The University of Chicago

Date: Aug 09 2008
Major: Public Policy (This Major's Salary over time)
The University of Chicago could be a pretty good experience, and it could (perhaps, more easily) be a horrific experience, depending on the people you are around and how you spend whatever spare time you may have. The only thing that I can confidently say that is good—or at least, worth it—is the academic environment. It is undeniable that this school has a good reputation for a reason, and while the core can be tedious and irritating at times, it truly does "round you out" as an intellect… If anything else, the core probably is the most helpful in that it gives you the opportunity (and TIME) to figure out what you're interested in. That way, you can be more confident about your major, and you are less likely to be pressured to declare a major ASAP.

So yeah, we can all agree the academics are great. But most UChicago students will also agree that the U of C's excellent reputation comes with an extreme downfall: lack of a quality social experience. This school requires you to work in order to really gain that proper academic experience. Of course you'll find that "easy A" professor here and there, but for the most part, you won't get away with BSing papers and exams. And if you have never experienced an "all nighter," you'll definitely know what one (or two, or three hundred) are like if you attend the University of Chicago. And because of this, you'll have a hard time getting out of Hyde Park to go to that awesome concert or play, when you have a midterm and two essays due on the next day.

In other words, this school doesn't want you to have fun. They don't want you to be normal. They want to keep you nice and safe in Hyde Park, which by the way, isn't that safe at night. A lot of surrounding communities aren't too fond of the U of C (for good reason), which causes tension between the students and the members of the Hyde Park/south side communities… Your average UChicago student will tell you not to go "there" (i.e. south of the campus). They'll say "don't use the green line, it isn't safe"… And then they'll get mugged after walking down Kenwood at midnight. You need common sense in the city of Chicago, and avoiding the south side because Papa Zimmer told you to isn't going to cut it here. Especially when you're already IN the south side.

The bottom line is, if you don't want to fall into this trap, you must avoid it. Make friends with people who will actually make your experience worthwhile, and avoid those who aren't interested in going out and doing something that doesn't relate to Marx or Durkheim. Make an effort to really be a member of the city, and not just another UChicago student. The city itself is one of the best experiences you can have, if you actually explore it.