Hardworking Students

Introduction
Given that most students that would apply to the U of C are very hardworking, probably complete all of their work, and only get A's, I would advise students to learn as fast as they can that this is not possible at the U of C. You can still do relatively well and manage to have some sort of life, but there is no way you could do all of your reading and get all A's. I work my butt off and rarely go out, but I still cannot finish everything. I have a relatlively good GPA, but it is not as good as mine was in high school. It has taken me a long time to realize that this is just the way the school works. It is possible, but very difficult and you have to learn to appreciate learning for its own sake and not get down on yourself for getting B's or not finishing everything. I chose this school because I wanted a really intellectually stimulating environment and that's exactly what it is. People are so incredibly intelligent. It is really refreshing. I wouldn't advise a student whose main goal in going to college is to get the typical "college experience" to go to the UofC. It has its fair share of parties, but I transferred here from a school that was the "typical" college experience and it is certainly not the same. People are not obsessed with going out or drinking or fashion here. It is a great place for individuals and there are friends for every kind of person. You hear a lot of rumors about the "typical" UofC student being this really nerdy, competitive, condescending jerk, but that is not the case. I have met some great people that are nice, caring, intelligent, and not snooty. It is a lot of work, but I feel like any job I could possilbly get after college could not compare to the workload and amount of stress that I have learned to cope with at the UofC.

Campus Life and Social Life
There are some great parties that people will have at their apartments that are "themed" parties and things like that, but I have never been to a party that has really similar to parties I've been to at bigger and more mainstream colleges. This is definitely not a party school. There is always something to do, but if you are are to party like crazy and in the typical college way, you will have to search a little harder. I know people that do that, but it is certainly not everyone.
I am on the tennis team, and I find this to be a great outlet and a great source of friendships for me. I really like everyone and they seem to be more "normal", balanced people. They are not all-about school or sports. Just well-rounded sweet girls.
I think the social life at the UofC is existent, but not exactly booming Academics
The core takes forever and is often difficult. Core bio. sucks, but you can usually get a good grade. I have heard that our chemistry department sucks if you want to go to med school because it is ridiculously difficult and it teaches a chemistry that is different from what is on the MCAT. I am an Human Development major, and I love it. Philosophy is great. There are so many interesting and unique classes that would never exist at other schools. The professors are usually amazingly intelligent. The school is known for their economics department, but I can't speak on that b/c I have never taken an Econ. class. Bert Cohler is great. There are some amazing English professors. I think the workload is a little excessive, but you garner respect from alumni and people who know the school's reputation. I feel sort of like I have gained a lot of respect for making it through. There is definitely a sense of commiseration between the students.

Student Body
I don't really know what the "typical" student at the University of Chicago is like. I guess the stereotypical student is really weird, but not everyone is like that. There is some guy who wears a cape to school everyday and some guy who goes barefoot all the time, and some people look like they don't shower all that often, but by no means is everyone like that. I think the majority of the students are really nice, sincere kids who work hard and help other students. I really like most people. It seems like there are a lot of redheads at our school for some reason too. Students are from all over, and most are really into particular activist activities. Lots of people volunteer and people's interests are so varied. It's a great atmosphere. :)

In Closing...
Not really. I think the school is really tough but worth it