<p>Committee on Social Thought (four fields)</p>
<p>Ooh, interesting. But not at all what I'm doing. Thanks anyway; carry on with the regularly scheduled discussion. :)</p>
<p>Silverwave-z:Here's some information on dance opportunities at U of C.
<a href="http://uballet.uchicago.edu/resources.html%5B/url%5D">http://uballet.uchicago.edu/resources.html</a></p>
<p>There is a thriving dance scene in Chicago, although Hyde Park is 20-30 minutes by bus from the center of things. If you are looking for high-quality dance classes, you can find them.</p>
<p>My vote is to definitely visit Chicago as soon as possible..... the Univ of Chicago is a school for kids that love to learn...and that does not preempt a love for life...Chicago is a vibrant city and you will thrive there as much as you would in NYC.....you will benefit greatly from seeing the U of C for yourself..... then you will know what you want to choose... </p>
<p>it is too late for cramming for the IB exams... you will do fine on the exams because you already have the education behind you... thank your father for the offer of a trip to Chicago..... I sense he knows you are very interested in Chicago....and wants you to have all the information you need to make the right choice. The trip is a gift from your dad to you. Excellent!!</p>
<p>Ahhh conflicting advice....</p>
<p>But mini, "(But having been a grad student at UChicago, and taught undergrads, I'd go to Barnard - especially since I'm a guy!" --> explain this please.</p>
<p>midwesterner, thanks for that site :) fab!!</p>
<p>maineparent - Yes, I'm very thankful to my dad.. :) Oh btw, what do you consider cramming?</p>
<p>You love New York; I hated the Chicago Bantustan. That, and the weather, should be enough!</p>
<p>You're also, I note, from Singapore. What an amazing thing to be able to do - to spend four years in New York City! (Of course, I grew up there, and used my college applications to plot an escape!)</p>
<p>You'll find terrific academics at both places, with fine faculty, and great resources. Follow your heart.</p>
<p>Cramming... you mentioned not taking the trip to Chicago due to IB exams coming up.... to me that means you want to spend extra time studying and preparing... at this stage of the game, I think you probably are fairly well prepared....and the best investment of you time would be to travel and see U of C vs extra studying... not sure how much the IB exams will change if you study for 12 extra days or 15... so I guess I view it as an invalid objection to taking the trip... I think you need to see Chicago more than you need to do extra studying, or cramming for the exams. </p>
<p>But, I have not lived in Singapore....I have not lived in NY or in Chicago...so, there are a few other voices that have more pertinent information besides my gut about U of Chicago...... </p>
<p>best wishes....</p>
<p>Chicago is a fabulous city!! It is certainly very different from NYC--but friendly, interesting and yes the art options are excellent. (I did grad work at Northwestern and vastly preferred the UC campus--also took some classes at Chicago that were outstanding). Best of all is you get a classic campus that has it's own non-urban qualities. If you really want to go to school in an urbanscape , then maybe Barnard. But if you want an interesting, creative, one-of-a-kind place UC is a great choice and would be where I would go or send my kid....</p>
<p>Thank you so much mini, maineparent and mmaah.
I will definitely visit Chicago... and try really hard to fit in Barnard.
I think this is the only way for me to be able to make a right decision for myself. I think once I go, I'll know.
I think whatever I choose, it won't be a bad decision... from what I hear, both sound amazing.
I guess it's just down to... how bad do I want NYC... and how crucial is it in terms of overall happiness to be going to a school "where all fun dies" (and how true/exaggerated is this..)
Do you think I'll be able to tell what the atmosphere is like at Chicago if I got on a friday-saturday? And will I just "know" if it's meant for me?</p>
<p>You can't be sure, but you'll certainly know "more". Chicago is one of the schools tilted toward one of the extremes (as you already know.) So I think it is actually easier to get a feel there than it would be at a lot of other places. Good luck!</p>
<p>Update: I will NOT be able to visit Chicago. We checked the flights and everything and it is just not feasible. It would one incredibly crazy and hectic trip to make.. in terms of going over a weekend and also it's crazily expensive.</p>
<p>Anyway.. yeh.. so I have to make my decision without visiting.</p>
<p>Two great choices, two great but different cities, two great but different schools. Sorry, Silver, that's a toughie...there's no one "right" answer and too much of this particular choice is due to individual chemistry. I'd probably choose Chicago; were it my D's choice, she'd probably choose Barnard. </p>
<p>Barnard is probably more nurturing and the Dance department is terrific. Chicago students as a whole are probably quirkier, more intense, and more intellectual, Barnard being more rounded in contrast. Two sesterces worth.</p>
<p>Now this word "quirky"... that's something that just confuses me even more.
