<p>only the prospies may post on this thread. Thanks.</p>
<p>One of my top choices. What do you want to know???????</p>
<p>I am accepted, does that still make me a prospie? Anyway, I think it has an extremely strong reputation in the academic world, but not much "everyday prestige." For example, I was talking to a neighbor (16 years old) and his dad. The teen was asking me about where I was going to college and I kept making jokes, then finally said that I was accepted to U of Chicago. The teen still thought I was joking (he thought it was a made-up, fake, university name). The dad (half paying attention) chimed in "oh no, university of chicago is top notch in the academic world, right up there with Harvard." The dad has a masters in sociology, while the teen is just a junior on high school.</p>
<p>Good school, but not for everyone. </p>
<p>The place where fun goes to die. ;)
Pretty self explanatory.
If you're the right type of person, you'll like it. Others would hate it. </p>
<p>Oh, and after living in the area for 11 years, I can attest to this: upper-midwest winters are brutal. Probably some of the worst in the country.</p>
<p>It's the kind of place where people know that it's the kind of place where fun goes to die, and find that funny enough to make a t-shirt out of it. Also, probably not where fun goes to die. In my head anyway, it's the kind of place where one would find people who are nerd-esque without being socially dead. people who could probably quote you two or three important authors in their chosen field (and might do so in conversation), but don't walk around screaming "I'M EXTREMELY INTELLIGENT AND WELL-READ!!!"</p>
<p>And I'll find out if those random impressions are right when I (hopefully) visit soon.</p>
<p>Not where fun goes to die, but certainly where fun is fun – at least, in my opinion. The "fun" at U of C consists of intellectual conversations and socializing in low-key settings with some of the brightest UGs you'll meet.</p>
<p>Trust me, I love a deep intellectual discussion with my friends but I don't want my social life to revolve around debates about Socrates. I'm sure you'll be able to find your niche at UChicago but the student body as a whole does not seem to be very balanced. </p>
<p>I thought about applying but decided against it. Believe it or not, I prefer it to Northwestern, even though Northwestern students seem to better with having a more "balanced" college experience.</p>
<p>Chicago is truly a very intellectual institution with very impressive academics, especially in econ and physics departments. But, it is not the school for everyone. If you prefer a school with great academics and good social life, Northwestern is much better than UChicago (in chicago). Also, the area in which the university resides is not an ideal place to be for the typical college students.</p>
<p>gah, I want very badly to follow BobbyJan's directive for the sake of a more "natural" conversation, but I'll just say that it's amusing for me, a current student, to read what you all think my school is like. </p>
<p>--As for Chicago not being right for everybody, I think that's right on the money. However, I do think a lot of people who don't think of themselves as potential U of C-ers would actually do quite well here. Most students at top universities like academics and are good at them too. I would say those, plus the desire to be kicked around a little, and the ability to de-emphasize your grades and focus on learning and self-growth, are the basic pre-reqs for being a U of C kid. You have to want it, or at least think you want it. If that's the situation you're in, there's nothing better than being here.</p>
<p>--In terms of intellectual discussions 24/7? Most of the times we're discussing more pressing issues, like who's organizing the next liquor run and why the house microwave isn't functioning properly. Yes, you will also have conversations about linguistics, philosophy, Shakespeare, politics, and non-dairy creamer, but it's integrated into what you folks call "normal" conversation.</p>
<p>--Is this really where fun comes to die? If it really were, why would we put it on t-shirts and sell it to ourselves at exorbitant prices? If it really were, than why do I always parties and events to go to? It is, amazingly, what most people think of when they think of the school. At the same token, we're definitely not a raging party/drinking school.... but believe me, there's enough social life to go around that nobody is sitting alone in their room who doesn't want to.</p>
<p>-- Neighborhood? The immediate neighborhood (Hyde Park) is charming and lovely in a very particular way. Beautiful homes, lacking in retail and general stuff to do that's not coffee, books, or Thai food. The not-so-immediate neighborhood (Woodlawn, Englewood, etc.) leaves something to be desired. Campus is as safe as it can be, though, and as long as you take safety precautions (i.e. going out alone at night inebriated, with your headphones on, and to a deserted alley is not a good idea) you'll be fine.</p>