UChicago

So Uchicago requires two essays. The first one is the typical “why us” essay:

• How does the University of Chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future? Please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to UChicago.

To answer this prompt, first, show your homework. Detail the specific programs, resources, and opportunities at UChicago that align with your academic and personal goals. Maybe it’s a particular major, or a research opportunity, or even a student organization. Show them you know UChicago and can picture yourself there.

Next, talk about the community. UChicago is known for its vibrant intellectual culture. How does that vibe resonate with you? Can you see yourself engaging in late-night debates in the dorms or joining the Scavenger Hunt?

Lastly, link it all to your future. How will these UChicago-specific experiences prepare you for what comes next, whether it’s a particular career, graduate studies, or just lifelong learning?

Remember, authenticity is key.

Now UChicago’s second essay is quite unconventional and you can choose between 6 different options:

• Essay Option 1:
  Was it a cat I saw? Yo-no-na-ka, ho-ka-ho-ka na-no-yo (Japanese for “the world is a warm place”). Może jutro ta dama da tortu jeżom (Polish for “maybe tomorrow that lady will give a cake to the hedgehogs”). Share a palindrome in any language, and give it a backstory.
• Essay Option 2:
  What advice would a wisdom tooth have?
• Essay Option 3:
  You are on an expedition to found a colony on Mars, when from a nearby crater, a group of Martians suddenly emerges. They seem eager to communicate, but they’re the impatient kind and demand you represent the human race in one song, image, memory, proof, or other idea. What do you share with them to show that humanity is worth their time?
• Essay Option 4:
  UChicago has been affiliated with over 90 Nobel laureates. But, why should economics, physics, and peace get all the glory? You are tasked with creating a new category for the Nobel Prize. Explain what it would be, why you chose your specific category, and the criteria necessary to achieve this accomplishment.
• Essay Option 5:
  Genghis Khan with an F1 race car. George Washington with a SuperSoaker. Emperor Nero with a toaster. Leonardo da Vinci with a Furby. If you could give any historical figure any piece of technology, who and what would it be, and why do you think they’d work so well together?
• Essay Option 6:
  And, as always… the classic choose your own adventure option! In the spirit of adventurous inquiry, choose one of our past prompts (or create a question of your own). Be original, creative, thought provoking. Draw on your best qualities as a writer, thinker, visionary, social critic, sage, citizen of the world, or future citizen of the University of Chicago; take a little risk, and have fun!

University of Chicago isn’t kidding when they say they want you to take a little risk and have fun. Their essay options read like the script for an avant-garde comedy. But don’t be fooled, there’s a method to the madness. These essays are about creativity, critical thinking, and showcasing your unique perspective.

Now, these are not your average “tell us about your extracurricular activities’ type questions, they are like a mind-bending roller coaster through Wonderland. So, here’s some general advice to tackle them:

• Think Outside the Box: The prompts are unconventional, so your answers should be too. Don’t be afraid to get creative and play around with ideas. This is your opportunity to show off your unique thinking.
• Know Your Audience: UChicago is known for its intellectual rigor and vibrant community. Show them you can fit right in by showcasing your intellectual curiosity and unique perspective.
• Be Authentic: Although the prompts are far from ordinary, they still want to get to know the real you. Make sure your answer reflects your values, passions, or interests.
• Have Fun: Yes, you read it right. The prompts are designed to be fun and stimulating. So, if you’re not enjoying writing your response, chances are, the admissions officers won’t enjoy reading it either.
• Revise, Revise, Revise: A brilliant concept can be overshadowed by sloppy execution. Make sure to polish your essay. Keep it concise, coherent, and free of grammatical errors.