Getting into University of Chicago through QuestBridge

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>For those of you who do not know what QuestBridge is it is a scholarship program in which applicants can be matched with partner schools and receive a full scholarship from the school that accepts them. (That's just the basics, visit questbridge.org for more)</p>

<p>I am already a finalist meaning that my application will be forwarded to the schools that I ranked: University of Chicago and Yale. Call me crazy but University of Chicago is my first choice. </p>

<p>QuestBridge is super competitive. In 2008, 2500 finalists were chosen out of 5000 applicants and of 2500 finalists only 260 were actually matched with schools to receive the full scholarship. </p>

<p>Here's where I stand:</p>

<p>Location: Miami, FL
Academy: International Baccalaureate (IB)
Gender: Black/ African American
GPA: 4.0
Weighted (based on my county): 6.267
Intended major: Biochemistry
Intended Career: Forensic Pathologist
Finances: Under 40,000
Family History: First Generation </p>

<p>Scores:
SAT: These were taken in March. I retook them in October and expect to improve on all 3 sections Reading-690, Math-700, Writing-720
ACT: These were taken in April. I retook them in October and expect to improve on Reading (you'll see why) English-30 Math-33 Reading-23 (I read like 2 passages so don't judge) Science-34 Composite-30 (I expect to get at least a 32 when my Reading score improves)
APs: Pretty average
9th:World History-4
10th: European History-4, Chemistry-4, English Language-4, Spanish Language-4
11th: US History-5, English Literature-4
IB Exams:Spanish SL-6, Mathematics SL-7</p>

<p>Current Schedule:
IB PSYCHOLOGY HL
IB ENGLISH HL
IB CONTEMPORARY WORLD HISTORY HL
IB BIOLOGY HL
IB THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE
AP CALCULUS BC</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:No leadership unfortunately
Spanish Honor Society (2 years)
Volunteer at a Nursing Home and at a Daycare (2 years each)
HIV/AIDS Club (2 years-disbanded junior year)
DFYIT (2 years)
Best Buddies (2 years)
Winter Guard (1 year)</p>

<p>Honors:
Received from my school: IB Spanish IV for non-speakers, AP English Literature/ IB English III
National Achievement Semifinalist
AP Scholar with Distinction (eligible to become a National AP Scholar once Calculus BC is passed, I have an A in the class)
Commendation from the Superintendent of my county</p>

<p>I doubt much of my personality came through this so I don't want anyone thinking I'm all cold and super official its just that I know how long these things can get plus I want opinions on the facts without the boost of the essay. </p>

<p>Thanks so much guys! :-)</p>

2

<p>I forgot my class rank: 2% of 708. I think I’m about number 8 or 9 but my school doesn’t release the actual number.</p>

3

<p>I don’t think that you are crazy for picking Chicago over Yale. I live in New Haven adjacent to the Yale campus and my spouse teaches there. My child also chose Chicago over Yale and I know a number of other kids who did the same. Yale is also great, but the City of Chicago is far superior to New Haven for overall opportunities, although the campus at the U of Chicago is much smaller than Yale, but somewhat similar in appearance. I think that your chances for Chicago are excellent. Lots of luck.</p>