Advice for Junior?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Chicago ✅
1

Hi everyone
I’m a Junior and I’m really interested in UChicago(probably applying ED next year). Since UChicago is a really competitive school I would like any advice on what to do to get a better chance.

Some info about me:
personal:
Moved from China in 8th grade (to San Diego). Live with my mom and sister, mom work 6days a week so I have to take care of my sister(6yr) most time. Low-income family.

Academic:
UW GPA: 3.9(9th, 10th,+11th so far)
APs: Calc BC(5), Bio(4), Euro(4); Taking CSP, USH, AP Lang, Chem.
§SAT: Didn’t took yet, got 1360 on PSAT in 10th grade.
Course Rigorous(Math): Took college calculus in 10th grade, linear algebra this year; analysis/abstract algebra next year if possible.

Extracurriculars
Since I have to take care of my sister, I don’t have much time to go out and do staff after school hour(and in weekend). So most of my activity are done in school.

  • Host a math seminar-like group in 8th grade year.
  • Coach local middle school math team(got 1st in MathCounts Chapter,8th in state)
  • School Math Club/team( regular lecturer)
  • Went to Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics.
  • Play cello in school advanced music ensemble(audition based). Also compose for school orchestra.

Area of interest and passion
Mathematics! I become very passionate in math since my encounter with a calculus text book in 7th grade summer. However I don’t particularly enjoy competition math nor made any real accomplishment in that. I especially want to study algebra(theory of groups, field, etc) and it’s application to topology and geometry (not that I really know much about it).

What can I do in this last year to give me a better chance at getting in UChicago?

Thanks!

2

I am violating my own rule concerning giving advice to any prospective applicant:

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-chicago/2015678-why-do-you-trust-my-evaluation-of-your-chance-of-admission.html#latest

So please take my advice for a huge grain of salt.

  1. Spend some time understanding the intellectual approach of the University of Chicago, especially the math department. Research on CC and Reddit/UChicago about the math classes. There is a wealth of information in those threads.
  2. Ignore ranking, name recognition and your friend/relatives opinion of the school (unless they recently enrolled there). Learn about the university and its math department and decide whether that fits your personality and work ethics.
  3. If after all the research you feel U of Chicago is the right fit for you, then pour your heart in writing essays telling the admission office why they should pick you over many other Asians who excels in math.

Oh, one more thing. Check with your high school college admission counselor on how you would be able to afford a U of Chicago education. There will be nothing more disappointing to a college applicant that he/she is admitted but money problem prevents him/her from enrolling. Check your finance first.

3

Thanks! I learned about UChicago from some math undergrads there. It definitely seems a wonderful school for me!

Thanks again

4

Have you checked out Questbridge? It’s an organization that helps low-income and first-gen kids with admissions to top US schools. Here is their page describing eligibility https://www.questbridge.org/high-school-students/college-prep-scholars/who-should-apply. It’s a great program that may give you some early decision options (multiple apps rank ordered vs. only one) that aren’t generally available. Also provides help with apps, financial aid, sponsors visits to universities, etc. And you apply as a junior, so good timing, I think.

5

Awesome resource ,
Thanks!

6

https://questbridge.s3.amazonaws.com/pdfUploads/587020b00fea6804003a2f1e-44c8495bfb6c744a59086ace2784555f.pdf A better flyer!

7

Credentials: Current UChicago Undergraduate, Graduated High School with Honors, 34 on the ACT

You seem qualified enough to get into UChicago based on stats. From my experience, they use your GPA/test scores just to be able to know you’ll be able to succeed at UChicago. The rest is looking at rigorous schedules, extracurriculars, letters of rec, etc. etc. and most importantly your supplemental essays. The best thing you could possibly do to increase you chances of acceptance is actually try hard on these. Be creative. Take risks. Show them you are smart in a way that a number on a piece of paper just can’t do.

If you want any help you can private message me and we can arrange a time to skype. I’d be more than happy to help you out with your essays.