The University of Chicago is the perfect learning environment for me because of its student community and academic offerings.
UChicago students are often described as quirky. Having been called quirky myself before, I think it is a reflection of their passion to pursue intellectual excellence. At UChicago, I can have meaningful conversations, whether they be on the accuracy of The Inferno’s portrayal of hell or the merits of a new national tax. To meet like-minded people who are interested in investing, I plan to join the Blue Chips, the student-run investment club. I am particularly impressed that new members are taught not just by the officer team, but by a tight peer-to-peer network that builds trust through learning. These strong connections are complemented by the House system where I can forge bonds with a small but diverse group of students through everything from late study nights to close quidditch games. This second family will be a vital support system I can lean on during the challenging times I will undoubtedly face in my college career.
Academically, I hope to build a strong foundation to enter the financial industry. Joining the UChicago Careers in Business: Financial Markets program will help me learn the traditional approaches to finance, while exploring the concepts behind various financial instruments and quantitative trading techniques. After learning the fundamentals in the classroom, I can solidify my knowledge through opportunities such as the Midwest Trading Competition and MetCalf internships. I am particularly impressed with the number and the diversity of internships available, a thought best summed up by my UChicago tour guide. “There are more opportunities than there are students.”
I am convinced that UChicago’s unique campus culture, its commitment to students, and its strong business offerings are the perfect fit for me. I will never find any other university where I can specialize in finance while watching the former Dean of Admissions lead Kuvia’s hokey pokey, or the university historian willingly get harassed by hordes of students during Scav. The city of Chicago may be called the Heart of America, but the University of Chicago is the college that stole my heart.