I know the definition of "quirky" and I can pinpoint someone who is quirky.. and I know that I'm definitely very unique, creative and not so 'normal' perse... but I just don't know if I'm the "Chicago quirk"... And I can't put a finger on what Chicago quirky is... does anyone know?</p>
<p>UC "quirky"=imaginative, creative, intense, wacky intellectual humor, love of irony, parody, depth, traditions, passion for all the interesting CONNECTIONs there are if you look closely at life. UC students are deeply intellectual and yet not full of themselves about it. I guess that is what I love--it is a rich academic setting but doesn't go on about being "elite" or exclusive in tiresome ways. There is a proud liberal tradition (including a better record than many institutions on attitudes about race/ethnicity/quotas). </p>
<p>I am not impartial since my parents met at UC after the war, my aunt was a music librarian there, I chose to be married in Bond Chapel (even though I went to Northwestern (grad school). The campus quadrangle has that Oxford aura--but you can walk to Lake Michigan or take the South Shore train into Chicago. My kid didn't want snow or a big school--but if he'd gone for it I'd have been jazzed (also good in Chicago) for him to go. Also good dance in Chicago; don't know what UC itself offers. </p>
<p>Get on line and see what views you can get of the campus.
I've never been in Singapore and so can't make a comparison. But my guess is that NYC is more similar so maybe you should think about whether you want contrast (Chicago)--or some familiarity. I'm sure better travelled parents can give you some data on that. good luck!</p>
<p>mmaah, I've been to NYC, and Singapore is NOTHING like NYC.
Whether I go to NYC or Chicago, it'll still be a new thing for me.. a complete change.</p>
<p>I think I've drained everyone for advice and opinions now.. Thank you all very much. I really appreciate it.
I think I'll just have to quietly think about it and make up my own mind, even if I do have to cry some more.. :(</p>
<p>Thank you again for your time.</p>
<p>Silver_wavez,
considerable congratulations on rebounding from the (completely forgotten) Columbia ED events and on your very fine acceptances. Having spent much time in Singapore (the only city even close is Disneyworld!), Chicago and NY, I would say the location should be pretty much a "wash" for you, unless you are extremely wind-averse. Honestly, both are fine, big American cities. </p>
<p>As for the word "quirky"- I would say that it is mostly used in the context of defining individuals who are less consumed with "norms and fashions" than another person might be. They would walk to their own drummer a bit more, and be regarded by others as having unique personalities. In this context, it is a good thing to be quirky, many of us feel it is always a good thing! That said, I have no idea if the students at UC are any more or less quirky than those at Barnard! I would guess both have their fair share of "individualists." I am sure you know plenty of Americans, but keep in mind that any school you go to in the US is going to be very different than your school in Singapore (moreso if you are not at an International school) in terms of the social make up,student population etc.... </p>
<p>Your decision should be made entirely on the nature of the school programs and academics and what best meets your needs, in my opinion. The locations are irrelevant, the students probably similar enough. Of course, SQ and now Thai Airways do have those nifty non-stop flights to NY!! Good luck with your decision making.</p>
<p>silver_wavez, We live in Asia too and as former New Yorkers can fully understand your enthusiasm for NYC! Several of my son's high school friends go to Barnard (he's an occasional overnighter on their floor). They are both American and Asian girls and they're REALLY loving their Barnard experience. I was a little worried about them being so far from home in such a fast paced environment, but they are all thriving. I wouldn't exactly call the college nurturing but the girls take care of each other. They all take classes at Columbia, but they are NOT Columbia-wanna-be's. They are very proud to be at Barnard. There is no shortage of men in NYC.</p>
<p>I'd say the choice between Chicago and Barnard is tough one, especially without the benefit of seeing the Chicago campus and environs. I'm originally from the Midwest, but I haven't spent enough time in Chicago to give you a direct comparison. I think it would help if you asked someone to describe the differences/similarities of campus life at the two.</p>
<p>To me, Chicago kids are more cerebral; Barnard girls more vibrant and extroverted. I'd give Chicago the edge in quality of education (meaning intellectual intensity and rigor) as well as in prestige, but Barnard is also academically well respected. Both have fine humanities departments, but Barnard's access to New York is an unmistakable advantage. A very close call in any case. </p>
<p>Don't over-stress. You still have a few weeks to mull this over. If Wesleyan comes through then you've have to find a three-sided coin.</p>
<p>robyrm,</p>
<p>"Having spent much time in Singapore (the only city even close is Disneyworld!)"- That is actually a brilliant analogy! LOL!!! I could never everrrr compare or liken Singapore to any other city I have ever been to.. and I have travelled a lot.. so yes I always knew how unique the bubble of Singapore is... BUT YESS... hahaa Singapore really is like Disneyworldd!!!!!!</p>
<p>Anyway, back to the subject on hand, I am at the biggest international school here and I don't think fitting in and making friends is a big issue for me.
