Chanes at these schools in Illinois

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Schools:
University of Chicago
Loyola in Chicago
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
DePaul University</p>

<p>I'm a junior at at a prestigious magnet school in Chicago. I just got my ACT score: 28. It's not the best but I hope my grades can make up for it. I had a pretty average freshman year but I've heavily improved in the last two years and improved my GPA from a 3.7 to a 4.4. In my junior year I only got one B per semester (both in AP English)</p>

<p>GPA (weighted): 4.4048
ACT: 28
Class rank: Top 5%
GPA (UW): 3.478</p>

<p>I took 3 AP classes in junior year (the rest Honors): AP US History, AP English Language, AP Government & Politics. I took the tests and passed all four tests (two for AP Gov) with a 4 so I recieved the AP scholar with Honor award. My EC are bad though. I was part of JROTC for two years, was part of the Think tank Club here, so far I have 77 service learning hours and most importantly I spent two years in the Alpha program (it only lasts 2 years). This was a science fair program that involved me taking extra classes and competing in Science Fairs. I made it to the regionals in Sophomore year (a lot harder than it sounds). For my senoir year, I'm taking a very difficult curriculum, 4 AP classes (Economics, World Lit., Psychology, European History) (and the rest of the classes are Honors).</p>

<p>I should be able to write a good essay and get great recommendations. I want to major in Political Science (to go to a Law school for my graduate) I also have a great attendance record and even recieved an award from the city for it, if that helps. Thanks for reading and please give me your thoughts. I'm also from Iraq and lived there till I was 8 if that helps and I do remember everything from there, I escaped from Iraq and came here as a refugee. What good colleges do you guys think I should aapply to and have a good chance of getting in, preferibly in Illinois or California or places close by. I'm scared, though, that since both my parents are doctors, people think I'm just some rich kid. Even though when we came here we were on welfare for over a year and lived in a ghetto and even afterwards we barley made ends meat as it took a while for my parents to finish their residency and tests. And even now we don't live anywhere near a wealthy lifestyle since much of our money goes to helping our poor relatives throughout the world.</p>

<p>Do I even have a chance?</p>

<p>BTW I do plan on interviewing (except UIUC) and trying really hard at the essays and apply EA.</p>

2

<p>bump. help!</p>

3

<p>Ok, I live in Illinois (duh). Your ACT is low for UChicago but definitely good enough for all the other schools. Your upward trend helps, but your grades are again low for UChicago (but definitely fine for all the other schools). Your ECs aren't spectacular, but I wouldn't call them bad either. </p>

<p>Overall, I'd say you have excellent changes at Loyola, DePaul and UIUC, and that UChicago is a bit of a reach (but not out of your grasp at all). You have chances at every school (especially with strong essays) and you should definitely apply.</p>

<p>Notre Dame is close to Illinois, maybe an hour and a half outside the south side of Chicago in South Bend, Indiana. You might wanna take a look.</p>

4

<p>I think you have a solid chance at all these schools. ACT might be low for Chicago, but remember, Chicago is a school which places great emphasis on your essay. Try your best, and make sure your essay is the best part of your application.</p>

5

<p>You're totally in to DePaul, Loyola, and UIUC.
Make youself stand out at UChicago,a nd you might stand a shot.</p>

6

<p>As a resident of Chicago, I have to agree that DePaul and Loyola are safeties. UIUC has slightly higher admissions standards than those two, but you will undoubtedly be admitted. </p>

<p>Your chances at UChicago will depend greatly on your essays. You should definitely set up an interview. Believe me when I tell you that they regard applicants highly when they demonstrate such determination to attend the school. If you still can, you should retake the ACT. It can't hurt. Good luck!</p>