Chance Me? University of Chicago EA

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hi, I’m a rising senior and University of Chicago is my top choice. I’ve gotten my heart set on UChicago, so any advice received is much appreciated. Please by harsh if necessary!

Academics:
ACT: 35 composite (English-36, Math-32, Reading-35, Science-36)
GPA: 98% (unweighted)
I am an International Baccalaureate diploma candidate: HLs: English Lang and Lit, History of the Americas, Physics. SLs: Psychology (7), Mathematics (7), and French. EE is in history. I’m planning on submitting the abstract of my EE in my application.
Class rank: 3/300ish

ECs:
-Tutoring at local community center
-Has served as class president and VP
-Student council delegate
-National Honor Society secretary
-Ornithology club founding member and secretary
-Envirothon competition: secretary, then president of club, went to states twice and placed, won regionals twice
-AP world history club vice president
-Physics club vice president
-Lacrosse
-School and community theatre
-Organizing cabaret performance to fund a scholarship for CAS project
-Best Buddies
-Youth representative on county youth bureau
-Citizen at Girls State
-Attended HOBY workshops

Work Experience:
-Babysitting
-Choreographer at local community theatre

Teacher Recs: 10/10

Essays:
-Why UChicago- 10/10, I feel like it really represents me as a person and is memorable
-Common App- 10/10, about organizing/leading a community-wide protest to save a teacher’s job
-Extended Essay- 8.5/10, “How do you feel about Wednesday?” I felt like it was well written and representative of me, but not really special or something that would stand out.
-Favorite things- not written yet

Thank you! Again, please feel free to be harsh if necessary. I greatly appreciate any advice that you can give me.

2

Your stats look good. I think your recommendations and essays will be key – do you understand the U of C “vibe”, and are you a fit with it?

3

Kill your essays and you’ll have a realistic chance

4

intparent, I definitely feel like I’m a good fit with the UChicago “vibe.” I felt so at home when I visited there, and I think that my essays reflect that well.

5

Your class rank, ACT and curricular rigor are fine. You have some quirky ECs which might appeal to Chicago - I imagine not too many ornithologists will be applying. Focus on presenting yourself as someone who fits the Chicago mold - quirky with a strong love of intellectual inquiry and rigor. Good luck.