Hi, I’m going to the United States high school now as an exchange student,
and I’ll keep my studying next year also.
I have 3.8 gpa so far (I’m not taking any AP classes. I guess I need to take one next year), and no ACT score.
I’m planning to take one next month or this summer.
The thing is, I took ACT prep test just for experience, and my score turned out awful.
I got 21 in English and 18 in Reading. (I didn’t grade math and science yet)
I disappointed a lot… I thought I could do better than that.
Anyway I really want to go to University of Chicago (international studies major).
I know it is super hard to get in there. I do want to go though.
Do I have any possibility to make it?
I never want to tell anyone they have no chance, but it doesn’t look good. A 3.8 GPA s below average for applicants to the U of C, and most will have much tougher coursework (5-10 AP classes is typical).
If the ACT isn’t a good test for you, try the SAT. Chicago really looks for high SAT scores-of the students who’ve gotten in from my school, not one had a score below 2300.
It would be useful to know what sort of extracurricular activities you’ve taken part in. That could make a huge difference for a candidate who doesn’t have ideal academics.
Are you in Illinois currently? Look into Depaul, Loyola, Lake Forest, Elmhurst, Illinois Wesleyan - all respectable schools. If you can travel a bit, look into Earlham or Beloit. Go visit if you can.
UChicago looks for elite students - what type of curriculum were you doing before you came to the US? Could your ACT score be related to your English skills, and will improve as your English improves? And would the fact you’re not enrolled in any AP classes be related to the fact you’re ESL/exchange? Are you enrolled in any Honors classes?