The University of Chicago

The University of Chicago has a wonderful faculty and resources. My peers were equally amazing. I would not trade my experience at U of C for any other graduate program.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

I majored in Classics at theUniversity of Chicago, and it was wonderful. Students should especially take advantage of the core -- don't be lazy. Take classes from the most demanding professors you can find. Take HBC and Western Civ. The professors are, for the most part, incredibly enthusiastic about teaching undergrads, and will go out of their way for a dedicated and interested students. The writing and thinking skills that you will gain will enable you to succeed at ANYTHING in the future. The late-night dorm discussions of great books are a must. While the U of C is not by ANY definition a "party school", if you love to read, write, think and argue, it is a PARADISE.

The social life tends more towards discussion, eating, visiting museums, operas and symphonies than frat parties, and it is a GOOD thing. Campus is only about 15 - 20 minutes by public transportation from downtown Chicago. China town is easily accessible, as is the North Side.

Hyde Park has EXCELLENT bookstores and pretty decent resteraunts. 55th street is a Thai food paradise.

If you enjoy the life of the mind, you will be in heaven at the U of C!

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

Among my fondest memories of the UofC is the night two of my friends nearly came to blows when a conversation about tax policy turned into a heated argument over Aristotle's ethics. Very few other schools force a passion for ideas and for learning the way Chicago does. Ancient thoughts and great thinkers matter. Students and faculty expect you to be able to ground your opinion in the larger schemes and traditions of thought. Comments without such grounding rarely escape without punishment.

This means that Chicago is not for everyone (indeed not for most people). Attending the college requires a committment beyond doing the required reading and making a decent effort on papers and tests. To enjoy one's time there, one must accept the basic tenet that ideas matter. If you are interested primarily in finding a job, don't waste your time. If you already know exactly what you want to do and don't have any interest in anything else, don't waste your money.

My education has served me well. I'm in a top 5 PhD program now and it is much, much easier than my undergrad. Other students in my cohort know I'm from Chicago and are intimidated by that. Professors in my department accord me more respect because of it.

My biggest problem is now that I'm not in Hyde Park (which is as dangerous as any city neighborhood but far safer than I was led to believe before I moved there) is missing the intellectual community there. I live in a large, respected college town but can not find near the degree of stimulation intellectually that Chicago offers. I am unable to relate on a fundemental level to the college experiences of my peers here. I think my education far more valuable than theirs. While most are technically competant, they lack the wider perspective Chicago gave me.One final piece of advice, try to find a copy of the Collected Aims of Education Addresses printed by the UofC Press (I know its available at the Seminary Co-op bookstore). They tell the story of what Chicago tries to be, and often is, all about

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000