Malformed University Name, Uncategorized Surveys
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I decided to concentrate in Statistics (Thought I was good in math -found out I wasn't that good and thus selected stats) and did a couple of internships that were provided by the College during the summers . The concentration and especially the internships helped me out in obtaining a job right after college when I decided that I was not going directly to medical school.
There are down-sides to the UofC. The UofC lives up to its name where it is the "Life of the Mind". It is a primarily theoretical school with rigorous courses. If you thought you were a big fish in your H.S., you'll be a small fish in a large pond at UofC. At times, you may feel inferior (read: dumb) in comparison to your colleagues, but don’t worry because once you graduate and return to the real world, you'll feel "smart" as ever.
If your a H.S. student looking at UofC, ask yourself: Are you looking for a real challenge? Are you looking for a rigorous academic institution that will test your mental capabilities and tax you emotionally? If so, then UofC is the place to be. If not . . .there are other fine institutions for you.
If your a UofC student wondering that you made a mistake in choosing UofC, I say hang in there. Look at internships and other programs that will help you get a good 1st job once you escape UofC.
For the most part, my professors were excellent and very approachable--almost all of them seemed to really care about their teaching and made great efforts to encourage, support, and welcome their students. There were a couple of duds but they're near retirement or have left by now. My one academic disappointment is that for my first three years there, the English Department left something to be desired, mostly because the faculty wasn't that great (in my opinion) and I had virtually no relationship with my advisor. I would be surprised if she even remembers my name or what I studied-I had her for one class, hated it, and I blame only myself for not changing. But I think my academic experience would have been much better had I been savvy enough to find someone who could give me more guidance and put a little more effort into the whole process. I know many other students who had completely great advisors. That said, there are still professors I'm in touch with, who I even consider a friend--alumni seem to keep lasting ties with their professors, invite them to their weddings, etc.
Half my academic experience came from rubbing shoulders with my peers, who are among the brightest and most engaged people I know. Every graduating class complains that things just aren't the same, the school is getting more conservative, etc. I felt the same way to a degree. Macalester definitely has a healthy contingent of yappy political reactionaries whose parents have lots of money. But it seems like pretty much any left-leaning liberal arts school has those.
I am white and I loved my school, but race was under constant discussion, and from witnessing those discussions, I know that many students of color felt alienated.
I would definitely attend again, I wish I COULD attend again, and if you're considering this vibrant, personable, supportive, and very stimulating place, I wish you all the best. Some of my best memories took place at this school.
A word about the male-female ratio: no one seems to have any trouble hooking up, and there are lots of cute guys--I didn't really notice the discrepancy but then again I only dated one person while I was there. The social scene is laid back but pretty active. Macalester students are pretty fun-loving.One more thing: the thing I liked about the place is that the workload is about as crushing as you want to make it. There are plenty of opportunities, like internships and independent projects, to stretch yourself. Lots of professors hire students to work for them during the summers (I had two such appointments). But you don't need to get unduly stressed out about academics if you don't want to. My regret is that I didn't stretch myself enough, I blew off too much, but the opportunity was definitely there if I'd taken it. For the most part, my classes were completely excellent and stimulating. And most of my friends are now at graduate school (Harvard, NYU).
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