I’m trying to decide whether to apply EA to UChicago or to Yale… I really like both colleges but I’m leaning Yale. However, I have been recruited for a UChicago DIII varsity sport. Please estimate whether I can get into Yale RD, because if the chances are dismal then I’d take a shot with SCEA.
Senior… I plan to major in Econ/Cognitive Science
Academics:
-3.87 UW, 5.07 W (weird I know. I have a lot of extra credits)
-2350 SAT (800/800/750)
-1510/1520 PSAT
-SAT Subject Tests: 800 on Literature
-1/200something in my graduating class
-9 AP tests: seven 5’s, one 4, one 3 (both my non-5’s are in history…not sure why, since Chem and Lit were definitely harder). I will be taking two or three more during senior year.
-Some classes I’ve taken or will be taking at the state university: Multivariable Calc (Calc III), Linear Algebra, Global Economics, Existentialism, Intro to Political Science, a couple esoteric literature classes (all A’s so far)
Extracurriculars:
-20 hours of training a week for my sport… multiple time state meet medalist. I’d be one of the top at UChicago but I’m not good enough for the Yale team. boohoo
-Intern (unpaid) for a major political party, working on community outreach for the 2016 presidential election (15+hours/week) and it’s very intense
-Volunteer counselor for juvenile offenders (I represent minor cases in court, in front of a judge. It’s an interesting program in my city)
-Piano, like any good Asian (I <3 it tho). I did some accompanist work with my high school’s choir.
Essays: probably 9/10.
Letters of Recommendation: 7???/10
Yes, I am an Asian female.
I live in Nevada.
You obviously have the academics to get into both schools but at UChicago you have an almost sure acceptance with your stats and being a recruited athlete. At Yale you are just another applicant among thousands. If you are going to be studying Econ then Uchicago would be a great fit as it has one of the top programs in the world. So I would say EA to Uchicago. If you could get in SCEA at Yale you could get in RD too.
^ I’m not sure how the recruiting works as neither of my kids were athletes. You might want to read some of the threads that have to do with recruited athletes in particular schools. I have seen posts that talk about how the coach recruiting the athlete advocates for their admissions in some schools but plays a less influential role in admissions in other schools. So my first advise would be to talk to the coaches in each prospective school.
You look very competitive but unlike the above post, I would not put UChicago as a sure thing. This year’s acceptance was around 7.6%. The estimates for EA are around 10% and for RD it was single digits for this year.
Also, UChicago is going to ED I and ED II as well as EA and RD. It’s still unclear how this will shake out for students.
I’m really glad that my kid was in the cohort that were still offered the EA or RD option.
My rec is that if you are sure that you want to give it your best shot for Yale, then apply SCEA. Basically, SCEA to an Ivy is utilized by the top applicants in the pool that are absolutely sure that Yale above any other Ivy or very very selective school is their first choice. If you believe that this is you and you can really devote a lot of energy to Yale application, then do it.
Do not underestimate the UChicago application- you will have to do two prompts. UChicago absolutely stresses the essay. I’m just not sure that EA to UChicago can be assured for you and they may defer you. Or you may get in EA but then you will have to work on the Yale application.
If you get into Yale under SCEA then no problem. But if Yale also defers you then you will have to wait it out. So you need some matches and safeties.
Please make sure that you can afford these schools- run the NPC. Remember that Yale gives no merit or athletic scholarships. But Yale gives terrific fin aid. UChicago recently boosted their fin aid and they give merit scholarships.
Good luck OP.
BTW, my D has a friend who was accepted to both Yale and UChicago RD. And both colleges appeared to be trying to entice her to matriculate. Yale offered her an early visit for their STEM program in the Fall. UChicago offered her two scholarships. She visited both for overnights. Both colleges appear to value an intellectual enviornment but the vibe is very different. Yale vibe was more social and the campus and amenities were outstanding. She very much is a kid that is status aware and Yale offered the cache she was looking for. But the family is full pay at Yale but obviously could afford it.
@goingnutsmom Thanks for your advice. My family’s income does not qualify me for financial aid, but of course tuition is still a big concern. The ironic thing is that even though UChicago gives merit aid, its tuition is about 3000-5000 more than Yale…
Applying to very expensive schools with a high income and no fin aid is tricky- make sure your parents know what they will have to pay once everything is factored in. It can be quite a shock. Sometimes parents back out. Just be very clear on the cost.
@gentleindifference - Would a merit scholarship of $3000-5000 really make a difference as to what college you would enroll in (assuming no fin aid)? After $70,000, that amount is really a drop in the bucket unfortunately.