<p>I've gone through a lot of struggles, especially during sophomore and junior year. but i think i've become a much better student than i ever was. would it help if there's an upward trend from the 2nd semester of junior year? I'm a junior right now, and speaking hypothetically for the ACT and SAT scores. But I'm going to be working all summer to study for the tests, because UChicago is my dream school. I also plan on visiting the school, and doing an interview. do you think it would be better if I applied during the regular time, so that I can show them more of the upward trend my senior year? UChicago is my dream school, and I want to major in Econ. After looking up a lot about it, and the people there, I think I'd fit in there really well, too. Despite my low GPA, I'm smart, but I've had lots of problems with procrastination (like severely.. i had like a mild depression), which I've finally been able to overcome (it's been a problem since like middle school, but it got worse in high school when I had more work). I'm in all honors and dual credit classes (the highest my school has.. they're like college courses) and I'm involved with multiple sports and clubs (I'm even founding a red cross club at my school now). I'm just trying to stay motivated.. and want to see if this can even be a feasible goal, to get admitted if I keep working really hard, like I am now. Could colleges forgive my mistakes in the past? Uchicago, and other colleges in general? Also, I'm black and come from a middle class family, if that makes any difference.</p>
<p>Just as a person who’s just been through the college admissions process (but doesn’t really know how it all happens), I would say do the best you can with what you’ve got. You’re counting your chickens a little early if you’re planning to get a 35/2400 on standardized tests already. Studying will help, but there’s a point where you have to realize that you can either spend all your time studying for standardized tests or you can go out and live your life the way you really want to (like participate in extracurriculars, gain job experience, study for your classes, self-study AP tests, write a book, volunteer, etc). All of those things will matter much more in the end than your standardized test score. Spend your summer well.</p>
<p>Not to be mean, but I question- if UChicago is your dream and it motivates you, that’s great, but what are you going to do if you get into UChicago and you have no motivation again? You’re going to start learning a lot about yourself in the next two years. Colleges are going to want answers to the questions why this school, why this major, and, speaking from experience, just saying “I like it” does not impress anyone. Figure out your true motivations- beyond high school, even beyond college. Try to pinpoint what you want out of life. “Know thyself.”</p>
<p>Also, I wouldn’t mention to the colleges that you were depressed (unless you have a specific reason, i.e. the death of a close family member, etc). I know I read somewhere that it can be a red flag to colleges. Not that there’s anything wrong with it, and I am sure you are a fantastically brilliant person despite that trip-up.</p>
<p>So, yeah, my basic sentiments are: figure out what you really, really want, do as much as you can to achieve it, and let fate take over the rest. You’re gonna rock the world, kid, in your own way. Just give yourself time to get there.</p>
<p>well, i don’t know if this is too late but I think you have a decent shot. U of C has about a 23% acceptance rate…so it’s pretty darn low, but you have to keep in mind all the students that go there are very similar. They all have a genuine passion for learning. Before you decide to go to UChicago DEFINITELY visit. The campus is invigorating for some but intimidating to others. There really isn’t much you can do for your GPA now, but I would recommend doing things with the time you have left that would differentiate you from the other applicants (research with a professor, shadowing, etc.). Also, not just UChicago, but many colleges really value passion in a student. You want to find something you truly love and base your essay on that. One thing you don’t want to do is base your essay off of why your grades were marginal. Instead, highlight the good stuff. UChicago is also extremely essay based so SPEND A LOT OF TIME ON THEM. especially the uncommon app question. They want uniqueness. For an essay, maybe write about the struggles you have gone through and how they shaped who you are today. Good luck with the application!</p>
<p>FWIW, my son had a 3.8 gpa, 33 ACT and he got declined, not wait-listed for UC. His essays were not exceptional though so maybe if your writing is very good that would help.</p>
<p>It’s definitely possible.
Someone in my dorm had a 3.3 GPA in high school and a 2010 SAT score and got in. Nothing particularly special, but had good essays.
Another person had a 3.5 GPA in high school and no AP’s or anything, yet got a merit scholarship to attend.
Getting in is not going to be easy though, and this is the exception not the norm. But you can still do it.
And I agree with love2study-how can you say you will have a 2400 SAT even before you start studying for it?</p>