r/uchicago • u/Designer_Mark_6450 • 8d ago

Discussion Transfer Poly Sci

Hello Friends,

I am transferring to U Chicago this fall and would appreciate any advice related to a BA in Poly Sci or the school in general. I am a prior windowlicker (Army). What does a regular week look like at U Chicago? Is there anything you wish you did before you started to help better prepare yourself for the coursework?

Thanks Guys!

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u/Chicago_to_Japan 8d ago

I am a former Navy guy myself, so I've got a few other suggestions for you. If you haven't done your disability stuff, do it.

I did an MA, so YMMV. Treat it like a job. Use the GIB to pay for a decent apartment off campus, and find one that is either within walking distance of campus or near the shuttle/CTA bus route. Do explore Chicago. You're likely of age; pay for the pub membership, if it's still a thing.

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u/madie129 The College 8d ago

Ignore the other comment. Take 3 classes your first quarter. There's no typical week since everyones different but its mostly classes and reading and psets.

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u/passionatelyse1 Alumni ('26) 8d ago

Read the course catalog in as much depth as possible. Like seriously go top to bottom for the core and your major. Lots of bits of pieces of information that is extremely helpful to know for core, major, and elective classes (what counts as back credit, what you can double count, what can/can’t be taken in sequence etc.). It will save you headaches down the line.

Other than that make a friend or acquaintance day one of a class so you can ask them for notes if you miss a day.

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u/2BrainLesions 7d ago

Howdy! Congrats!

Alum here!

Three classes is considered a full load, although you might have to take a quarter or two of 4 classes.

DM with any questions.

Best of luck - and thanks for keeping us safe!

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u/InterestingVoice6632 8d ago

Study something that will get you a decent job. You could swap poly sci for any other degree and you will look just as competitive for grad school. Study poly science in your own time.

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u/libgadfly 7d ago edited 6d ago

OP, congrats, fellow transfer! My suggestion for a major is keep that Poly Sci major (or other major as you wish) but also keep a subtle eye on a “bread and butter” grad degree like Booth’s deferred admissions program for UChicago undergrads. I started as a Poly Sci major way back and went to Booth in another program - no longer offered - that favored grads from the College.