How can I get into UChicago?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Chicago ✅
1

I’d like to hear your opinions on my chances and tips on how to make myself a better applicant.

(I plan on applying ED)
My mom works at their hospital so half of my tuition would be paid for 12 semesters, so I’m dreaming to get in. However, I have to get in on my own merit. She said she’ll have the head of her department write me a letter of recommendation, but other than that, I don’t know how else to use her position as leverage.

Unweighted GPA: 4.0/4.0
Class rank: 3 out of 295
ACT: Composite 32
35 on English and language
30 on science
28 on math
Writing: 10
I plan to retake it in June. I didn’t prep for math because I’m in algebra 2, so I just accepted that there would be stuff on there I couldn’t do. Very dumb, I know. I didn’t try on the writing because I thought it wasn’t important. Again, dumb. Hopefully my score will improve once I put in the proper effort for a good score.
SAT: took it last week, results not in.

AP tests: 4 on AP Geo and Euro
This year I’m taking AP Bio, APUSH, AP Psych, and AP Lang. For math, honors algebra 2.

Next year I’m taking AP Chem, AP Lit, AP Gov, AP microeconomics, and AP Calc AB. I’ll be taking a summer precalc class at a community college so that I can take AP Calc next year.

Electives: NHS, science club, senior editor for our literary magazine.

And that’s all I have. I know it’s very weak compared to all the other applicants, let alone the accepted applicants. I’d really love to go to this school, so I’m willing to do whatever I can, if there’s anything to do. The summer class I’m taking is at night, so I’d be able to do something over the summer to up my credentials. Please let me know what I can do to improve my application.

2

You look like a good fit, but it is highly competitive so just make sure you have a balanced list of schools and love your safeties. U of C with a 9% acceptance rate is a reach for everyone, so just prepare yourself for that! Retake the ACT, try for a 34 or above and maybe get a job over the summer? Colleges love to see kids that actually work. What are you interested in studying at U of C?

3

Don’t worry about that writing score (unless you’re applying for a writing/english major, and even then you should be fine.). The middle 50% of writing scores at top schools is usually 8(25%)-10(75%).

Other than that I would try to retake the ACT and work on the science and math scores.
As you said, your ECs are weak, but you’ve still got a shot because of your stats.

4

Write some badass essays.

5

The lor from a unrelated party will hurt your chances, even it’s from the same school don’t do it.

6

I think it comes down to the essays. Work hard on them, especially the Uncommon Essay. Try to show them how you think, and (indirectly) why the way you think would be an asset to UChicago.

7

Second this. Unless the unrelated party is President Zimmer, I can’t see it helping. The university has over 17,000 staff. The odds of this person knowing whoever reads OP’s application are microscopic, and I wouldn’t bet on this making a difference even if they did.