UChicago ASW Forum

[LAguy]

The further away I get from ASW, the more I liked Chicago, and the more I'm thinking of going there. We shall see...

Since it sounds like we had similar experiences at ASW, what is making you lean back towards Chicago? I am trying to get all the advice I can and a few people think I should still go there despite the lack of "fit".

Well, I'm trying to get off of my very first impression of the law students from Bar Review, who were generally very rude about me having any other choices in my future law school. Other than that, many I've spoken with just find it to be a boring place socially and you are just competing with kids who spend all day and all night in the library.

But while I was walking on the lakeshore, I remembered how much better the city of Chicago is than my alternative. It makes more sense for me and my SO to be there. And I forgot that I used to study an insane amount (and liked it) while in ugrad. I grew up around the super competitive Asians and Jews, so I guess it might be like going back to high school.

I know what you mean, I love Chicago (especially the lake trail), although it's a bit of a haul to Downtown/Lincoln Park during 1L, or conversely, from up North down to the law school 2L/3L, especially via public transit.

And the what you mention about studying is a big deal for me, maybe even more important than personal fit. At U of C, you have all these kids who are doing literally nothing but studying because they want clerkships/academia. They set an extremely high benchmark that determines how hard the rest of the class has to study to be top 1/3 or median. Couple this with 3 exam periods instead of the usual 2, and you're in an unending stressful environment surrounded by people who live at the library. That said, if you are used to that than maybe you would be fine, for me I think it may just be too much.

If you don't mind me asking, what is the alternative you referenced?

[violaboy]

I'm also considering Penn. Penn also fits with my professional goals, but I don't think I want to live in NYC, and it seems like that's where most are placed.

[LAguy]

Yeah, I thought that it was obnoxious. And it wasn't just the first person I talked to. It was about the first fifteen. "Oh, f*%& (insert other law school)" or "Why would you EVER go to (insert other law school)? They suck!" It was just really disconcerting since I never got anything close to that at any other ASW.[/quote]


I can echo this in its entirety, towards the end of the weekend I just quit answering I was so sick the question and the negativity. Didn't encounter this anywhere else either, I think it's an emotional immaturity related to the U of C type. And hiro, this was all the time, not just the parts of the ASW where alcohol was involved.

[violaboy]

Yeah, I thought that it was obnoxious. And it wasn't just the first person I talked to. It was about the first fifteen. "Oh, f*%& (insert other law school)" or "Why would you EVER go to (insert other law school)? They suck!" It was just really disconcerting since I never got anything close to that at any other ASW.

I can echo this in its entirety, towards the end of the weekend I just quit answering I was so sick the question and the negativity. Didn't encounter this anywhere else either, I think it's an emotional immaturity related to the U of C type. And hiro, this was all the time, not just the parts of the ASW where alcohol was involved.

Yeah, by the end, I just told people that I was going between Chicago and Norway. I just dodged it so that I didn't have to hear about how horrible Penn was anymore. But again, the more I forget about all that, the more I think about how I might have a good time there, and the job prospects look better out of Chicago.

[AngryAvocado]

Yeah, I thought that it was obnoxious. And it wasn't just the first person I talked to. It was about the first fifteen. "Oh, f*%& (insert other law school)" or "Why would you EVER go to (insert other law school)? They suck!" It was just really disconcerting since I never got anything close to that at any other ASW.

I can echo this in its entirety, towards the end of the weekend I just quit answering I was so sick the question and the negativity. Didn't encounter this anywhere else either, I think it's an emotional immaturity related to the U of C type. And hiro, this was all the time, not just the parts of the ASW where alcohol was involved.

I find this interesting as I was frequently asked what other schools I was considering and never encountered any rudeness. Of course, there was the typical "Pfft, you should come to Chicago!" a few times, but it was always accompanied with a smile. Too be honest, if I didn't encounter a bit of that sort of school pride at an ASW, I'd be a little concerned.

[violaboy]

Yeah, I thought that it was obnoxious. And it wasn't just the first person I talked to. It was about the first fifteen. "Oh, f*%& (insert other law school)" or "Why would you EVER go to (insert other law school)? They suck!" It was just really disconcerting since I never got anything close to that at any other ASW.

I can echo this in its entirety, towards the end of the weekend I just quit answering I was so sick the question and the negativity. Didn't encounter this anywhere else either, I think it's an emotional immaturity related to the U of C type. And hiro, this was all the time, not just the parts of the ASW where alcohol was involved.

I find this interesting as I was frequently asked what other schools I was considering and never encountered any rudeness. Of course, there was the typical "Pfft, you should come to Chicago!" a few times, but it was always accompanied with a smile. Too be honest, if I didn't encounter a bit of that sort of school pride at an ASW, I'd be a little concerned.[/quote]

Oh, from other places, I definitely got an air of "COME HERE NOW!" but not of "Your other choices f*%&ing suck!" But whatever. If I go there, I'll find friends I like and avoid the people I don't like. It's life.

