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<p>I wouldn’t count on any merit aid from the U of C. They give it to very few students. I’m not sure what their criteria are, but while the OP’s D has a great GPA her ACT will not put her at the top of the heap at the U of C. If she’s an NMF they do give those scholarships–$2.5K, IIRC–but they only matter to students with no need-based aid, since any grant money will be offset by that amount.</p>
<p>That said, the U of C is a wonderful school, and I personally certainly prefer it to Northwestern and WUSTL, and it sounds as if the OP’s D would too. </p>
<p>I would look at Carleton for an intellectual, quirky girl who needs a bit of a social push.</p>