famous for Socratic method

Other

The professors are amazingly accessible and well-versed in their fields, with a good selection of small seminars and interesting fields alongside the core classes. Even large classes are taught by the more renowned faculty. Classes tend to be very Socratic, though not mean-spirited. Competitiveness is low, mainly because nobody really knows what anyone else's grades are, so it's hard to tell where exactly you might be in the class.

The campus is beautiful, and very accessible from the law school. Cost of living in Hyde Park is reasonable and lower than most other places in Chicago. Dining options have improved since the new campus dining hall was installed right behind the law school, and it's become a semi-regular place to eat for both students and faculty. Crime is not as big a problem as it's made out to be; though going too far south of campus can be worrisome, there's not much reason to go there either.

I was waitlisted, and was offered the opportunity to submit an additional essay or additional recommendation letter after I was advised of my waitlist status.

2

2011

very competitive, not remotely practical for real world lawyering, dog**** curve that hurts far more than it helps.

very standard process. got a decent scholarship off the waitlist.

2

2011

Class is primarily theoretical; if you can get into one of the practical clinics, it will change your entire view of the school. I would love a study-abroad program but U of C is really hung up on their faculty (even though they all seem to be leaving).

The financial aid opportunities are not great; I don't recall any particularly odd essay questions but the LSAT score is very high. They should really implement an interview process to cut down on some of the least socially adapted students.

2

2011

Heavy on the socratic method. Real grading - i.e. gradation between and amongst students. 1L classes are about 90 in size. The faculty are outstanding. The approach is probably theoretical leaning.

Only Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Stanford,NYU and arguably Penn and Berkeley are more difficult to get into. You need excellent LSAT scores and very good grades.

1

2012

Excellent professors who actually know how to teach, and easy to get to know. Course sizes are larger than I was used to coming from a liberal arts college, but still quite manageable (and shrink considerably after 1L year). As an aspiring academic, I've had a ton of research opportunities, including RA work for two professors and two workshops taken for credit. The work is hard, but fair, and people are always willing to help each other out.

Cost of living is good. Hyde Park is definitively not good. Such are the trade offs of life.

I don't recall anything special about it in addition to the standard LSDAS material.

2

2011

Socratic method is fairly heavy, little practical study beyond the required skills course.The school does not allow credit for externships or study abroad because they want to keep the education within the school's control. So, needless to say real world experience is lackin.

Though everybody wants to do well I would not call the atmosphere competitive. Every one is always willing to help each other out.

Hyde Park is not a safe neighborhood and no student should live there. The school itself is beautiful. Great library, great classrooms, etc.

3

2010

I'm told our academics are amazing here, but it's pretty frustrating to realize that after 3 years at a top law school, I will know MAYBE 1% of the things I need to for the bar. I wish things were a little more practical.

3

2010

Excellent classes, rigorous compared to most other institutions, Socratic method used in all 1L classes but not as much the 2nd and 3rd year, class sizes are small, large number of distinguished professors

Cost of living is high, getting to campus is fairly easy with the school's transportation system, facilities are leading edge and accessible, library is great, crime and safety may be the only negative

2

2011