<p>I am afraid to apply to Chicago in the fall. I am a life long Chicagoan, so I wanted to stay close... But with their acceptance rate being projected to 10 - 17% I am worried. I have a C average (2.75) but I am in the IB and getting all As and Bs now. I also got a 28 on my ACT, but I'm retaking for a 30+.
This friend of mine, a senior got in last week. She was an A/B student with a 26 ACT. Is it less about the numbers than we think?</p>
<p>Try to boost your numbers. But really - I mean really - nail your application essays. I’d say you have a shot. One thing I can be sure is that you have zero chance of getting in if you don’t apply.</p>
<p>They do have a soft spot for City of Chicago students.</p>
<p>idad is right. If you are a Chicago public school student, not only are you given some preference, the application fee is waived. If one of your parents is on the Chicago police force or is a Chicago firefighter, there are full ride scholarships available (or at least there were when my kids were applying.) And the essay counts for a lot, maybe more than at other colleges, so start writing now!</p>
<p>thanks you guys. My teacher - A.B. '03- got in with a 23 ACT. Of course, when she applied in '99 they were a little less selective. I am really trying to get this 31 ACT next month. Gahh!!!</p>
<p>No matter what, make sure you apply. Good luck!</p>
<p>Nobody else is going to give an accurate depiction of reality? Okay then, I’ll do it.</p>
<p>With a 2.75 GPA, you will not get into the University of Chicago. Even if you get a 36 on your ACT, you will not be accepted. Your GPA must be at LEAST in the top 20% of your school to be competitive, unless you are an athletic recruit or have some really special hook. Last year, 85% of incoming students were in the top 10% of their classes. 95% were in the top 20%. And that was when the admit rate was 27%. This year, it’s at 18% so the 85% and 95% statistics likely increased. In addition, the admit rate will probably drop to 15% or thereabouts next year, which makes spots even more competitive.</p>
<p>Hmmm… this doesn’t really help, but I got in with a 3.3. UW gpa… again, it’s all about the essays… good luck!</p>
<p>There is an enormous difference between a 2.7 and a 3.3.</p>
<p>there is indeed enormous different between 2.7 and a 3.3.</p>
<p>There is indeed a GREAT difference between 29 and 30 ACT, just like 1390 SAT and 1400 SAT.</p>
<p>I think that it’s not just your GPA but the PATTERN of your grades over time that can make a difference. If you bombed out in your freshman year of HS (but explain it, if you can, on one of your essays), that’ll be discounted much more than if you had a continuation of mediocre grades throughout High School.</p>
<p>My son didn’t do well at all in his first year of high school but, with maturation and taking of classes that engaged him intellectually, showed a clear positive trajectory that really showed his potential. He was accepted EA into the class of 2011 and is loving it.</p>
<p>At least a couple of years ago, when things were somewhat less competitive, I felt that the admissions office looked at my son as an individual and didn’t just go “by the numbers.”</p>
<p>Sorry OP, pretty sure you’re not getting in.</p>
<p>You never know, OP. Jack up your ACT, work hard in school, make sure you get good recommendations, and of course, put your heart into the application! </p>
<p>BLY is correct - you will not get in unless you apply.</p>