University of Chicago: The pros, the cons, and how to get in.

The best way to get into a highly-selective college like UChicago is to understand what makes that university unique -- academically, culturally, socially -- and then to tailor your application so it seems like it's the "perfect match" for your past accomplishments and future goals. Top universities aren't just looking for great candidates; they're specifically looking for candidates who are uniquely poised to take advantage of the distinct programs and opportunities that the school has to offer -- in other words, things you can't find anywhere else.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 UChicago Intro
01:07 UChicago's Common Core
03:01 The Pros of UChicago
06:02 The Cons of UChicago
09:19 How to Get into UChicago
Questions or inquires? Email me at [e-mail]

[@viewfromthehillswift6979]

I'm a graduate of UChicago and am now retired and live in Hyde Park. This video greatly overplays the crime in the neighborhood. It's an urban setting and street crime happens, but it's not something I think about a lot as I walk around. Makes me wonder if the man has ever been here. As to the weather, I suspect the man lives in California. It's not the North Pole here.

[@IvyAdmissionHelp]

I appreciate your comments. And many students I've talked with share your undying love for the university and the city of Chicago in general. But statistically speaking, Hyde Park is a very dangerous area. We can't dismiss the crime rate on and around campus, or the fact that the university employs one of the largest private police forces in the nation. Why do you suppose they would do that if not for the out-of-control crime? Feeling safe is different from actually being safe. And I think the cold Chicago winters speak for themselves.

[@FarahS.]

@@IvyAdmissionHelp​​⁠​⁠ Probably a University representative… having studied there myself, I know how the University covers up crime out and ON campus, especially when done by their own students themselves.

[@bonsica]

Great review. Thank you. My son attends UChicago and absolutely loves it. He feels it has been the best 3 years of his life so far. Great friends, challenges, and amazing learning opportunities. Might not be a school for everyone, but if you like intellectual challenges and are not afraid of thinking on your own, it might end up being the best fit for you.

[@IvyAdmissionHelp]

Thanks for sharing!

[@RED-xn1mh]

If I am interested in physics like string theory and computer science like game programming, how can I decide between brown and UChicago

[@aartirawat4306]

Extremely helpful video. Requesting you to please make a video about Swarthmore especially Economics division

[@IvyAdmissionHelp]

I plan on releasing a series of upcoming videos about the Little Ivies in the new few months.

[@alecabbasi9421]

I was just admitted to UChicago and I’m super excited to head there this fall, but I definitely think the essays were the main reason for my admission, and they’re taking into account far more than at almost any other school.

[@IvyAdmissionHelp]

I agree. The essays on the UC application are critical to their admissions process. Congratulations!

[@hummingbirdcoins6392]

As usual, great and specific comments. I think my daughter (who is a junior in high school) would be a good fit there, but I don’t want her burdened with uber-rigorous class work. Her first choice now is Northwestern. Will you be doing a similar video about them?

[@IvyAdmissionHelp]

Funny you should ask. My Northwestern video will be out in the next few days. Northwestern offers a much healthier work-life balance, a better social scene, a much safer neighborhood, and the same access to Chicago. It does have a fairly strong "hustle" culture, however, which I'll explain in more detail in the video.

[@hummingbirdcoins6392]

@@IvyAdmissionHelp looking forward to it. I think her “kindred spirits” might go to places like UChicago or Brown, but Northwestern felt right for the reasons you mentioned. The “hustle culture” is a new one, so I’m looking forward to that.

[@fcsolis]

UChicago is where I want my son to go to college. I hope he gets admitted and decides to study there. Thank you.

[@IvyAdmissionHelp]

Glad you liked it.

[@chowdogchowdog2923]

i want to get a second bachelors from univ of chicago just out of pride.

[@Sailor-boat]

Could you determine whether why I’ve got rejected from Chicago if I share my info?

[@IvyAdmissionHelp]

I might be able to offer some ideas. You can email me directly.

[@JohnVKaravitis]

The worst college to be in. It's like being in prison for four years. Assuming you can graduate in four years. Terrible instructors who look at undergrads as welcome mats, and USELESS advisors and adminsitrative staff. Also, anyone who willingly goes to a place that STILL, after all these decades, practices "grade deflation," when every other college else goes the other way, is a fool, and will leanr their lesson when it comes to finding a decent job or getting into a PhD program. Plus, this guy admits that the school attracts koo-koos. Add to that the boring campus, surrounded by "the Hood," and you've got a recipe for destroying your own life. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

[@IvyAdmissionHelp]

I appreciate your perspective. But many students love their experience at UChicago. And it remains, without a doubt, one of the top-ranked universities in the country.

[@JohnVKaravitis]

​@IvyAdmissionHelp 60% of graduates of the college would NOT want their children to go there. I look to a statistic like that rather than some "opinion poll" that the U of C purchased.

[@shadowmt6735]

good advice! My kid didn't apply to UChicago because of its quirky essays and unsafe setting. Do you have JHU review?

[@IvyAdmissionHelp]

I will be doing a Johns Hopkins review shortly. Be aware that Johns Hopkins is located in Baltimore, which is not much safer than Chicago.