University of Chicago Top Questions

To quote the writter, revolutionary Ram Dass, "Be Here Now". Which still today I havn't fully embodied this way of life, but I know its power. I don't regret my senor year in high, though I am a drop out. I was proposed a situation to summit or rebel, I rebeled. I was acussed of hacking into my high schools web site and posting pornografy to the home page, which I never did I'd like to add. At the time life seemed full of possibilities. I had life by the short and curly. I was working full time living on my own. Getting good grades, even taking Italian courses at the local community collage. I hastily made a grand scene in the principles office with curse words flying as well as books. I felt there was nothing I could say or do to change my path in life. So I left, dropped out as they call it. Since that day I have had to work twice or three times as hard to make my way. So I say to Abaris at any age, especially the one that recklasly abandanded his future at 17, be here now!

As a high school senior, I was excited about the opportunity ahead of me. I was looking forward to living on campus, taking classes with renowned professors, and making new friends. At the same time, I was feeling nostalgic. I was sad about leaving behind a school that had become home for four years, separating from great friends, and worried about the independence that comes with college. Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to open myself up to the possibilities and opportunities available. I would say to not be afraid to try new things and put yourself out there. Treasure the memories and experiences that you have every day and learn from them. Do not be afraid to leave a safe space and separate from friends because you can create a new space in college and friends will remain in touch if there is an effort on both parts. I would tell myself to join in on different activities and as tired as you are, get up early and exercise as it is a good start to the day. Lastly, because you have a big meal plan, treat more people to lunch.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself during my senior year, I would tell myself to cherish the time I have with my friends, family, and my little town. Going out of state for college has made me realize that we cannot take the people who love us for granted. I have a newfound appreciation for my quiet, little home town that I was constantly trying to break away from. I would tell myself, "things won't be the same when you leave this place. Love everyone as much as you can before you're far away." I would tell myself that college is the most exciting experience of my life, but also to take every opportunity to make memories with the people you grew up with before things change. I would tell myself as a senior that the people at this college will change your view of the world and to embrace that change. I would say above all, however, that no matter where you are going, remember where you come from and keep it in your heart.

If I had the opportunity to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself the importance of living a balanced college life. I eventually discovered this on my own, but if I had known this from the beginning, my transition to college life at the University of Chicago would have been a lot smoother. For one, make use of your time. Procrastination does not translate into college life. You have strict deadlines for multiple projects, exams, and papers. Therefore, budgeting your time will help you avoid extra stress, ensure that you do well on your assignments, and reward you with an understanding of the concepts you are studying. Of course, it is crucial to leave time for yourself and personal matters. However, you can still be productive academically outside of the classroom. Get involved in student organizations that are of interest to you. Explore fields of study that you have little prior knowledge on. Do not shy away from talking to different students or professors. Outside sources to learning are valuable. You will be surprised how much your interests and perspectives will develop once you open yourself up to something outside of your definition of normal.

Apply to a few schools - 4 at most. Don't apply to schools based on their ranking; GO to the campus and experience the people and then decide! Theres'a good chance if you get bad vibes from the students on campus during your visit, you won't end up loving your education there as much as you might. Don't discount a school just because it's not one of the top 10 in the nation. Don't get into a serious, long-term relationship, especially not with anyone who makes you feel inferior to them. It makes everything harder; especially when you then are faced with finals, a breakup and a flu. Don't ignore your social life; destressing is just as important as studying. Don't worry about taking the easier courses. No one is going to look to make sure you took all the honors courses that you could. Don't feel stupid in a class; if you're having trouble, everyone is probably having trouble, and that's the truth! And last but not least...don't worry about your GPA. College is different than high school. Take math courses, because you'll need them.

Actually there is nothing. I feel my high school prepared me well for the academic world of The University of Chicago.

I've done a lot of thinking in the past months--not idle musing, but actual, deep, conscious thinking--because my studies are so interesting. My classes have required me to write a lot, which I don't love but I know is good for my intellectual development. I love being around so many intelligent people who are all so passionate about learning new things. The friends I have made here are so fabulous; I love the niche I've made for myself. I don't plan to go to graduate school (at least not immediately after graduation), but even still, if I don't use the specific knowledge I've gained here, I've gained valuable writing skills and developed unique ways of looking at problems that will be applicable, I am sure, to the rest of my life.

So far,I have learn to live,eat and clean with others.

I haven't gotten to college yet as I'm an incoming freshman, but my college visit was valuable as I was able to experience the feeling of walking through the college campus and being able to imagine myself there in the fall as an attendee. I also got to find out more about what students at UChicago are like from the tour guide who seemed to be everything I admire in a person: successful, interesting, and strong. She also obviously had a thirst for knowledge as she told us about her research on UChicago and taught us some of the more quirky maybe-facts about the school (Indiana Jones was apparently based off of a UChic professor!) I loved the idea of going there from that visit, and that motivated me to apply and write a compelling essay.

I graduated High Scool in 1984, and I've had a great life since then, until 2006 when I was disabled due to an injury at work. Now it's 2010 and I am a second semester freshman, I am majoring in Information Management with an emphasis on Web Design/Library Sciences. In the two semesters I have attended school I've learned to again appreciate the basics of learning. In the short period that I have been back to school I realized that I should have done this 25 years ago, and not waited until a life altering event made me do it. Everyone at school has gone out of their way to make learning fun, I have gotten so excited about school I actually lead a study group for my Humanities class this semester, and was proud of the fact that I made Dean's List for my 1st semester. My life has been forever changed by going back to school, and even attending a simple community college like I am, once you start you'll truelly enjoy it.