<p>I think U Chicago is one of those schools where the chances of admission are just exaggerated too much. </p>
<p>I mean I go to a large public school in Virginia. It's competitive although it doesn't rank very high nationally. I saw students with weighted GPA of 3.68 and SAT score of 2150 getting in. </p>
<p>Extenuating circumstances? No, I personally know the student. He was a typical white student. Was he intelligent, unique in some way? Yeah, of course he was unique and intelligent. I am not trying to say that U Chicago will take anyone. This student's essays and teacher rec were probably stellar. </p>
<p>You see, last year, U Chicago admitted 38% (if not, something around there) of applicants. The thing is they have a large class to fill up and most people who get admitted do not go to the school. So as a result, they have to accept a large number.</p>
<p>One other misconception is that people think they are being compared to others in terms of GPA and SATs. Truth is... no. </p>
<p>According to Libby Pearson, the admission officer of U Chicago who actually answered some of our questions in this forum, has said that applicants are looked at on their own merit, not compared. If someone has a good GPA, good SAT scores, good teacher recs, good essays and good ECs, they will get in no matter how much better other people have done than that person. </p>
<p>So yeah, am I trying to say that U Chicago is an easy school to get into? No. But the chances are exaggerated somewhat. I wanted to clarify this for those of you who are basically killing themselves by overthinking this. Of course I can't guarantee you'll get in, but I am saying you have a decent shot if your stats are good. </p>
<p>Remember, U Chicago is known for its openmindedness in admission. It has one of the best undergraduate study program in the country and in the world. They maintain that with creative, open-minded, passionate students. It doesn't look at your SAT writing nor SAT IIs (which I think is reasonable).</p>
<p>According to Collegeboard:</p>
<p>Very important admission factors:
Character/Personal Qualities
Application Essay
Recommendations
Rigor of secondary school record
Talent/Ability </p>
<p>Important admission factors:
Class Rank
Extracurricular Activities
Volunteer Work
Academic GPA </p>
<p>I don't think this entirely accurate as Libby has repeatedly appealed to the fact that they regard GPA as most important. </p>
<p>So those of you who are applying to U Chicago should just keep in mind few things:</p>
<p>1) Maintain a good GPA (you probably already know this), as it is the most important factor in admission. If it's not the best, just try to make a rising trend. </p>
<p>2) Focus on 2~3 ECs which you feel passionate about and have some talent in. And just work hard at them!</p>
<p>3) Prepare for SAT early. </p>
<p>4) Get to know your teachers. Ask a lot of intelligent questions during class, contribute!</p>
<p>5) Work on your essays early. Revise revise revise. Make it creative and honest. </p>
<p>Sorry if I have reiterated what you already know. But CC does not keep things in perspective. Too many people have hyped up the chances and too many have oversimplified things. It's time to get things straight ^^. Remember that there are actually very serious people in here that are looking for helpful feedback. You have to be honest to them but you can't just tell them they are gonna be rejected as the nature of admission is just unpredictable.</p>