International financial aid and going (SAT)Test optional

Hey I am a twelve grader from Bangladesh(a south Asian nation) wishing to apply to Uchicago.Uchicago is most definitely my first (and only) choice. Hence I want to apply ED1.I am aware that Uchicago is need aware for intl students and since this is a binding program I’m applying to I’m really afraid of a potential situation where I am unable to pay my tuition after whatever aid packages I’m offered. My family earns about a 1000 dollars per month just to give a perspective and so loans etc is a no no. So I wanted to know if applying ED is a good choice given my circumstances.

I gave the SAT on Oct 5 and the exam didn’t go well as expected. I haven’t received my scores yet but consider it(1420+). I want to know if going test optional would be a good decision( I would send my predicted A levels grades ofc) when applying.

P.S I am unwilling to sit for SAT again since it is financially hurtful for my family and because I’m applying to only one college in USA(Uchicago is the dream uni for me)
yeah! Kenneth Griffin department for economics!

As an international applicant, you would need to send standardized scores of some kind, and Predicted A Levels are an acceptable substitute for the ACT or SAT. So are subject test scores. See the following link for more information:

https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/international-applicants

It really depends on the rest of your application. As has been pointed out on other threads of the same subject recently, sub scores matter as well, not just total score. You should try to send them whatever bolsters your application. The 1420 is a 31-32 so if your A-levels are all superb, they may be the better choice. However, if the SAT and the A-levels show off different abilities, it may make sense to submit everything.

As an ED1 applicant with significant need, you are wise to be concerned about finances and a binding commitment. UChicago does meet full demonstrated need for everyone, including internationals who are accepted. You and your parents may want to reach out to Financial Aid (e-mail is probably best given the time difference?) just to better understand how an ED1 admission would work for you financially. As you say, they will be “need-sensitive” in reviewing your app. - they advise internationals only to request financial aid if they really need it. From what you’ve posted, you seem to qualify there, but Financial Aid will have more accurate advice.

Read about international financial aid here: https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/cost-aid/international-financial-aid

Good luck!

Hey @JBStillFlying sorry to bother you again. So I got a 1490(720 ebrw and 770 math). Should I send the SAT score or my predicted A levels result which is a 4 out of 4 UW (4 A* and 1 A)?

Congratulations! A 1490 is within the 50% of Class of '22 (the last class reported) so go ahead and send along your excellent SAT scores AND your excellent A Levels. Let us know what happens. Good luck!

Thanks a lot! I really appreciate your advice and kind words. I certainly shall remember you and will post my results here

Hey @JBStillFlying sorry for the belated update. Rejected ! I don’t know maybe I will apply next year again.

^ Bummer! A lot of ED1’s were rejected this year, it seems, and the same thing happened last year. Thanks for the update. Best of luck whatever you decide!

yeah thanks!