UChicago 1L Taking Questions Forum

[lgcylwyr]

Almost done with the second quarter of 1L here at UChicago. I'm available for questions if anyone has any.

[WhiteyCakes]

Almost done with the second quarter of 1L here at UChicago. I'm available for questions if anyone has any.

What are you doing this summer? On the admitted students site, it states that $5,000 in summer funding is guaranteed for PI work for 1L and 2L summers, is that really the case?

ETA: Thanks for doing this.

[lgcylwyr]

I'm doing PI work and yes it is true about the funding. All you have to do is make sure to apply for the funding by the deadlines and my understanding is that it's pretty much guaranteed.

[WhiteyCakes]

What's the quarter system like? Assuming that you had a traditional semester schedule for your undergrad, was difficult to adjust to the quarter system?

[lgcylwyr]

I did have a traditional semester system for undergrad so I think I can give some idea of the switch over. In general, I think quarters are more difficult than semesters. Exam periods are very stressful and having to do three sets of exams is certainly trying as a 1L. People always argue in favor of the quarter system by saying it's the same amount of weeks (10/10/10 vs 15/15) but you still have an extra set of exams. I don't care who you are, you can't enjoy having extra exams.

I do think UChicago does a decent job easing you into it. Only 2 exams the first quarter, 2 the second, and then 4 in the Spring (which I have heard is terrible, I'll let you know when I'm through it). Fall quarter exams were not bad. Plenty of time to study for them and all that. This quarter's exams should be more difficult (testing 20 weeks of material rather than 10).

On the whole, I cant say I love the quarter system, but you do get used to it. Also, a positive is having 2 week breaks in between quarters which I like.

[cslouisck]

How would you describe the other students? My friend in another grad programs at UChicago says it's only the undergrads who are insular and miserable, but I haven't seen much comment on the law students.

[lgcylwyr]

The students are not bad at all. I second the sentiment about the undergrads - but there are lots of normal ones too. Most people work very hard here, but I haven't met anyone who is cut throat or unfriendly. Definitely a few awkward folks, but what place doesn't have a few people like that.

[robot_socrates]

Chicago is known for their law and econ program. To what extent does economics play a role in typical 1L classes?

[Emma.]

Why you 1Ls gotta be so separatist?

(See http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 4&t=140165)

[banjo]

People on TLS make a big deal about graded vs ungraded LRW. How bad is it?

[lgcylwyr]

Chicago is known for their law and econ program. To what extent does economics play a role in typical 1L classes?

Well I think it underlies a good deal of the 1L classes. You sort of start to pick up the language after a while. But at the same time it's not like you need to know anything going in. Most of it is common sense stuff and you start to see applications in every area of law. I actually think it is a positive side the law school.

[lgcylwyr]

People on TLS make a big deal about graded vs ungraded LRW. How bad is it?

I don't really know what to say about this. I think grading sucks because everyone works insanely hard. I can only hypothesize that having ungraded LRW would have been better. So I guess I agree with the common sentiment? We still have to write a brief for spring quarter, so maybe I'll have a better opinion then.

[WhiteyCakes]

Where do you live? Do you have a car? How's the public transportation?

[lgcylwyr]

Where do you live? Do you have a car? How's the public transportation?

Regents, with a ton of other students. Public transportation to the campus is extremely easy (172). Getting downtown is also relatively easy (6 bus, or metra). The only time it gets sketchy is when there is a really bad storm (my understanding) and that hasn't really happened yet.

I don't have a car. I didn't want to pay for parking (175/mo at Regents I think) and didn't want to play the street parking game, which can suck. I have friends who do that and some days you get lucky and some days you don't. Also there are parking tickets to watch out for, 2'' snow bans (where you can get towed), and parking around the law school is hard unless you get there early.

[robot_socrates]

Chicago is known for their law and econ program. To what extent does economics play a role in typical 1L classes?

Well I think it underlies a good deal of the 1L classes. You sort of start to pick up the language after a while. But at the same time it's not like you need to know anything going in. Most of it is common sense stuff and you start to see applications in every area of law. I actually think it is a positive side the law school.

Thank you!

[lgcylwyr]

Chicago is known for their law and econ program. To what extent does economics play a role in typical 1L classes?

Well I think it underlies a good deal of the 1L classes. You sort of start to pick up the language after a while. But at the same time it's not like you need to know anything going in. Most of it is common sense stuff and you start to see applications in every area of law. I actually think it is a positive side the law school.

Thank you!

NP.

[Good Marshall]

Almost done with the second quarter of 1L here at UChicago. I'm available for questions if anyone has any.

Chicago drops the bottom portion of its class. When is the first cut? Are students constantly worried about this? How has it affected you?

[AspiringAcademic]

Chicago drops the bottom portion of its class. When is the first cut? Are students constantly worried about this? How has it affected you?

Pretty sure this isn't a thing. Sure you're asking about the right school?

[Good Marshall]

Chicago drops the bottom portion of its class. When is the first cut? Are students constantly worried about this? How has it affected you?

Pretty sure this isn't a thing. Sure you're asking about the right school?

I am not. I think I put out bad info. I checked their website again and I believe I must have misconstrued the following paragraph:

A grade of 160 or above is required for credit in a course. A student who fails a class will be contacted by the Dean of Students. A student who receives two failing final grades in any one academic year or three failing final grades during his or her period of residence at the Law School will not have maintained satisfactory academic standing. Additionally, students must attain a minimum cumulative GPA of 168 at the conclusion of each academic year to maintain satisfactory academic standing. Maintenance of satisfactory academic standing is a prerequisite to continuing study in the Law School as well as to graduating from the Law School.

It appears that you are correct: It is not a thing. I withdraw my previous question.

[lgcylwyr]

Sorry I dropped off the face of the earth the last week or so - just finished Winter quarter and needed to get some R&R.

[Rahviveh]

Any tips for staying within budget in HP, besides the obvious cooking, roommates, etc.?

[lgcylwyr]

Any tips for staying within budget in HP, besides the obvious cooking, roommates, etc.?

Sorry for taking so long to respond.

Well I don't know if I'll be giving obvious advice here, but don't live in Regents. You can save a couple thousand a year or more by living in one of the neighboring apt complexes or somewhere else in Hyde Park. You can also save money by avoiding the use of cabs (use DDs or structure your evening to use public transportation).

Another way to save money is by not buying books. I'm sure most will caution against this, but I have purchased very few books. You can scan the pages you need to read in the library or just check out a copy for a few hours before class. This could save you hundreds/thousands depending on how dedicated you are.

[jingyuan]

Hi, I have a few questions. I am not sure if there are others who have already asked, but I am really curious about them.

The first question is: Are the curricullums tight? Do you often stay late at night studying materials and doing assignments?

The second question is: Do you live in-campus or outside? What's the advantage and disadvantage living in-side or outside?

The third question is that, are there any students union or groups that for Law student to join in?

Thank you in advance! I look forward hearing from you!

[Mad Hatter]

Are the curricullums tight?

wtf is this.

[TexasAggie13]

Thanks again for doing this! I know you probably get this a lot and I'm sorry for asking it again, but how big of an issue is crime in the area? I realize its a huge city and crime will always be present to some extent, but do you feel as though it's particularly bad in the area? Have you ever had any issues?