<p>I ask this simply, because I know almost nothing about the school except I hear it's good, and they sent me a letter telling me to check them out. This seems to make me think they think I'm qualified.</p>
<p>So, enlighten me, please?</p>
<ol>
<li>rigorous curriculum</li>
<li>academic as opposed to pre-professional atmosphere (if that's a plus to you.)</li>
<li>excellent programs in almost all fields</li>
<li>top programs in economics, anthropology, sociology, music, mathematics, divinity, near eastern languages and civilization, ecology and evolution, and physics (off the top of my head. There may be more.)</li>
<li>access to graduate level classes</li>
<li>small class sizes</li>
<li>city of Chicago</li>
<li>excellent prep for graduate studies</li>
<li>more nerds than preps (if that's a plus)</li>
<li>Beautiful campus (aside from the Pavlesky dorm, which is truly hideous. The ginormous library hides it unless you have to live there, though.)</li>
</ol>
<p>I can give negatives if you wish. Just ask.</p>
<p>The students, in general, are all geared to have fun and work just as much. You'll probably hardly ever find yourself with nothing to do or even feeling unmotivated to do work-</p>
<p>-just my 2 cents</p>
<p>Thanks. Do you know anything more about their music programs?</p>
<p>And I suppose I would like to know the negatives too.</p>
<p>the music program- well I've heard that they are getting a new studio of some sort built in the near future. I think I read about it in the "Chronicle" some months ago, maybe back in April or May. So if that's a indicator, then someone in that dept must be doing something good.</p>
<p>Negatives- hmmmmm</p>
<p>Some would say the The Core curriculumn</p>
<p>The sight of Max P on campus</p>
<p>The unattractive student body. (this is only a myth)</p>
<p>There must me more, but I can't think of any major things off of the top of my head</p>
<p>Quick question, Can you post your stats?</p>
<p>I'm not applying this year, I'm a junior still. Eheh.</p>
<p>But I have a 3.95 GPA (can't be weighted), and a pre-ACT test and a PSAT test I took indicated I would get 33-35 on ACT and 1530ish on old SAT. I'm mostly thinking about places to consider visiting soon and whether or not I should let them send me more mail. XP.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Do you know anything more about their music programs?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>There is no performance major at Chicago. This makes sense once you understand the mission of the College. The music major itself is mostly music history and theory. Still, there are ample opportunities to perform. Check out the Music</a> Department's website for specifics.</p>
<p>Great programs I forgot: History, English, Statistics, Political science</p>
<p>Negatives:</p>
<ol>
<li>The grade inflation is relatively low, so your chance of admission to law or med school could be hurt (more so at law school. med schools understand that Chicago grades tough).</li>
<li>The school isn't well-known outside of academia. You won't be getting very many "wow" reactions if you tell people you're going to UChicago (I have gotten four, half from math teachers).</li>
<li>Chicago is pretty cold in the winter if you're not used to the midwest.</li>
<li>Hyde park isn't as bad as some make it out to be, but the area around campus isn't comparable to a college town like Ann Arbor. You have to take transit to get to the loop.</li>
<li>The core takes up a third of your courses. This is not the best set up for some people (it is a good one for me).</li>
<li>Social life is subdued (if you consider that a negative)</li>
</ol>
<p>
[quote]
but the area around campus isn't comparable to a college town like Ann Arbor.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Haha, this is a negative?</p>
<p>Actually, I don't think so. I'm not a big patron of college-town type eateries (though Moonstruck in Ann Arbor is amazing). I'm saying that Hyde Park isn't a "college town" equivalent neighborhood. Not necessarily a negative.</p>
<p>Out of curiosity, do you dislike Ann Arbor or college-towns in general? If so, why?</p>
<p>danielvojtash,</p>
<p>You list as a negative that the school isn't well-known outside of academia. This is incorrect. The school is extremely well-known and thought of very highly in the business community. </p>
<p>Those that don't know much about the school tend to be non-academic and non-business.</p>
<p>Eric Egan is what is good about the University of Chicago.</p>
<p>For most, that should be enough.</p>
<p>Academia, business, and law. Sorry.</p>