<p>The University of Chicago is one of my top two choices. I am not an overqualified candidate and it would be close to a reach for me right now (low test scores, but very good EC's and interest in what I want to do). </p>
<p>Bottom line, should I apply EA? Would it actually hurt my chances since I'm not one of those overqualified students that some EAs look for? I want the best possible shot at admission.</p>
<p>Note: I'm applying ED to another school (reach as well).</p>
<p>First, if you’re applying ED to another school, you need to check with that school to see if they are restrictive ED. If they are, they will not let you apply to any other school early. If they aren’t then, legally, you would be allowed to apply to Chicago early. </p>
<p>Second, don’t be discouraged by low test scores. Re-take if you have to, but also remember that UChicago doesn’t put heavy emphasis on them. They look at your SAT/ACT and consider it, but it will not make your application (it might break it, depending upon how low you actually are). </p>
<p>Third, likewise, the UofC (from what I’ve read) does not put a lot of weight on ECs. Like SAT/ACT, they look at it but it won’t make or break your decision. If you’re interested in something in particular, show them your passion. Show them your love. Show them not only why you love that thing, but why you love the University of Chicago. If you can convey those things, it’ll help you more than a 36 or a 2400 can. </p>
<p>Fourth, the EA pool is a lot more competitive, but they also accept a higher percentage. They are correlated, but I’m not sure which one is causal to the other. So make that little tidbit what you may. As well, remember that the EA deadline is 33 days away, so you need to know if you can write/polish your essays in that amount of time. In the end, it’s all up to you. None of us can tell you whether you should apply EA or not. If you feel you have a better shot, and can convey your passion for the University, then go for it.</p>
<p>Thanks for the help.</p>
<p>Just out of curiosity, if U of C doesn’t put much emphasis on testing or EC’s then are they basically looking for outstanding essays with acceptable scores and involvement?</p>
<p>And does anyone know exactly how much higher the EA acceptance rate is?</p>
<p>I’m not saying that ECs are unimportant. I’m just saying that they are less important than other parts of the application (this is according to the Princeton Review profile of UChicago, so make of it what you will). PR said that the most important parts are:
Transcript
Essays
Recommendations</p>
<p>And I think the part about the high test scores is that they actually do look at test scores. It’s probably a lot bigger than we think (I hope so). Or maybe its just that people with higher test scores write better essays… I’m not sure.</p>