[LAguy]

I'm also considering Penn. Penn also fits with my professional goals, but I don't think I want to live in NYC, and it seems like that's where most are placed.

Gotcha, I am considering Penn as well, and would agree that Philly doesn't compare to Chicago. I don't know what market you're looking at but U of C certainly places better in Chicago. Outside of that, both are T10 national schools with similar placement from what I know/have been told.

[onwisconsin25]

I also told people the two schools I was thinking of throughout the weekend and never got a rude response. I think some of the people who said "what the f*$# are you thinking with that school?" were just yanking my chain and maybe it was a few people who talked to many of us that had a misguided attempt at humor.

A friend of mine gave me great advice which is that anywhere is what you make it. There are so many people to meet/things to do in Chicago that have nothing to do with law school. It's a little silly to limit yourself to the 190-250 people in your class.

As to the poster who said as you get further away you feel more positively, I think that comes from starting to make a decision and owning it. Once you start picturing yourself as a student somewhere, you start developing a connection and positive feeling towards it. I feel the same way. I felt really positive about the school after I left and besides a temporary reevaluation last night/this morning the school is growing on me the further away I get.

[johnstuartmill]

Yeah, I don't know who you were hanging with at ASW, LAguy and violaboy, but I heard the "where else are you considering?" question posed probably a dozen times and never heard a less than cordial response. I didn't go to Bar Review; maybe the rudeness was concentrated there?

[soullesswonder]

This thread is living up to Chicago's reputation as a "love it or hate it" place.

[lilybbloom]

My impression was a little of different than most of the posters here but I think is worth noting in light of things that have been said about said about Chicago many times on this site. I have never posted on TLS but for the sake of those interested in Chicago feel I should. Every bad rumor you have heard about Chicago is true, except that they do apparently drink/have some fun in their own weird way. Was my first choice going into ASW and I was really excited about it. This weekend shattered my dreams. I met a lot of students and the vast majority of them were very nerdy, awkward, and way too intense. The way nearly all them tried so hard to sell the school also turned me off. Some were more normal but were something like wannabe bros, which may be worse than actually being a bro. Most admits I met reflected this same socially inept/playing on their cell phones at the bar/general awkwardness so if that's you then you will fit in great there. This nerdness is also characterized by the professors and even the new dean; it is the culture of U of C. I like school and learning as much as the next guy, but these people take it to a new level. I guess my point is that if you care at all about the culture of where you go to law school you should visit before committing to Chicago, it's way different from the other T14s I have visited. As nixxers notes, even the Harvard kids don't take it to this level.

p.s. I apologize for the cross-post, the other Chicago ASW thread was in the wrong forum.

the fact that you would characterize professors as nerdy is really telling. if you value "coolness" more than brilliance or good teaching skills in a professor, then maybe you're right that U of C is not a good fit for you.

as for your impression of the student body, I really feel like we've experienced 2 completely different schools. it seems like you're basing your comments more off of your interaction with other admits (many of whom will not be attending anyway) than off of interaction with current students.

I have met several other law Deans/professors and had nationally prominent professors in grad school. Being brilliant and enjoying long hours by yourself doing research does not mean that you have to be the nerdy intellectual type. And yes, I am right, U of C is a great school but probably not for me.

I am not claiming that I am "cool" or that there is anything wrong with being a nerd, just that U of C had a strong nerd-vibe that didn't connect with me. Being cool isn't important, but personal fit for some people is. I see you didn't have much choice in the T10 so it looks like you are locked into Chicago either way, telling as to your defensiveness?

As I mentioned in my post, I met A LOT of students, that was more or less my goal for the weekend. Met a lot of admits as well, many of whom were thrilled about the weekend and about going to Chicago and that's awesome, I wish the weekend had sealed the deal for me. I love the city and it would have saved me a lot of trouble/stress this month.

I am not being defensive at all, I'm simply trying to put what you said into perspective for some of the other people on this thread who obviously are still interested in attending UChicago.

U of C was my first choice, so to respond to your snide comment regarding my acceptances, the fact that I was not accepted to multiple T10 schools (just 2, poor me) has nothing to do with my attitude towards your comments.

[TXDeac]

The further away I get from ASW, the more I liked Chicago, and the more I'm thinking of going there. We shall see...

Since it sounds like we had similar experiences at ASW, what is making you lean back towards Chicago? I am trying to get all the advice I can and a few people think I should still go there despite the lack of "fit".

I haven't read all of this thread yet, but I did read both of your posts about your experiences at ASW. I was there as well (Kid from Houston that goes to undergrad at Wake Forest, if you happened to run into me), and I was pleased to find that the ASW debunked some of my perceptions that Chicago was going to have an overly intense, gunner, nerdy atmosphere. I love intellectual things as much as the next guy, but I want to be around people that are going to know how to crack some beers on a Friday afternoon and escape from their books enough to remain sane.

