DePaul University

Commuting from the suburbs every day can be really time consuming, but at the same time you can get all (er most) of your homework done on the train. I enjoy the computer science program at DePaul and believe the staff is really very helpful. If you are willing to admit you don't know something, they are generally quick to respond and they are patient when explaining things. The atmosphere is not as competitive as other schools, and perhaps the department is not ranked as well as it should be because of this. I think the students tend to be weak willed and do not try as hard as they should considering how much they (or their parents) are paying for school. I don't know that the staff can do much to improve the school except maybe being stricter as far as what is expected of the students, insofar as studying and tests go. I feel my professors are brilliant, their PhDs influence this feeling no doubt, but really I can't think of any direct question I've ever had that went completely unanswered. Even if they have to search for the answer on their own personal time they are willing and generally happy to do so.

2nd Year Male -- Class 2008

Individual Value: A+, Collaboration/Competitive: B-

I had a great time and learned so much at DePaul. Of course, it is WAY too expensive, and the quarter (not semester) system was hard to keep up with at times, but the good definitely outweighs the bad.

The classes are very small with 10-20 students per class and you never get taught by T.A.'s. I didn't really know what a T.A. was until I went to grad school! The professors usually go out of their way to help students.

The fact that it is in the middle of the city can be a good and bad thing. On the one hand, there is so much culture around, on the other hand, it is easy to get distracted by it and give it all your time and energy, which takes away from the attention you should be giving to your challenging classes. Enjoy Chicago, but remember to focus on being a student and graduating :>

Activism is big here, so if you have an open mind and are into world politics than this is the school for you.

Last but not least, although it is a relatively small school, it is very well-regarded in the Midwest, where mentioned DePaul in an interview is a plus. p.s. don't worry about the 'catholic' label to the school. I never felt out of place as an atheist.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000