University of Chicago
- Paschar
- Mar 18
- 4 min read
* This article is based on firsthand accounts from current students, alumni, and official university-provided information. The University of Chicago (often known as UChicago) is famously academic, even humorously referred to as "the place where fun comes to die."
Unlike typical American universities that emphasize diverse campus experiences, UChicago is widely recognized as a haven for true intellectuals—and the reputation holds true. Traditionally, students here are exceptionally academically driven, not just excelling in AP courses or standardized tests, but often demonstrating remarkable achievements in specialized fields, research, or major competitions.
However, UChicago has recently made efforts to shed its overly academic image, investing significantly in dorms and athletic facilities, and aggressively recruiting students. Notably, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was among the first elite universities to make SAT scores optional.
The unofficial motto of UChicago is "The Life of the Mind," clearly reflecting its highly intellectual atmosphere. UChicago does not support high-school-style cliques or Ivy League-like resume-building. Instead, it strongly emphasizes learning for its own sake.
"The academic atmosphere extends beyond the classroom, and most people like it that way."
Current UChicago student
Yet, recognizing that intellectual rigor alone can't define a university in the 21st century, UChicago has modernized its core curriculum, expanded study abroad programs, career advising, and facility upgrades. As a result, applications have tripled since 2005.
UChicago의 합격율은 최근들어 급격하게 떨어져왔습니다. 학교 측에서도 많은 지원자를 받기 위해 노력을 많이
했다는 증거이기도 합니다.
Located in Hyde Park on Chicago’s South Side, UChicago shares proximity to Lake Michigan with Northwestern University. The surrounding Hyde Park neighborhood is intellectually vibrant, home to over two-thirds of UChicago’s faculty.
UChicago Main Quadrangle
The campus is architecturally impressive, with a gray Gothic main quadrangle and buildings designed by notable architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, Eero Saarinen, and Mies van der Rohe. Regenstein Library—lovingly called "The Reg" by students—is a campus landmark.
Joseph Regenstein Library (Reg)
Historically renowned for graduate programs, UChicago's undergraduate college now ranks among the best, regularly compared to Stanford, Harvard, Princeton, and Yale. The university maintains a strong commitment to liberal arts, valuing theory and humanities education as foundational for successful careers and lives.
UChicago’s core curriculum requires all students, regardless of major, to take calculus—even music students. Approximately 18 of the 42 courses needed to graduate are mandatory core courses, making it arguably the most extensive core curriculum in the U.S.
The core includes mathematics, sciences, humanities, social sciences, civilization studies, and mandatory writing courses. The academic year is organized into quarters, each lasting ten weeks, which allows for diverse course offerings but also creates an intense workload.
"With an intense workload, it is important to practice time management in order to succeed. Once you get into the swing of things, however, everything is manageable (though still intense)."
A senior at UChicago
Seniors often undertake substantial final-year projects. Over 80% of courses have fewer than 20 students and are taught by renowned professors, including Nobel Laureates and Guggenheim Fellows. The economics department alone boasts multiple Nobel Laureates.
The list of Nobel Laureates in Economics at UChicago
"Professors expect your work to be completed at a very high level, which causes some assignments to take longer than they would somewhere else."
A Mathematics major at UChicago
Apart from economics, other popular majors include biology, English, political science, and mathematics. The university also excels in interdisciplinary and area studies programs, covering regions like East Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East.
Exceptional students can enter accelerated programs such as the Accelerated Medical Scholars Program, allowing them to begin medical school coursework in their senior year.
Given its research-oriented focus, many students engage in research projects or internships before graduation through programs like the Metcalf Internship Program, offering exclusive internships at places such as Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab.
"What brings together the student body is a love for learning and maybe just a bit of geekiness, whether that comes from a love of Plato or an obsession with The Big Bang Theory."
A junior at UChicago
About 69% of students come from outside Illinois, including many from academically competitive East Coast backgrounds. UChicago has notable ethnic diversity (18% Asian American, 13% Hispanic, 5% African American, 6% multiracial), and students are vocal about their political beliefs—sometimes to the point of tension.
"It would be nice if there was a less hostile political climate on campus."
A current UChicago student
UChicago firmly supports freedom of speech and expression, often prioritizing open dialogue over political correctness.
About 54% of students live in campus housing, with many upperclassmen choosing affordable, attractive off-campus apartments in Hyde Park. All first-year students reside in university "Houses," fostering friendly competitions reminiscent of Hogwarts.
Social and extracurricular life at UChicago is diverse and vibrant:
"There is always some sort of event going on around campus, be it a theater performance or an a cappella show, but the city of Chicago is the backyard for UChicago, and students are always exploring it."
A current UChicago student
UChicago's a cappella groups rank among America’s finest, and students frequently enjoy Chicago's museums, world-class symphony, improv comedy scene, sports, clubs, bars, and restaurants—offering experiences rivaling New York City.
Tradition is deeply valued. Freshmen undergo "O-Week," a weeklong orientation dating back to 1934. Winter broomball games at Midway and spring scavenger hunts are just a few unique traditions.
Despite humorously self-identifying as "where fun comes to die," today's UChicago students are increasingly social and engaged in campus activities. Playfully labeled as "Ivy League orphans," those without traditional Ivy-style extracurricular achievements find a unique and welcoming culture at UChicago.
Acceptance Rate: 7.3%
Top 10% of high school class: 98%
Top 10% of high school class: 100%
SAT Math Scores 25th percentile - 750
SAT Math Scores 75th percentile - 800
SAT English Scores 25th percentile - 720
SAT English Scores 75th percentile - 770
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