famous for Socratic method
LevelNearly all of my professors 1L year are better than ANY of the teachers I had during my undergrad years at [fancy Ivy League institution]. No joke. Grading is harsh, classes are tough, and, like, um, you learn a lot.
4.5 out of 5 Stars
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Most Recent to Oldestfamous for Socratic method
LevelNearly all of my professors 1L year are better than ANY of the teachers I had during my undergrad years at [fancy Ivy League institution]. No joke. Grading is harsh, classes are tough, and, like, um, you learn a lot.
Absolutely more socratic method at U Chicago than at any other school. Our academics are much more rigorous than at other top-ten schools. Grading is on a steep curve.
Quality of LifeCost 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
Level2
Graduation Year2011
2
Quality of Life2011
AdmissionsI don't recall anything special about it in addition to the standard LSDAS material.
Level2
Graduation Year2011
During 1L year, professors use the Socratic method almost exclusively, and they do it quite well. In upper level courses, there is a mix between Socratic, lecture, and "discussion" classes.
The grading system is successful in allowing students to differentiate themselves, but the system is so convoluted that some employers don't understand it.
The faculty are outstanding, and the classes tilt toward theory.
AdmissionsThe school does not ask unique application questions. I provided a personal statement, LSAT score, and 3 letters of recommendation. I obtained a partial scholarship, and I think such scholarships are widely available.
Level3
Graduation Year2010
2012
AdmissionsThe quality of the classes are incredible, and the professors are giants in their fields. More importantly, however, the faculty are all inspiring and genuinely talented teachers. Almost every class uses intense socratic method, which is extremely fun!
LevelExcellent.
Graduation YearStandard LSAC admissions process
1
Quality of Life2012
AdmissionsI think our law school is one of the very best, if not the best, in terms of classroom learning. Our professors really are very amazing. The one drawback is that there is no study abroad opportunities.
LevelThe cost is much better than NYC and California, by a long shot. Hyde Park is basically safe if you take care of yourself, but it can get dicey late at night, especially south of 60th street. A lot of people complain about lack of restaurants, but I've found that there are plenty in Hyde Park, and it's really easy to get downtown or up North where there are a bunch more. I've enjoyed living here.
Graduation YearIt's the same basic process as all other schools, but we also have a binding early-admission program.
2012
Admissionslots of theory - but very informative hilarious lecturers
Level1
Graduation Year2012
2011
AdmissionsClasses are usually wonderful. I was able to start doing research with a professor very early on. The socratic method is far from intense (I am in my 6th semester and I have been cold-called 5 times; taht being said most people get called more often but I like to talk). Competitiveness depends on the year. It has gotten noticeably more competitive as the economy has tanked but it is still far from cut throat.
LevelMust submit an LSAT score, essays, and transcripts through LSAC.
Graduation Year3
2010
Quality of Lifeneighborhood can be unsafe in the evening.
AdmissionsLSAT, GPA, relatively generic application question, focus on trying to attract a diverse student body.
LevelCost of living is low especially if you live in hyde park. The campus is beautiful although we are not near the main campus. The law school building itself has a very distinctive style, and the recent construction has really improved the interior and exterior of the building.
The library is spacious and has plenty of resources. The computer labs is small but there are computer scattered throughout the building. The moot courtroom is beautiful and has plenty of capacity, and has been attended by some of the leading jurists.
Dining used to be not that great with only the Plum Cafe, but a dining facility has recently been constructed next to the law school which is great.
The neighborhood and crime in the surrounding area are not great. The general feeling is that the area is not safe, but the school and broader university have taken large strides to making the campus safer.
Overall happiness is very high.
Graduation Year3
Professors are fantastic
LevelMost classes are excellent, with the occassional professor who is too lazy to teach. Few classes use the Socratic method, but second and third year move much more towards lecture and voluntary interaction. Numerous clinics are available giving lots of practical experience. Lots of study abroad opportunities to unique and unusual locations, including Israel. Class sizes vary, but usually manageable.
Graduation Year2010