants to know why it’s amazing to you personally. Be serious, but you can do so in a playful manner. I said something like “I want to go to a school where thoughts are the oxygen the school breathes and inquiry the bloddflow”. It was silly, but expressed my want for a truly academic and enthralling university. </p>
<p>I wrote about my dream school (listed charcteristics) and then said UChicago has all the things I listed. I didn’t talk about certain professors or many of the quirks and traditions, I pretty much told them it was the place I belonged at.</p>
<p>I just reread my essay, and I went on a pretty long run-on 
But I talked about how UChicago as a community fit me, rather than as an academic institution. I talked about the style of learning, the people, the buildings, and all that. I also talked about my “where’s waldo?” essay and how much I enjoyed writing that.</p>
<p>Rumor has it that in order to max your chances for UChicago, you need to show that you’re a fit for the school in your essays (think intellectual passions). I did my UChicago admissions essay on Milton Friedman and how he made free market capitalism spread through Chile.</p>
<p>You don’t have to show off your knowledge though, that’s always the misconception. I did a word chain game for my supplement on Plato. I never really talked about his philosophies, just that he got his name from the nickname Platon which means “broad shouldered”. There are so many ways to show who you are, and it doesn’t have to be by showng how much you know about a certain topic. My essay revealed my character, not how much I knew (or didn’t know) about Plato.</p>
<p>Just show that you’re passionate. You don’t need to write an essay on the biological basis of emotions to show that you’re interested in neuroscience.
I answered “Where’s Waldo, really?” by tracing his path through an individual’s consciousness to show that I am interested in neuroscience and philosophy. However, I never actually got that technical.</p>
<p>Two cents. My son’s “stats” were very good, but only about average for UChicago applicants. I strongly believe that his essays differentiated him somewhat and were a contributor to his admittance. Take the essays very seriously if you are serious about UChicago. After that, all the essay writing must-do’s apply. That is, write with an authentic voice, revise and improve, get someone (maybe a couple of someones) with knowledge and ability to read and critique your essay.</p>
<p>As a parent near the end of this college application and selection process, I am impressed with how well the admissions committees at the highly selective schools sort through all the applicants to find the ones who “fit”. The essay (maybe most particularly at UChicago) is another chance for you to show that you “fit”. Answer the prompt in a fashion of your choosing (i.e. serious, whimsical, etc.), but make sure you let your honest voice shine through if you can. If UChicago is right for you, it should be apparent to the admissions committee.</p>
<p>So, the most important thing about the “Why Chicago” essay is demonstrating an actual desire to go there? Because my essay (or idea) addresses that, just in an unorthodox way. I suppose if we can talk more about the community than the academics then I’ll be in good shape. The essay has a lot to do with the school - err, it demonstrates knowledge about the school; I just haven’t taken a serious approach to conveying that knowledge. Do you think that will hurt me?</p>
<p>Krawfy: If the question was addressed to me, I would say from your description you are headed in the right direction, i.e. “…my essay (or idea) addresses that, just in an unorthodox way.” You will do best if you’ve really internalized what UChicago is about, it excites you, and you see how you would fit there. The words should flow, just like with any topic you really know and like. Have confidence! But get a trusted “expert” (or two or three) to read your essay and to give you honest constructive feedback. Good luck!</p>
<p>One thing I’m pretty sure about, UC takes these essays seriously as they try to sort out whether you really get what UC is about, among the many applicants. It’s one part of the application, but I believe it is an important part.</p>
<p>To make it more confusing for you, this is just my view. I hope others will weigh in here and elsewhere to help you. I want to emphasize that I am nowhere near an expert! I just saw how the essay helped my son, and I’m trying to pass along what I think was good about it along to you.</p>
<p>How long do you recommend the essays being? Do you think that 500-600 each is too short? Will it hurt my chances?</p>
<p>Krawfy, here is something else to keep in mind as you write your “Why UChicago?” essay. My daughter also felt that she wanted to write in a warmer, more creative style than the usual “here’s why I want to attend your university” essay. After she matriculated this past fall, she met with her advisor for the first time and the advisor had her “Why UChicago?” essay with her. So be yourself and creative, but supply real information about your desires of want you want to do there. Imagine you are writing to your advisor…because you are.</p>
<p>Krawfy: Just getting back to you, sorry. I think it’s important though not all important to live within the word limits. The word limits are there for good reasons, I’d guess. I expect the admissions people want to see how well you can express an argument in 500 or so words. Also, as a practical matter, it is not possible for the admissions counselors to read multiple 2000 word essays from each applicant.</p>
<p>Still, if you have a truly compelling story or argument to make that expresses what you are and it takes 1000 words, then go for it. Just make sure that you’ve edited out the superfluous wordiness before you submit. </p>
<p>By the way, I like what momzhood wrote. I think her advice is good, especially the last sentence.</p>
<p>Hope this helps and good luck.</p>
<p>Would it be permissible to “Why Chicago”-esque elements in my supplemental essay, or would that be overkill? I kind of have a creative concept for explaining my desire to go to the school, but it exceeds the recommended limit for the “Why Chicago” essay and can’t really be cut down efficiently. Should I just prompt myself to turn that essay in as my supplemental one or do admissions officers not really want to hear about my desire to go to the school in that essay?</p>
<p>Krawfy: You’ve wandered out of my depth! I’ve asked my son to respond. See below.</p>
<p>Hello, I’m addressing the question about your long and creative Why Chicago idea. I would DEFINITELY recommend that you use the third essay to talk about something specific to your interests and experiences. Don’t waste that space by talking about reasons you could have addressed more concisely and clearly in essay no. 1. Your unique interests are what the admissions committee wants to hear about! They’re excited to share that special spice w/ the community.</p>
<p>With that being said, if this essay idea refrains from saying explicitly, “here are more reasons I like the school…” and is more of a personal essay which could hint indirectly at reasons why the school would be a good fit, then by all means draft the prompt and use the essay in space #3! For instance: instead of saying “I will join the Pheonix dance crew if admitted,” talk about how hip-hop dance has made a distinct impact on your life as a community member or as an academic. By discussing the things you love, and thinking about them critically, you will IMPLY desire to participate in and study these things on campus as a member of the specific campus functions you adore.</p>
<p>Basically all I’m trying to say is that you shouldn’t waste the opportunity to discuss yourself. You should use the extended Why Chicago thing only if it does so.</p>
<p>Have fun with it! Really, talk about what you like to do! They will understand. kparcell said something similar earlier on in this thread.</p>