<p>I've been looking at colleges for a while now, and I've always sort of dismissed U of Chicago cause it's bigger than LACs and it's in a big city. But, now that I look at the academics and students I'm beginning to think I might fit in really well there. I'm really interested in intense academics (swarthmore, amherst, wellesley are on my list) and it seems like there are really good classes and serious students at CHicago. Is its location a problem (is it near a rough part of town)??? How about its size? Are the classes big? Are they taught by TAs? Since it's a bigger school, how is dorm life? Do you get to know your professors well?? Any info about the college and the kind of students it attracts would be appreciated.</p>
<p>It doesn't have the facilities, literally, to hold very large lecture classes like big universities do. Classes are pretty small. Professors teach. It's not much of a "bigger school," by the way. 4,500 undergrads. It is supposed to be a very intellectual, academic atmosphere. Not for jocks, partiers, or anti-intellectuals. It's a pretty nice neighborhood (in my opinion), which is near some rough areas, but you'll never find yourself there. It's a diverse, eclectic neighborhood.</p>
<p>You should certainly consider it. We greatly enjoyed a visit there this summer though it may be out of reach for my son. I think it will be much more intense an academic experience than the other, very fine, schools you list.</p>
<p>As mentioned, it looks to be near a very nasty area but the area directly around the campus looked fine..even interesting judging by the bookstore we found on the way to the train. The campus is bigger and not as self contained as the smaller LAC's you mention.</p>
<p>We were told that classes are generally small and TA's not as big a factor as at other Universities its size. I suspect you will run into some TA's but don't think that should eliminate it as it would other places. As noted, definitely not for jocks or partiers. A very unique place.</p>
<p>Chicago students are unique, that's for sure. Not only is one of their essay topics about string, but I saw 2 people with shirts that oh-so-humourously had the University logo printed on the front and on the back: "Where fun comes to die." I laughed, but it says a lot about the student body. Not only do they recognize their hardcore academic, mucho studying environment, but they're able to poke fun at it. That's what you want, I would think.</p>
<p>And personally, I think the campus itself is absolutely gorgeous. Big, gothic architecture, lots of trees and nice green plots are everywhere. It has a very academic feel. And I can say from experience (I used to live in Chicago, and my dad still does) that the surrounding area has vastly improved over the past 15 years, and is on an upward trend. They have an excellent police force, and I know 3 people currently attending the university who say that they've never felt unsafe on campus. Just be careful where you journey off campus and you're fine.</p>
<p>Oh, and about dorm life...there's a lot of apartment-style residence, from what I gathered, and while the dorms that they have aren't the marvelous Gothic style, they're well equipped, spacious and modern.</p>
<p>The classes are small. 85% are less than 50, and 33% are less than 5. Pretty LAC-like in terms of class size. What Chicago lacks, however, is the overall feel of a LAC. Swarthmore and similar schools have intense workloads, but students have a more congenial/comforting/relaxing environment. Chicago students can certainly have fun, but it's not as much a focus as at a LAC. You should definitely consider Chicago, but it cannot really be considered a LAC. What it lacks in well-roundedness, however, it makes up for in tons of opportunities and research that a LAC can't match. </p>
<p>Agree with sweetmusic about the dorms. I stayed in Snell-Hitchcock when I visited. Absolutely wonderful dorm, and the others are also great (even Max P-on the inside).</p>
<p>I loved my undergrad days at U Chicago. And there definitely is a party scene and an opportunity to have fun so don't worry about that. Yes, it has a reputation for an intense academic scene (which is what makes it so unique), but don't believe the hype about the lack of social scene. Plus, the city of Chicago is unbelievable, especially for people in their twenties.</p>
<p>Actually, 85% have fewer than 25, way I heard it... However, really check out which departments tend to have smaller classes (see "time schedules" online). Because I've noticed that class organization seems to be managed largely on the dept level at many schools.</p>