Why Chicago Is the Place for Me Anonymous

By all accounts, the University of Chicago is a unique place. My late grandfather, a Bachelors and Masters degree recipient from the University used to say, "for the right student, Chicago is the only place, but it can destroy the wrong student." When I originally applied for college, I knew that I was not the right student for Chicago. Despite the familial encouragement to apply, I chose to focus my applications on what I perceived to be "better rounded" institutions.

It turned out that my choice was not the right one.

"Well-rounded" is a facet of the individual, not the institution, and I was disappointed in many of the aspects of Northwestern that were supposed to make up for the strong, but not necessarily elite, intellectual community. I left Northwestern after two years to pursue several small business opportunities, where I learned a great deal. I continue to be involved in exciting new technological pursuits, but I do not want these pursuits to be my only focus.

It's funny how life often comes full circle. Now, four years after my original applications for college, I am back to evaluating how well different institutions will meet my needs and desires. I am fortunate to have the...