ACT (breakdown): 35 composite (34M, 35E, 33R, 36S)
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
Weighted GPA: 4.15
Rank: 1/200
AP (place score in parenthesis): APUSH (5), Bio (4), Calc AB (5)
Senior Year Course Load: AP Stats, AP Chem, AP Gov, AP Lit, Honors French IV (have taken all but one of the AP classes my school offers)
Major Awards: AP Scholar, National Merit Semifinalist (likely Finalist)
Extracurriculars:
- Academic quiz team: JV: 9 / Varsity: 10, 11, 12; my most extensive EC, our school’s team qualifies for several national-level competitions every year, and this occupies almost all of my weekends
- Concert Choir: (President): 10 / Symphonic Choir (section leader): 11, 12
- Theatre (directed one-acts, stage managed fall play, did some lighting work, won awards, International Thespian Society): 10, 11, 12
- Model UN: 9, 10
- School’s a cappella singing group: 11, 12
- NHS: 11, 12
- 6 years of piano
Volunteer work:
- Alternate spring break (service trip): 11
- Library volunteer: ~20 hours
- Elementary foreign language teaching program
I know UChicago is a massive reach (as it is for most), but I’m a good writer and my essay for them was probably one of the best things I’ve ever written, so I guess my question re: that is whether a great essay/good fit can make up for a lack of good ECs? For the other 3 I just want to know if I can reasonably get in and chances of merit aid. Any opinions are appreciated! Thanks!