I know there are several factors and that there isn’t one “type” that gets in, but what do Northwestern and UChic look for in a student (what they consider “most important”)… or even better, what kind of person are they looking for, generally?
<p>For UChicago, considering their essay topics, I would say they are looking for someone who often thinks outside of the box and has some sort of inner nerd thriving within them.</p>
<p>I wouldn't say Northwestern and Chicago look for the same qualities at all...I visited them in the same two days and noticed a lot of differences.
I think Chicago focuses a bit more on the personality and Northwestern is more numbers-driven.</p>
<p>See Thread entitled--Newsweek article, Inside the Admissions Game. Spotlights Chicago.</p>
<p>Northwestern and U of C are like all the other selective schools. They both want in order of importance:</p>
<ol>
<li>applicants with an outstanding class ranks (top 10%) </li>
<li>applicants with outstanding SAT I scores (above 1400)</li>
<li>applicants who took the most demanding curriculum his school offered</li>
<li>applicants with a history of extracurricular activities - These schools prefer a to see a range of activities.</li>
<li>applicants who can write - your essay won't necessarily get you in, but a bad one won't help your chances.</li>
<li>applicants with good recommendations</li>
</ol>
<p>Haha. SAMMIE, that heirarchy does not apply to Chicago. The essay is weighted very heavily, and extracurriculars are contrarily the least of Chicago's concerns. Even their College Board profile reflects this. Essays are "very important" whereas extracurriculars are "considered."</p>
<p>Sod,</p>
<p>My brother is a senior at U of C. The list I posted is what he said was most important in selecting applicants. He also said, that the process is actually a lot of luck, the admission committee makes a guess, sometimes their rationale is flawed.</p>
<p>yeah, i just read that newsweek thing... admissions is such a crap shoot sometimes</p>
<p>thanks, guys</p>