<p>Right now im a sophmore attending a blue ribbon school and im #2 in my class. My grades are decent but the more i read on this website, the more doubt i have that i can get into my dream college (University of Chicago). What do i have to do to get into the University of Chicago?</p>
<p>I have As in all classes. My sophomore schedule is Algebra 2, Spanish 2, A.P U.S History, A.P Psy, Honors English, Honors Chemistry, Seminar, Gym. I play JV football and V Golf. I'm the treasurer of a diversity group and a peer listeners. </p>
<p>However, the people on this website make my credentials seem like crap. What do i have to change in my Junior year to stand a chance at UoC?</p>
<p>Change your name to either Malia or Sasha. jk</p>
<p>At this point, the only students that have a “sure thing” about getting admitted to the TOP school of their choice are children of a president. No school will turn down a First Child.</p>
<p>But…that said…</p>
<p>Does UChicago have any summer programs for HS kids that might give an applicant a “leg up” when applying?</p>
<p>Take the hardest curriculum your school offers.</p>
<p>Participate in brainy ECs…debate team, science fairs, math teams, etc.</p>
<p>Also, participate in some fun ECs to demonstrate your “well-roundedness”</p>
<p>keep GPA high, practice for your SAT, PSAT, and ACT. I suggest taking the June SAT during your sophomore year (pay the extra for test question results) and use that data for practicing for the PSAT and future SAT tests.</p>
<p>feinyNY, you’re on a great track. I recommend you continue to excell in your academics, as well as prepare for your SATs as much as you can in advance. In regards to extracurricular activities, don’t get so concerned with what others are doing. It is not a competition of who can do what in X amount of time. It’s about showing a true interest or passion in something that really interests you that will eventually make you stand out from the rest. </p>
<p>Also, you need to define what a top school is and what exactly your expectations and realistic goals are from a Top school. If it’s a matter of receiving an excellent education or a “top education” many many insitutions, considerably LACs provide an excellent education that sometimes is better than TOP research universities at the undergrad level.</p>
<p>I think that right now, you are on track for U Chicago (and I am a graduate of the place). They prize people who love to learn. Admissions values the essays a lot, but are more flexible on other credentials. You don’t have to excel in ECs the way that you do to get into the Ivy League. Show that you love to read, and that you are interested in ideas outside the classroom as well as inside. Try to show interest in the school early on- if you can register on the admissions website, do it now or at least by very early junior year. Definitely have an on campus or alumni interview. If you stay at the academic level that you are on now, you won’t have a problem getting in, but little things like showing interest, the interview, etc, can only help.</p>
<p>If you make NMSF, you’ll also have to take the SAT.</p>
<p>But, either way, you SHOULD take BOTH the ACT and the SAT. Some kids do significantly better on one or the other - and schools will take the best one. Don’t hurt your chances by only taking the ACT (unless you get like a 34+. :)</p>
<p>Ditto, you’re looking good. I’m a graduate, too. Just send me and OneMom some money and we’ll use our awesome powers to make it worth your while. For faster results you can send me her share; it looks like I’ve had more time on my hands lately (judging from our College Confidential posting rates) :)</p>
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<p>Seriously, I do believe this is true. Or it least it used to be when they let riff raff like me in. I’m not speaking for OneMom, of course. </p>
<p>Back in the day, there was an annual performance of the “War of 1812 Overture” in Rockefeller Chapel. Completely unrehearsed. Anybody at all could just show up with an instrument and play. Believe me, the result was as bad as it sounds. It just goes to show what EC-challenged dorks we were. And if you think that sounds bad, you should go watch a Chicago football game. One year, they were going to have the Maroons play CalTech in an extravaganza billed as the “Toilet Bowl”. The joke was, the average player’s IQ would exceed his weight. Sadly, it never came off. The Maroons’ coach declined for fear it would be too humiliating for his sensitve players’ feelings.</p>
<p>So it’s relatively straightforward to get into Chicago. No need to go fetch the broomstick of the Wicked Witch of the West (or etch your grandfather’s name into the side of a building under cover of darkness). About all you have to do is be one of best students in your school. Not counting those goofy essays, if they’re still doing those.</p>
<p>Practice being a great storyteller. Present yourself in a story form that makes them want you to come to their school. Great communication skills are one of the biggest factors in getting what you want from life.</p>