In need of advice: What do you think about my chances of getting into UChicago?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hello!

I am a Junior at an all girls school with a 4.7 GPA (3.98 unweighted). I am currently involved in 4 AP classes, I am the Junior class Secretary, Varsity Swim Team Captain (have been a member of the team for 3 years), member of the writing center tutoring team, school columnist for the local newspaper, school newspaper staff writer, participant in the school’s art department, student leader in an arts program, Earth club member, and volunteer at an on campus arts center. This past week I was just elected as the school’s ASB (associated student body) president. As a freshman and sophomore- and hopefully as a junior- I have received the award for top scholar athlete (the athlete with the highest GPA) I have never held an internship position, but am searching for opportunities this summer. In general, I am fairly fluent in current events and am well-read. Currently I have a 33 ACT score which will hopefully end up being a 34 or 35 after a later testing date. Overall, I am a relatively strong writer and feel that my performance on application essays will be strong.

As of right now, I’m interested in applying to U Chicago along with other schools such as Northeastern, Northwestern, Oberlin, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and UC Berkeley. Am I applying to schools I have no chance being accepted at? Am I shooting to high? I would greatly appreciate any thoughts so that I can reassess or refocus.

Thanks so much for reading! Please feel free to be honest and crush all my hopes and dreams :slight_smile:

Side note: Does anyone have any suggestions of schools to apply to?

2

Looks good in terms of score and GPA, but nothing too eye popping in your ECs. Berk/LA will be good matches.

3

Thanks for your comment! In terms of extracurriculars, what would be something “eye popping”? I have a strong trend of student leadership and as ASB president will be at the top of student council (middle school and high school), organizing school-wide events, leading assemblies, and acting as a head of the school in general. I feel, that I kinda know what you mean though- I’m no published author or international science competition winner! However, I feel that my involvement in the school community in many ways demonstrates community service leadership. Do you feel that student council involvement will be a large assent/ recommend me to more difficult schools? Thanks.

4

For Chicago another point or two on the ACT will help. Even more importantly start working on your essays the day they release the topics. Focus on something outside of school if possible. Apply EA if you can. 10% vs. 3% RD. And for most of those schools, assume the worst and be happy if you get in.

5

Thanks for the advice! I will definitely start working on the essays ASAP, and am planning on applying early to most schools.