<p>Do they really take until Dec. 15th for EA?</p>
<p>Do they really process 9,000 applications through decision, financial aid review, and notification in only 45 days? Including weekends and a major American holiday? As of right now, many (most?) of the applications are not even ready for review, either incomplete (test scores yet to come, that stray teacher rec somewhere in the mail, no power to millions of people in the northeastern U.S.) or uncollated (that stray teacher rec may be in the mailroom, but someone has to open it up, scan it into the system, and associate it with the right file). And the admissions staff is still right in the middle of outreach to possible regular decision applicants, and fielding questions from them all the time. It’s actually kind of amazing that they do it by the 15th. </p>
<p>Last year they handled 8,700 early applications in about 45 days, and 13,000 regular applications (plus re-review of maybe 5,000 EA applications) in about 85 days. But in the regular decision period, they really aren’t doing anything but reviewing applications, and they don’t have that luxury in November and December. It’s a lot different than at most of the peer schools, that pull in 25-50% as many early applications, because the restrictions of ED or SCEA make applying early to those colleges less attractive.</p>
<p>Send in ASAP before mid November, applications will be counted in as Early Action most likely. If not, you still have an edge in the regular application pool since you show your interest earlier than regular pool applicants.</p>
<p>David, I don’t think the OP is saying their app is not in. They are now in the “agonizing over the wait” phase, and wondering if it is possible that answers will come before Dec. 15. Best to go focus on this semester’s classes & ECs (in case you are waitlisted) and other applications.</p>
<p>Intparent,
You are right, OP hopes an early release of EA decisions…</p>
<p>Alright I appreciate they replies. Was in no way insulting UChicago or any other school just merely excited/nervous. Thanks for the insight. I was just asking because some of my friends that went to Yale last year heard back before the 15th. I was just relating the two. But perhaps that was wrong of me…</p>
<p>No, it is understandable that you are antsy… so is my D. That won’t last long, she is taking a one week break before diving into her next pile of applications. Then she will be too busy to worry about U of Chicago. :D</p>