<p>From my understanding, UChicago has historically between somewhat of a niche school -- a self-selecting group of intense intellectuals. (This is more or less the vibe I'm looking for.)
I've been interested in UChicago for a while now (I'll be a senior next year) but am concerned by the meteoric rise in applications (and not just because it will be harder for me to get in). I simply can't understand what has caused the ridiculous increase in the number of applicants. I don't buy the UChicago line that it's because they've improved their facilities and are giving better financial aid. What's your take?</p>
<p>There are a few reasons, some obvious, some not so obvious. </p>
<p>First and foremost, the adoption of the Common Application made applying much easier. If you look at other schools (like Columbia) that joined the CA not too long ago, you’ll see a similar rise in application numbers. Logically, making it easier to apply means more people will apply. </p>
<p>Second, Chicago has gone mainstream. This is a result of joining the Common Application, the often-criticized advertising campaign to prospective students (I admit, they do a great job with outreach), and reaching #4 on USNWR. It’s still an intellectual place, but its new students are not as intellectual as before. The culture is shifting. </p>
<p>See: [A</a> question of character ? The Chicago Maroon](<a href=“Saul Bellow, dead at 89 – Chicago Maroon”>Saul Bellow, dead at 89 – Chicago Maroon)</p>
<p>Third, Chicago has started to regain some of its historic “value”, and what you’re seeing is that value being realized. It’s always been a top-notch school, on par with HYP, but decades ago it diverged in the types of students it took in. HYP et al decided that it wanted students who were not only smart but also had the potential to succeed in the world, while Chicago wanted just smart students, regardless of their potential in the outside world. We know today which policy ended up being the better one. This explains why the alumni network today are so drastically different. Go ahead and compare the alumni of Chicago versus peer schools – as a whole, Chicago’s just aren’t as impressive in the real-world, but very impressive in academics. </p>
<p>Fourth, urban colleges are all the rage now, though this is a mixed catalyst for UChicago. Being so close to Chicago is great, but being so close to the South Side is not so appealing, plus considering Chicago’s bad reputation for crime and violence. </p>
<p>Better facilities, financial aid, and overall experience are part of it too. </p>
<p>Basically, it’s a “hot” school now, and depending on who you ask, may or may not be on track to its glory days.</p>
<p>In my opinion, I think it has become so popular because it has moved away from the intellectual, anti-fun, anti-athletic past it has. It is, and always will be, an intellectual place, but it now has more of the normal college experience attached to it. I never would have gone to the UChicago of the 60’s or 70’s, but I’m going there this fall.</p>
<p>I think it’s self-evident why you “never would have gone to the UChicago in the 60’s or 70’s”: You hadn’t been born yet.</p>
<p>Funny how one word makes all the difference in that sentence.</p>