@jarrett211 I would agree with you 100%, but what I was saying is that of all the places OP listed, U of C is the one, in my experience, where a slightly subpar GPA could be overcome with essays that hit a particular mark. This, though, is only what I have seen from applicants I know, and is in no way meant to be taken as applying to every single applicant. (And congrats! My niece was also admitted EA and will be attending.)