University of Chicago Top Questions

College is often seen as simply the next logical step in one's life after high school. Because of this, too many people (myself included) go to college unprepared for what they are about to experience. I, personally, have struggled with academic performance, motivation, and direction while here, and have seen others do the same who rushed to go to college because it was the "thing to do" after high school. Do NOT make my mistake. If you need or want time to think about where your life is taking you after high school, take it. Know what you want out of college before you apply. Don't go to college because it looks fun on TV and all your friends are doing it. Think carefully about what you want those four or five years to be (and mean) to you. Why are you going to college? Please, know the answer to that before you go. And if the answer is "to have fun," then for heaven's sake don't go to the University of Chicago.

I thin that the University of Chicago is a great place. That being said, there are numerous excellent places out there. Recently, there's been an over-emphasis on finding a "fit" in terms of college. I sincerely believe that there are numerous places that would allow for a fantastic experience, and it's far more important to make the most of the opportunities at each place rather than find the perfect match.

I would strongly advise both parents and students to remain calm; the process is neither as painful nor as difficult as pricey, private counselors and tutors would have you believe. You can find a college that fits you, and if you make a mistake, you can always transfer. Just relax.

Visit the school you want to attend several times on different days and during different seasons so that you get a better feel for what the college is like. When you get to school, really try to emerge yourself - don't think about your family or how much better you liked your friends from home; if you think like that then you are going to be miserable. Even if the school is way out of your budget, go anyway because there's always loans and school loans aren't all that bad; I'm going to be in debt at least $75,000 but I'll figure something out!

Try to visit and stay at the school over night. Sit in on classes and talk to students without mentioning you are not a student...

Go somewhere that has hot girls

Forget all your expectations.

Don't take advice from anyone who tries to tell you what is "best" for you. Decide for yourself what is most important to you: do you want to learn a lot? do you want to make lifelong friendships? do you want to become the best director, architect, or engineer ever? or do you want to just relax, enjoy your youth, and find your path? Schools will try to tell you that they will provide you with opportunities to do all of these things, but the fact is, some schools will definitely do better than others at the things that you care about. After all, every school does have a slightly different environment. Sometimes thoroughly researching the school can tell you something about its environment, but the fact is there is no better way to get a sense of the vibe than visiting a school yourself. So, first of all, decide what you want, and then go look for it. Finally, don't fret! More often than not, people don't end up where they expect for college. At the end of the day, college is what you make of it. Not the school that you went to.

A poll for college applicants: How many times have you said this? a."My grades/SAT score/extracurriculars are no good; I'll never get accepted." b."I MUST get into the University of X, or the world will surely end. " c."Hallelujah, I'm accepted, my problems are over." The mindset is easy to slip into. With so many colleges, how to decide? You're eighteen and you're being thrown at the rest of your life headfirst. No wonder students fixate on test scores and ratings. The college application process really doesn?t make any sense until you're at college, by which point it's too late. But the truth is that, ultimately, your education is subjective . Getting into a top university won't solve your problems. High scores aren't the key to the rest of your life. Don't get so wrapped up that you lose track of the essential thing: at graduation, when you're stepping out with that degree, the name of the school matters less than the personal resources you put into it. Wherever you end up, remember to invest in yourself, your friendships, your experience - and you'll turn out OK.

My only advise would be to find a school that you really enjoy, especially for undergrad. If you enjoy yourself, you'll do better than if you have suffur through the classes and social evirons of the school you picked.