Does anyone else feel incompetent?

Colleges & Universities A-Z University of Chicago ✅
21

<p>To indytucker: Not really.</p>

<p>In the last three years, I've improved my average a full 5%, and have shot up in class rank. I just keep working harder and harder, and even still, I know I'm capable of much more. I've always been (according to peers and teachers) one of the smartest students in my class (and there are some really smart kids where I go), despite the fact that only now am I beginning to prove it. Heck, I'm still not even working that hard.</p>

<p>And for all you know, the fact that I applied EA after completing only 11 years (currently in the 12th) of a 13 year system could be the reason I was deferred. But I don't think it has to with smarts or not thinking I'd be up to the work.</p>

22

<p>I'll start worrying about incompetence if and when I actually get in!</p>

<p>Seriously though, I'm not worried because as long as I work hard and live up to my own expectations, then I'm not going to worry about a bunch of other students doing loads better than me. Remember, even if you don't do so well in your Freshman year, grad schools don't take freshman grades into account when calculating your gpa. Or at least I think they don't.</p>

23

<p>When I was there, a lot of first years spent a lot of time worrying and talking about grades. Not that many spent time calmly doing the work. It's not rocket science. If you are a good reader and writer, you will get good grades in those core classes. Don't get intimidated.</p>

24

<p>come to think about it, we are the best and the brightest.</p>

<p>thats scary, i dont want to live in the future if its going to be run by me and my peers.</p>

25

<p>I forgot to mention, I plan to be selected as Rhodes scholar as well.</p>

26

<p>That is not something one plans.</p>

27

<p>well, I for one am intimidated. Granted I haven't gotten in and quite probably won't, I know what it means to be a uchi student and I am scared. I only know one student and he has huge amounts of work, but he also told me that 3 years ago he never would've dreamed he'd be who is today. Uchi changes people, he is so well read and aware! It is as if he has already gained the wisdom of an old man! I want to be enriched that same way... that is why I am willing to take a risk and wholeheartedly pursue a UChi education. Good luck to those who have yet to hear!</p>

28

<p>That is interesting, catsmeow87. Do you think this type of "wisdom" is unique to Chicago, or is it just like any other top 15 college? I struggle between accepting my Chicago acceptance even in the face of possible (but unlikely) HPSMCornell acceptances. I don't know what to do. I guess I will visit again and find out.</p>

29

<p>Kosuke, your point reminded me of one of the wise adages of Mr. Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (coincidentally, a UChicago alumnus):</p>

<p>"True terror is waking up to find your high school class running the country."</p>

<p>I put that on my senior yearbook page : )</p>

30

<p>I wouldn't say that is true with every high school.</p>

31

<p>Oh come on! Sense of humor here. (By the way--what high school do you attend!?) :)</p>

32

<p>I attend a high school from a small town in NJ. I didn't have to pay the application fee because of Chicago's "small school talent search".</p>