Non passibilis sed passus

Thanks very much for your replies! Yes I agree completely it's a silly discount. I just didn't understand why they'd offer it (and the application fee waiver) in the first place knowing it's so negligible. The information that UChic's other departments' prestige don't translate to MAPH is also very useful. I've applied to Cambridge 2 days ago and fervently hope that I can get there instead as the person whose work I wish to study is a fellow there, although ironically an American. Otherwise I think I might let UChic go based on the above information and apply for work/internships instead.

Sorry for reviving an old thread - I'm just looking for genuine advice as I'm from the UK and am not familiar with the US uni scene. For context, I'm an undergrad finalist in War Studies & Philosophy at King's College London. I applied to MAPH some months ago and got accepted with a scholarship award by UChic. I've always held UChic to a higher standard than King's. I've read things about it being a cash cow and these arguments are growing on me. Granted, an award of close to 1.5k isn't much compared to the extortionate fees the whole programme charges but why would a relatively well-known cash cow offer money in the first place? I see merit in both the 'UChic is great' and 'Will take anyone' camp though. My writing sample had one key typo (it was a logic essay so a symbolic typo can make the whole argument ridiculous but I suppose it was so silly that it was obvious it was a typo) so I can see why people feel they take anyone. On the other hand, I've heard Oxbridge grads praising the Divinity School of UChic (towards which I plan to gravitate), naming famous theologians who studied their post-grad there. So who is right? Is it a matter of departmental difference and inconsistency within MAPH? I'm still applying to Cambridge but if I'm honest Cambridge would be much harder to enter. I'd be very grateful if someone in the know could tell me more about things about MAPH pertaining to my above concerns that UChic doesn't advertise. Thanks! I just don't want to emerge from a gothic world one year later with no money or job.