During Wine Mess I was able to talk to a lot of current students that had very realistic, honest opinions about the school. Their frankness seems to be the opposite of what other people are reporting they ran into. I stayed at a friend from undergrad's apartment in Hyde Park, and on Saturday night while we were enjoying the great weather outside with a few beers, low and behold, some current 1Ls walked in. I proceeded to go out that night with them and found them to be extremely socially functional at the local Hyde Park dive bar.

To each their own, and I think it's admirable that you didn't let the typical ASW brainwashing cycle completely take you over. That said, I think if you met me you'd find me to be a fine social person and a decent judge of others. Compared to other schools that I visited, Chicago students easily just as socially capable. In the end, every T14 is going to have its gunners, and its up to you to seek out the social scene that you desire. I found that at Chicago I'll have my options; options are all that I ask for.

[TXDeac]

Yeah, I don't know who you were hanging with at ASW, LAguy and violaboy, but I heard the "where else are you considering?" question posed probably a dozen times and never heard a less than cordial response. I didn't go to Bar Review; maybe the rudeness was concentrated there?

Have to agree with this. I was asked that question many times, and no one was really surprised or rude about my response that the other school I was considering was not in the T14 (UT-Austin). They were actually pretty conciliatory when I described my situation and none tried to get preachy with me or try to influence me much.

[Kretzy]

Yeah, I don't know who you were hanging with at ASW, LAguy and violaboy, but I heard the "where else are you considering?" question posed probably a dozen times and never heard a less than cordial response. I didn't go to Bar Review; maybe the rudeness was concentrated there?

Have to agree with this. I was asked that question many times, and no one was really surprised or rude about my response that the other school I was considering was not in the T14 (UT-Austin). They were actually pretty conciliatory when I described my situation and none tried to get preachy with me or try to influence me much.

I can at least vouch for some of VB's experiences (we spent lots of ASW around the same folks). I got it a number of times, particularly from my host. Lots of denigration of other schools in addition to a very hard sell. I spoke with a number of folks who were really supportive of having other choices too (and who seemed genuinely excited to talk about UofC and their experiences) but I did find a non-trivial number of people who were downright mean about even considering a school that wasn't Chicago.

[johnstuartmill]

That's unfortunate, Kretzy. At least it sounds like the bad incidences were limited to one group. Negativity, if I had experienced it at Chicago's ASW, would have been the exception to the rule.

[Kretzy]

That's unfortunate, Kretzy. At least it sounds like the bad incidences were limited to one group. Negativity, if I had experienced it at Chicago's ASW, would have been the exception to the rule.

Yes, I'd agree that it was limited. I also met a number of really interesting, smart and fun folks while I was there. What I'm glad to hear mostly, though, is that others had really terrific experiences overall.

[hopefullaw27]

anyone get their travel reimbursements yet?

[violaboy]

anyone get their travel reimbursements yet?

Nope.

[Fancy Pants]

anyone get their travel reimbursements yet?

Mine arrived in the mail today and I was there about a week and a half before ASW.

[dresden doll]

I am totally dying to know who was so incredibly defensive about school (although I do not suppose I'll find out). I was at Bar Review and didn't notice much of anything beyond the fact that some people consumed inordinate amounts of alcohol.

I certainly had some convos with people about their other choices, but I know I was pretty tempered about it. I couldn't really be of that much help to anyone that didn't get stuck picking between Chicago and Michigan, anyway - that was my ultimate grand dilemma during my cycle, and I had specific goals in mind too. Everyone's situation is different, and I'm a little surprised that some of my classmates showed attitudes in that regard.

Also, I didn't meet as many admits as I'd have liked to, but the ones I did meet seemed genuinely nice.

[JollyGreenGiant]

anyone get their travel reimbursements yet?

Mine arrived in the mail today and I was there about a week and a half before ASW.

I completely forgot about the travel reimbursement! Nice. I could use some money right about now. Mine hasn't come in the mail yet, though.

[omega_watts]

+1

I am broke, and the move to CHI will only make me brokerer.

I really need my $$$

[hopefullaw27]

umm..anyone who went to ASW get their reimbursement yet? Also, do they send it to your permanent address or mailing address? I'll be moving out of my university housing soon, and would hope they send it to my parent's home (permanent). Guess I should call Chicago and ask. Awkward because I'm not going...

[Rand M.]

umm..anyone who went to ASW get their reimbursement yet? Also, do they send it to your permanent address or mailing address? I'll be moving out of my university housing soon, and would hope they send it to my parent's home (permanent). Guess I should call Chicago and ask. Awkward because I'm not going...

I haven't gotten mine yet. I live pretty far away, so I expect to get mine relatively late.

[tamago12]

umm..anyone who went to ASW get their reimbursement yet? Also, do they send it to your permanent address or mailing address? I'll be moving out of my university housing soon, and would hope they send it to my parent's home (permanent). Guess I should call Chicago and ask. Awkward because I'm not going...

I just got mine today (turned in the form on the first day of ASW), and it was sent to my mailing address.