I hope the Barnard girls are just as "quirky"/unique as the Chicago students are made out to be.
I definitely think I'm unique lol and quirky weird hehe.
And yes I loveeee the SQ non stop to NYC 18 hour flight!!!
Flying to Chicago is a little more tricky... a 6/7 hour flight to Seoul then another 18 hour ish flight to Chicago.. eek.
But I'm from Seoul so doesn't matter too much.. I just love that non stop NYC flight :)</p>
<p>momrath, where abouts in Asia are you at? And are you originally from NY? Where does your son go to school?
I'm really not worried about being away from home or being in the hustle bustle of NYC - that is what I love.. and I NEED to get away from home lol.. And being an only child I'm really independent and outgoing. The thing I like about Barnard though, is that it's nurturing and very supportive - so when I am feeling homesick, I will be getting a lot of love and care.. I've heard that Barnard is really motherly.
And I really don't want to be the so-called Columbia wannabe, even if that was where I wanted to be and applied ED.</p>
<p>Visiting Chicago before the May 1st deadline is really not an option for me.. it's just too time consuming and expensive.
And I've always wanted to go to school on the east coast - specifically in NYC.. so I guess Chicago is a little out of the way ... but I like change and I'm sure I'll love Chicago too... (Sorry if I'm going around in circles... I promise after a few more posts I'll completely drop this lol)</p>
<p>I think I'm more vibrant and extroverted than 'cerebral' perse..(and I am a feminist not a overbearing strong one but yeh I'm definitely feminist.. and a writer and artist who isn't afraid to voice an opinion).
Wesleyan, being in CT, was never an actual option for me and also I got waitlisted today, so now I won't even need to think about it, thank the lord. The only other school that mayyyy compete a little is NYU, but I visited and didn't like it.. and I don't want a 3-sided coin at this point.</p>
<p>If the ONLY REASON I PERSONALLY want to go to Chicago is the following.... do you think that's enough of a reason to go to Chicago?</p>
<p>Ok, so the ONLY REASON FOR ME to want to go to U of Chicago is that it excites me.. it really does. The thought of learning in an environment like that.... everything I said in my Chicago essays.. Those are the reasons why I'd go to Chicago.
I think my mind will realllyyyy be stimulated and I'll really be challenged there.. and pushed forward..
And when I graduate from Chicago, I'll be like WOWWW that was sooo worth it.
And this is the image I have in my mind... my brain just doubling in size at Chicago.. and that thought.. it really excites me - and this is the geek inside of me.
And I'll feel like I've really made a huge accomplishment when I graduate.. I'll just be so proud of myself for going through that.
So, for ME, this is one of the very FEW reasons why I'd choose Chicago over Barnard... Otherwise Barnard is rather undefeatable.</p>
<p>Actually if any of you lovely parents would care to read my Chicago essays to see if it'd actually be a place for me..(I know you may not be an expert of UC, but just from your gut feeling).. please pm me.</p>
<p>I'm just gonna forget the reasons why ANYONE ELSE wants me to go to Chicago.. cus it's all about prestige/name etc.. which quite frankly doesn't concern me so much.</p>
<p>Thank you parents :) I'm glad you come on here - it's awesome!</p>
<p>"Oh, btw, I want to major in English literature and Art History (I am 90% sure)."</p>
<p>To me, this would favor Barnard. And there are plenty of guys in NYC.</p>
<p>Okay, s_wavez, I've thought it over and despite not knowing you or much about you I will venture an opinion: Go to Chicago. </p>
<p>The reason is that I think that you have a yearning for a rigorously intellectual environment and that this is better served by UofC than Barnard. Access to the arts is maybe less developed than it is in the middle of NYC, but, there is a lot of cultural stimulus in Chicago and hey, NYC will be there. </p>
<p>Go with the more challenging academics. I think you'll regret if you don't. (If you change your mind, Barnard will take you as a transfer. Columbia probably would as well. And there's always grad school.)</p>
<p>In answer to your questions:
where abouts in Asia are you at? Jakarta
And are you originally from NY? Michigan, but I've lived in San Francisco, New York and Hong Kong<br>
Where does your son go to school? Williams, art history</p>