As an interviewer for the University of Chicago admissions office, I ask this question all the time.
What I look for in the students I interview is a mixture of two factors –
1. What do you like about UChicago?
2. What should UChicago like about you?
Ideally the student demonstrates that he understands what makes UChicago unique and interesting while explaining how he fits the mold of the type of student UChicago is looking for.
Start general and go specific. First talk about the school as a whole – it’s academic style, student culture, etc. Then dive into your specific major, classes, etc.
Start academic and then go non-academic. Begin with what you hope to study and why, then go into student activities, the local community, etc.
Details are key. Name specific academic programs, specific majors, specific classes, specific professors, specific clubs, specific locations on campus or in the city of Chicago etc.
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