Folks that have gotten in-do you think I have a good shot/what to improve? (HSJunior)

Colleges & Universities A-Z University of Chicago ✅
1

<p>Hello fellow scholars, I am currently a high-school junior, and I suppose you could call this a kind of "chances" post, but I'm more just looking for anyone that's been accepted into UChicago to throw in their two cents about my chances. Also, if you have any feedback on what to improve, that would rock my socks. If this is clogging up your forum, just ask and I'll delete it. Thanks for any feed back!</p>

<p>BRACE YOURSELVES, THE WALL OF TEXT IS COMING</p>

<p>Alright, so the boring numbers:</p>

<p>ACT: Got a 29 start of freshman year, so I'm expecting at least a <em>33</em> composite, with the weakest area most likely being Science.</p>

<p>PSAT: 207, just got it back.</p>

<p>Hooks:</p>

<p>-Extremely autodidactic with languages. My goal by graduation, which I'm on track to accomplish, is to get a 5 on the AP Spanish (this year), French, and Chinese tests. The only class I'll have taken at my HS is Spanish VH, as I'm testing into online AP French and college Chinese.</p>

<p>-Very involved in LGBTQ activism, going to workshops, serving at camps, etc.</p>

<p>Academics (by graduation):</p>

<p>-10 APs total, 3 Honours
-Advanced in English, Spanish, Math, French
-Took extra courses through summer camps, online programs, self-study, etc.
-8 University classes (half of which are language classes)
-Tested into AP French solely through 2 years of self-study.</p>

<p>Extra curriculars:</p>

<p>Gay-Straight Alliance (Freshman member, Soph. and Junior Pres.)
Interfaith Club (Soph Pres.)
International Club (Junior Co-pres.)
French Club (Soph. Member, Junior Co-Pres.)
Creative Writing Club (Soph. Member, Junior VP)
Political Debate Club (Soph. Member, Junior Co-Pres.)
Math League (Competitive, test-based, scored 4th in region)
Yearbook (Freshman editor, quit after that)
Mock Trial (Junior Defense Attorney)
Principal's Student Advisory Council (Junior Member)</p>

<hr>

<p>The Great and Mighty Line Dividing the Less Important ECs</p>

<hr>

<p>Earth Society(Soph. member)
Mariachi Band (Junior member)
String Choir (Soph/Junior Member)
Book Club (Fresh., Soph., Junior Member)
Chamber Orchestra (Junior Member)
Spanish conversation club (Junior Member)</p>

<p>Outside</p>

<p>-Involved with local PFLAG, attended national lobbying conference in D.C.
-Work with state-wide LGBT youth organization, presenting conferences at workshops, served as youth staff at LGBTQ activist camp
-Volunteer with local PAC
-Served on district committees to develop anti-bullying policy and improve health curriculum
-Planning on heavy campaign volunteering (in 2012 presidential election)
-At least 100 volunteer hours by time of graduation</p>

<p>Various:</p>

<p>-Selected as area rep to conference for rural education in D.C.
-Work with a brand-new, education-focused, student-run nonprofit
-Develop resources with a group for transgender youth
-One of two state reps to national GSA conference
-Viola from 5th grade until graduation, selected for regional Youth Honors Orchestra sophomore year
-Davidson Institute Young Scholar</p>

<p>Phew, okay. That's me. Any thoughts? Thank you kindly!</p>

2

<p>I’d say you look pretty good especially if you get your predicted act score. I just got in ea and am also a language person. In fact my regional counselor from Chicago sent me a congratulations last week telling me how impressive my language stuff was. So I’m pretty sure that was a distinguishing part of my app and it sounds like you’re like that too. I’m taking French, Spanish, and Latin, but it’s still similar. Also I got a 2310 if that’s helpful for comparison.</p>

3

<p>Merci beaucoup! Very reassuring. Hopefully I’ll get that kind of SAT score. By the way, did you take any SAT II tests? I’m thinking about doing 2/3 or all language ones for mine, but I’m not sure if they’d look kindly on that.</p>

4

<p>Oh, crap! I forgot to include my UW GPA, that was one of the main issues. I’m looking at most likely a 3.7, though with a very strong upward trend. That might change it up a bit.</p>

5

<p>I took 3 subject tests. Latin and then math 2 and chemistry. Honestly those weren’t the strongest part of my app but obviously it was ok lol. And a 3.7 is actually quite good. I had a 4.0 but I don’t think a 3.7 will hold you or anyone else back as long as the rest of your app is strong.</p>

6

<p>So this is sort of like a “chances” post, except that you’re looking for people to… give you your chances? What?</p>

<p>Anyway, chances even from those who have gotten in don’t matter. You’re on-target academically and EC-wise (except for perhaps the GPA) but at this level even if you’re qualified admissions are a crapshoot. Just make sure your essays are good and your love for the school shows.</p>

7

<p>Yeah, it kind of is, except I’m kind of looking for, you know, people who actually got in and not some random person who looked at a brochure and thinks they have a good idea of your chances. Like with carrot10, he/she/they/etc got in and had some similar stuff going on, so that helped. I hope my thinking makes some shred of sense.</p>

8

<p>Alright, well, I got in and am currently attending, and I’m telling you that not a single person here has an idea of your chances. No one will know besides next year’s adcoms when they receive your application.</p>

<p>Chance threads such as this one are probably the least productive thing about College Confidential. All they do is create false expectations. The only truly good advice anyone can offer you is to do well in school and do what you love.</p>

9

<p>Duly noted, thanks.</p>

10

<p>I second OxalisWombo.
If you looked at the stats on the pages where people post their EA or RD results, you’ll see that even people with very high SAT and ACT scores and even national recognition for their ECs aren’t guaranteed admittance. o_o </p>

<p>Just keep being involved and passionate about your ECs and make sure it shows through in your essays that you actively pursue what you love. :] aaand get started on your essays early D:</p>