the International Baccalaureate program - University of Chicago Statement

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 Chicago.

I am enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program-a program dedicated to rigor and probing inquiry. When presented with the option of either becoming an Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate student the question for myself was clear: which one allows an outlet for discussion and reflection? Taking into account that both are weighted courses and considerably challenging, it is often difficult to dissect and differentiate between the two. I knew for myself that a challenging course for the sole sake of challenge is unacceptable. I found belief in a challenging course for the sake of satisfying one's intellectual appetite only natural-learning for the sake of learning. IB has provided this for me, offering classes which entertain atmospheres of open discussion and critical thinking. We are encouraged to set aside politically correct mindsets, and instead put fourth genuine and thoughtful conceptualizations. While always safe and inoffensive to merely fade back into what is accepted and unchallenged, it can be most assuredly understood as unproductive and stagnant. University of Chicago, as I understand is also in favor of providing its students with learning styles of Socratic Method. The approach taken to gain knowledge through edifying discussion and debate is a refreshing accommodation and tradition at Chicago. These approaches to learning are what I believe to be timeless and liberating, but most importantly crucial in establishing a foundation for which a truly reflective and vivacious community can flourish. This foundation supports a community of intellect, which in turn supports a future of promise; all three interlocking to construct a sincere institution of knowledge. I seek to be a part of the thoughtful and ongoing discussion that is Chicago.

(Caleb Godsey)

I like your essay and it has some merits, but you're here for constructive criticism, not for us to blow your ego up, so thats what I'll give you.

A few points:
1. colleges like to see that you're more than you AP/IB classes. The essay is a place where you use your hook, not restate what your transcript already says. How does this add to your character at all.

2. I think you should scrap all that intro stuff bragging about your own merits in AP/IB classes and instead expand on your INTEREST in the socrates topic. This is your chance to talk about yourself and your interests, not start listing credentials.. Colleges have your transcript for that. Explain WHY you like discussion/debate/speech etc. Apply it to your personality. Let them hear/see/know you and think "this kid is the type of kid I want in my school" not "wow having this kid would make our ranking look good." trust me when i say that reputable colleges dont have to worry about the credentials of their students.. they look for personality.

good luck!

My intentions were not to use this supplement response as a vehicle for merit. You are absolutely correct that colleges will see my credentials in my transcript. The entire point of using the "I am in IB.." was to parallel AP and IB, both being accredited, with any other academic private university and Chicago. And how even though AP and IB 'look tough' on paper just as Harvard and Chicago are both considered tough academic schools, IB provided more of a discussion and reflection based learning style just as Chicago does. I really wanted to let them know that 'learning for the sake of learning' is what I'm all about. And that I CHOSE Ib based off of it's socratic methods, just as i am CHOOSING Chicago based off of it's similar emphasis on discussion and reflection. That's just where I was coming from.

I should definitely revise the first part of the statement so as to make this intention more clear?

thanks!

Caleb,

I agree with the first reviewer.Re-read the first eight sentences of your paragraph(which are the bulk of it),then read the prompt.If you do this,you will realise that you have not answered the question.In fact,you do not mention the University of Chicago at all in these sentences.Rather,you include a discussion of your challenging curriculum.Remember that you are competing with applicants from around the world who are probably IB candidates or are pursuing a curriculum equally challenging,so your curriculum will not be unique to you.

I suggest you include more about UChicago and link your goals and interests and other qualities about your human side that relate to something that is offered at Chicago.You are probably already a meritorious applicant,and that will be apparent from your academic records.You run the risk of losing an opportunity to reveal aspects about your personality at the expense of lauding the rigor of IB,which they are already aware of.