<p>I already posted this up on the "What are my Chances" forum, yet it didn't recieve many responses as it was quickly buried over by other threads. I have added some stuff as well.</p>
<p>Overall GPA
3.7 UW
3.9 W (6 semesters)
(An extremely competitive high school, consistently ranked around top 50 in the nation. School doesn't give class rank due to competitiveness)</p>
<p>Freshman Year 3.56/3.56
Sophomore Year 3.68/3.93
Junior Year 3.85/4.2
Senior Year 4.0/4.6 (I know it seems silly that I am "predicting", but I will go to all ends to make SURE this happens!)</p>
<p>From my Freshman to Junior year I took the most advanced courses offered at my school (except second-tier science in junior year, only 3 years of German)</p>
<p>Senior Year Classes:</p>
<p>AP Economics
AP Statistics
AP BC Calculus
English Masters H (Could have taken AP English)
Physics 1A (Could have taken AP Physics C)
Choir</p>
<p>I plan to major in Economics. (Senior classes sould reflect this)</p>
<p>4 years Cross Country (3 varsity) Team Captain
4 Years Track (3 Varsity)
(Should be an athletic recruit)</p>
<p>Member of numerous Honor Choirs, Bass Section Leader of School Choir, Winner of Various Prestigious Competitions. Voice instructor claims that I am good enough to receive music scholarships at many universities (I will submit a CD)</p>
<p>Recommendations Should be good.</p>
<p>Essays will be nothing less than outstanding (I am widely recognized by my peers for great creative writing, which is well suited for the UChicago app, and I will put a lot of work into my essays as well)</p>
<p>I think I already commented on your chances thread, but another look makes me ask a few more questions:</p>
<ol>
<li>Why are you not in AP English (assuming AP is harder than the level you're about to take) considering that you are interested in creative writing? The core curriculum is extremely reading and writing focused, and the humanities class was difficult for me, somebody who took AP English at an incredibly challenging high school, was one of a few students to get an A in it, and plans to major in English. If English is "not your thing," I fear that you might be unhappy in humanities core.</li>
</ol>
<p>I will mention that one of my friends who is coming here next year is not an English person. Like you, he didn't take AP. However, he is passionate about Greek language and literature, so he's excited to do Core. Instead of taking English AP, was one of two or three students to take Biology AP and Physics AP together, two classes that at my school, are much more challenging than English AP. You don't necessarily have to take the hardest classes, but you better have good reasons for not taking them.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>If you plan to do track also, understand that you'll most likely be sacrificing good grades. Considering that econ is a difficult major to begin with, you might feel overwhelmed. If you're the kind of person who needs to get A's, you won't be happy here. If you can settle with doing the best that you can do and you can motivate yourself, then you'll love it here.</p></li>
<li><p>Definitely use your creative writing to your advantage, but remember that your essay should be more than just a pretty story. Make sure it is significant and meaningful.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>The music and athletics look good, especially if you submit a CD. Just curious if you have any academic or community service EC's, or perhaps summer work experience. </p>
<p>If you are avoiding AP English because you are concerned about the grade - I understand, but that may not be the best plan (if your AP Engish instructor is a good teacher, at least). Remember that Chicago considers the strength of the transcript as well as your grades.</p>
<p>Sanderson, who teaches the intro to econ courses, hates AP econ, believes it hurts students coming into college economics, and would advise you not to take. I'd drop econ and add AP English, if that's possible.</p>
<p>Remember, though, that there are a number of D1-caliber athletes who chose to go to Chicago and compete at D3. One of my best friends was recruited in high school by D1 schools but chose to come to Chicago.</p>
<p>I agree that unless there is a compelling reason [ schedule conflict or some other unsurmountable problem] you should take the AP English, and I would also recommend you take AP Physics as well, insteads of Physics 1A. Trying to avoid the possibility of receiving lower grades [B's] is not a good enough reason to take a lighter course load your Senior year. I would skip the AP Statistics, in favor of the above mentioned AP's.</p>
<p>"I guess i'll have to make do with what I have."</p>
<p>Well, everybody's in that position to one extent or another. What you do know if that your transcript is not as rigorous as it could be - so no senioritis for you. On the positive side, you will be able to devote more attention to your applications and essays if you are not running yourself ragged with school.</p>
<p><strong>EC'S</strong>
650 hours of community service at a hospital
Treas of Interact (community service club) 1 year
Treas of Best Buddies(a club that helps mentally handicaped students) 2years
Pres of Interact 1 year
Crew 4 Christ Club 3 years</p>