I’m trying to decide between these two schools for ED2 (deadline is Jan1) and I honestly don’t know which one to choose. I wouldn’t mind going to either school so at this point it’s about where I’d have the better chance at getting in, which I know isn’t the ideal mindset to be approaching this with. My stats aren’t good, which is why I need all the help I can get through ED2.
GPA UW: 3.5
SAT: 1560
SAT2: 790 Math 2, 750 Lit
APs: 5 US History, 4 English Lang
Private boarding school on East Coast
ECs: more research than leadership opportunities, I have 1 leadership role and am a part of a few other groups (sports teams, theater tech, community service)
I think it’s worth noting that I got deferred from UChicago EA, and I know they don’t like people going from EA to the regular round. I’m not sure what to expect from WashU since they just picked up ED2 again this year. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Hamurtle, my school does not have grade inflation nor do they report class rank. I’ve heard that UChicago doesn’t particularly care for their deferrals passing on ED2, but I have no idea how true that is. Some people from my school with similar stats have pulled it off, but with ED instead of ED2.
Center, I don’t require FA but I’m still filling out the CSS and FAFSA since some of my other schools use them for merit scholarships. I know WashU isn’t need-blind so I hope this won’t hurt me if I apply.
@Hamurtle Sorry, I misread your original comment! Teachers at my school don’t really talk about grade deflation (they’re not unreasonable graders) but I think most students are acutely aware of grade deflation in certain lower level courses, but generally not 500-level classes. I don’t think this really reveals itself in my transcript, though
There was an article this past spring in the Chicago Maroon. The EA deferred to RD accept rate last year was 0.5%. Not a typo. So if you really want to go to Chicago then the best option is ED 2. Now whether your chances are higher ED2 at Chicago vs WashU is a different story.
WashU is not need blind and therefore accepts a lot more full-pay students. If you apply ED2 to WashU you’ll have a boost from being full-pay. Both schools are very similar, so it boils down to which school you like better. Of the two which can you see yourself attending?
@sgopal2 I think I saw that article somewhere, those chances definitely don’t look good for anyone.
My family is fortunate enough to be able to go full-pay for WashU (though absolutely not ideal). The problem is I really don’t have a preference for one school over the other. They both fit the few criteria I’m looking for in a school, so at this point for me it’s about figuring out which one I can get into.
I’m not competitive enough for either of these schools in the RD round, so ED2 is basically my only shot. Do you think it makes any difference that more students from my school have gone to UChicago in the past than WashU? This doesn’t influence my opinion about either school, but is it a factor that adcoms consider?
@HelpPleaseGA My one hesitation is that I was already deferred EA, and I don’t see how my chances could be better in ED2 since I don’t have anything new to add. I definitely put effort into my UChicago supplements but I don’t think they’re stellar or anything. With all the students who were deferred from HYPSM coming to UChicago’s ED2 pool, would it be safer to go to WashU since they probably receive less applications for their ED2?
@Hamurtle I guess in this case there’s no good way to pick one over the other. More people from my school with stats similar to mine have gone to UChicago, but not through ED2. I’m not able to visit WashU until after the application deadline – do you know of any other way to figure out which might be the better option? thanks for all your help
One the often understated aspects of admissions is the attention span of the reader. By human nature, reading something new or interesting is often seen as more desirable. As you point out above, since you were deferred EA, being read again in the ED2 round, you will be compared against a new set of apps. How will your ED2 application fare against the kids who applied fresh ED2?? Hard to say.
Chicago places a great emphasis on the early rounds. About 2/3 of the class is admitted in the early round (which account only for about a 1/3 of total applications). Another good sign is that you mentioned that your school sends lots of kids to Chicago. This means that your guidance counselor probably has a good relationship with the admissions office at Chicago. Did you consider asking your counselor what s/he thinks? Sometimes they can give you an informal assessment.
WashU is also known for paying attention to its yield. In the past they paid attention to students who took the time to visit the campus. Visiting the campus and showing interest will definitely help. The biggest way to show interest would be to apply ED2. Of the two, I would say your chances are probably higher with WashU vs Chicago.
But if you decide Chicago, then definitely find SOMETHING to add to your application. Could be anything: new project that you’re starting, something about theatre tech, a new club at UChicago that caught your attention. If they allow it, consider writing another essay. You need to add something to your application so that forces a new round of discussions at committee. Otherwise without adding anything you might fall to the back of the pile.
@sgopal2 Thanks for all the info, it’s a lot to digest. Circumstance just happens to be that my counselor is relatively new to my school, so I don’t think they have any relationship to these schools outside of my high school’s name. They did mention they leaned a little towards UChicago, pretty much only because they didn’t flat-out reject me EA, but I know UChicago defers most of their EA pool anyway so that doesn’t necessarily fill me with confidence.
I’ve also heard that WashU is looking to up their rankings, so a reason for adding ED2 would be to look more selective. Obviously these are all rumors, but I also don’t want to fall into that trap if their ED2 doesn’t give applicants a boost at all.
My biggest issue right now is that I’m very open to UChicago ED2, but I don’t have any new material of significance to send in, literally at all – hardly anything has changed for me since the EA round. Should I avoid UChicago ED2 for this reason?
There must be something that you can highlight in an update letter.
Any new classes that caught your attention? A new exciting class for next term? Have you taken on any more responsibility in any of your current clubs? Are you working more hours in any of your ECs? Did you make honor roll last term? Have you done any more readings about Chicago? Have you spoken to any alums ? You need to add something to ‘freshen’ up your application. Put all of this into a letter and send it to them. Don’t appear desperate, but just make it clear that you’re showing a lot of interest. By doing so, you force them to take another look at your application. If you can’t think of anything, then don’t fret…its not a deal breaker.
WashU clearly added ED2 this year to keep up. By doing so they will probably raise yield and decrease admissions rates even further. So applying ED2 to WashU seems like a safe bet. But again its a toss up between the two schools since they are both excellent choices.
What major are you considering? That could help you decide which school is the right one for you. The stereotype is that Chicago is the intellectual institution where ‘fun goes to die’ and some people think of WashU as more of a preprofessional school. Of course those are exaggerations to a certain extent.
You can’t go wrong with either school. Choose your ED2/RD wisely and you won’t go wrong.
@sgopal2 Those are all great tips, thanks for all your help. If I do go UChicago ED2, I’ll definitely work on some kind of letter to demonstrate more interest.
@Hamurtle I’m applying as a history major but I’m interested in social science in general as well as biology, environmental science, and economics/business management.
I’ve heard that UChicago has a super cutthroat and stressful academic atmosphere and I’ve heard that WashU is much milder. Definitely something for me to consider!
My son is a WashU sophomore double major in Biology/History. From what he says, WashU is a collaborative environment. Although he does do a lot of reading for History and Biology takes up time. And he is considering a CompSci minor while doing premed. So WashU students still work hard.
One of his friends at WashU graduated from UChicago Lab School and is a double legacy from the parents and opted for WashU.
I don’t think that Chicago is that cutthroat although they do take pride in the ‘where fun goes to die’ slogan. I would suggest visiting both schools to get an idea of campus life and then figure out which one is your favorite.