I have pretty good ECs and essays, good course load and high school GPA, but the only shortcoming is my SAT score of 1380. If I get them hooked with the rest of my app, how willing will they be to disregard the SAT score? Also, I’m an international and I need aid
If you are able to retake the SAT why not do so? UChicago superscores.
Also, fyi, they are not “need blind” w/r/t assessing international applicants:
https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/costs/international-aid
Can’t take due to financial constraints 
And yes I know, that is why I wanted to know how much emphasis it places on SAT scores. Because if it’s a lot, then I think I’m better off not applying?
If you are unable to afford the fee for the SAT, you might want to take a serious look at whether UChicago would be able to give you sufficient aid. Current cost of attendance is over $72,000 per year. Is there a net cost calculator for international students? Have you spoken or e-mailed FA about that?
Also, the financial aid form for internationals is purchased from College Board and is several hundred dollars so you might want to look into that if finances are tight.
UChicago waives the application fee for anyone applying for FA (at least US residents who do so) - if that also applies to you, then the financial cost of applying would be negligible. You would, of course, be spending a lot of time on your essays and so forth so yeah, definitely figure out if this is a school you want to reach for (it’s a reach for everyone, given the admit rate) because it’s an “expensive” application in terms of your time.
As to whether a 1380 is “high enough” - it’s simply too soon to tell because UChicago hasn’t posted the mid 50% range stats for class of 2021, and they say they do wholistic reviews. IIRC, Dean Nondorf announced that the average for class of 2021 was right below 1500 but he didn’t elaborate as to whether that was an old score, a new score, a “concorded” score, or what - and that additional information actually mattered! You should definitely have a few backups that are consistent with a 1380 SAT - that’s not saying you have a low score, that’s just prudent planning using the information already out there from other schools. And there is a lot of that information. Many, in fact, have provided their SAT range. So it’s actually possible to look at a set of schools comparable in selectivity to UChicago and gauge whether you would have gotten into those schools with your current SAT score.
Good luck to you!
I think they are more important at UChicago than most schools.
Uchicago has the second highest average sat score for schools (someone correct me if that’s wrong…), so SAT scores are weighted pretty heavily. That said, if financial problems hinder taking it again for you, be sure to explain that thoroughly on your app and I’m sure they will understand! SAT scores vary a lot depending on one’s income level.
I agree to most posts here, SAT is really important. But here is my theory, SAT is never about how smart you’re, so it’s not about the upper limit, it’s about the lower limit. People with extremely high SAT doesn’t prove he or she is genius, but people with extremely low SAT certainly can’t survive in colleges. I disagree with some people saying they only want a shining class profile to be highly evaluated by US news, though it’s part of the truth. Because if it’s the case, so many schools, like UPenn and Cornell can have much higher SAT average scores.
Speaking of UChicago specifically, I think it’s a inverted cause-effect relationship. No applicants with high SAT can be admitted, but usually who can achieve such high SAT will think about applying to UChicago. The tradition, environment of UChicago definitely bring itself a much more intellectual applicant pool, but it doesn’t mean it’s more selective in SAT score. However, in my experience, they accept many with lower score, even lower than average, but with good ECs. Once they make sure you’re able to survive, you’re fine. But in your case, I think you can hardly, I mean seriously, survive in the rigorous and harsh academic environment of UChicago.
Rankings on SAT score aren’t very meaningful if they are reporting superscores. Kind of like playing “best ball” with the SAT.
Its never hurt if you apply, especially if you get the application fee waived. However, you should know UChicago is need aware for internationals. With high financial need and a low SAT, your chances are not good.