Student of the College

<p>I'm not the party-heavy type, but I still want somewhat of a balanced atmosphere for study. I don't mind at all spending a few nights in the library (it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience), but I still want to socialize/make connections, go to movies or concert every friday or so, play a few games of Risk into the night (that sounds nerdy), and continue my activities (piano, golf). I plan to major in economics and minor in music, so if anyone can give me more detailed information about the courseload of majoring and minoring? Thanks.</p>

<p>get your hands on a course catalog if you can-- those are golden and explain policies on majoring/minority, as they vary from department to department</p>

<p>Risk is a big thing here. I've actually finished a few games for once!</p>

<p>Here's the course catalog in online form for both econ and music:</p>

<p><a href="http://collegecatalog.uchicago.edu/programs/econ.shtml%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://collegecatalog.uchicago.edu/programs/econ.shtml&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p><a href="http://collegecatalog.uchicago.edu/pdf_07/MUSI.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://collegecatalog.uchicago.edu/pdf_07/MUSI.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Whew, I'm glad to hear risk is so popular; if I end up at Chicago, lets play a game! Anyway, thanks for the catalog information, but I already looked through it (in the 10s of times). I was wondering if anyone who is major/minor or double majoring can explain how much work there is every day?</p>

<p>Honestly, I don't think there's much difference, in general. Everyone takes three or four classes a quarter; your classes will just be more focused on these two areas, while other students' schedules will allow for more electives. Since Chicago doesn't really have easy elective classes, I don't see why there would be a very large difference in daily work load between someone double majoring and someone pursuing a single major. Does that make sense?</p>

<p>Can we major in gym?
I've heard that the gym classes are pretty amazing.</p>

<p>In some existential sense I'm sure you can. Even though required if one does not pass the physical fitness test during o-week, no credit is granted. But who would use "credit" to determine one's major?</p>

<p>No credit is granted for gym classes?</p>

<p>Nope. Required to pass, but it's not as if you can fill up your electives with Archery and Social Dance.</p>

<p>My plan has been foiled! I was hoping to fill up my electives with gym classes and waltz my way through a few credits.</p>

<p>Im just curious... what is the physical requirement?</p>

<p>Could some current students from any particular concentration decribe the courseload?</p>

<p>The course load is either 4 or 3 classes a quarter (not counting phys ed if required). It is possible to take 5 courses, but that IS the best way to kill off old friend fun. Chicago requires 42 credits to graduate. That translates roughly to 2 years of 4 courses per quarter and 2 years of three courses per quarter. Last year S had the same courses (in sequence) all year long: Mandarin, Physics, Calculus, and Greek Thought & Literature. He also took a year of chemistry the summer after his first year. This year he is taking 3 courses, including good ole o-chem. He now only has to take 3 courses for the duration, though he has already signed up for a year of Mandarin next summer.

[quote]
Physical Education Tests</p>

<p>Students are required to take two physical education tests: a general test and a swimming test. The general test includes tests in flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular endurance. The only way to get out either test is a temporary medical waiver, and certified lifeguards do not have to take the swimming test. Without the general physical education test, students are required to take three quarters of physical education (one of which must be swimming, if the swim test is not completed). With it, they can place out of some or all of the physical education requirement. Note: Physical education classes do not count as required courses for enrollment; thus a student may take 4 academic courses and one phys-ed course without paying extra tuition (which is normally paid when taking 5 or more courses in one quarter), while a student who takes two academic courses and one phys-ed course will not be counted as a full-time student.

[/quote]
</p>

<p><a href="http://athletics.uchicago.edu/physed/Freshman%20Packet.doc%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://athletics.uchicago.edu/physed/Freshman%20Packet.doc&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Do we have to run at all?
I see the step test for endurance but I still fear that 3 letter word. (gym teachers are cruel creatures)</p>

<p>You don't need to run for the physical fitness test.</p>

<p>BLESS ALL THAT IS HOLY.
<em>kisses everyone around me</em></p>

<p>I'm taking four classees right now. Honestly, I spend a whole lot of time procrastinating and bs-ing all the time. yeah, my scheduel is pretty full, but good ole' "I'm not doing my work tonight" occasionally slips his grimy little hands around my head and I give in...lol. You learn to "role with the punches" around here and make your way through a class. my suggestions:</p>

<p>idad and O_mom please don't read lol:</p>

<p>--Learn to speak in class, without doing the reading
--Always offer a conflicting view to the class, but find something in the text to support it; either directly, or indirectly.
--You probably won't get this until you get here but, EVERYTHING IS AMBIGUOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
--Learn to play pool or ping-pong; each will get you through long nights, trust me.
--Learn to survive on 3 hours of sleep a night- like me!
--Don't become a drinker here. Drinking is toooooo common around here, I'm just not a fan. (not to mention, but they -the drinkers- gain weight too)
--Never give up when you have four papers and a midterm all in one week. At times like those; resort to all kinds of caffine! (joking, I hate coffee)
--And for the cliche of the day: "Learn better study habits! :)"</p>

<p>I have begun filling out my housing form, and I would really like to learn more about Maclean House. What do current students know about it?</p>

<p>bs-ing is a wonderful skill to have. </p>

<p>Can you tell us more?</p>

<p>Well, bsing is the most useful skill at any university, not just Chicago. My cousin, a recent graduate of Columbia, called this "Out-s***ting" the person you are talking to.</p>

<p>Note to transfers: you are exempt from the fitness and swim testing, and from PE requirements mentioned by idad. Lucky you!</p>