Is 1300 SAT Score Too Low for UChi?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Chicago ✅
1

500 CR :(( :(( :(( + 800 Math
So 1300 total
800 Math2 + 750 Phys
3 5’s in Cal AB, Phys 1 and Phys C
Int’l student currently studying in the U.S.
First-Generation College
Need FA
GPA 4/4; Rank Top 1%
VP of Student Gov., club department chair, clubs founder, club president, school editors, Tennis, NHS, Math NHS, Science Olympia, ~400 service hrs, etc.
Recommendation letters and essay are all very decent in my opinion.
All senior class are Honor/AP

I don’t really understand what kind of role do test score play in UChi’s admission. All of my teachers believe I have a fairly good chance which I doubt. Seriously, 1300 (more specifically, 500 on CR) does not even touch average at all based on collegedata.com. Will 1300 SAT score block the path for me to UChi, or many other schools?

2

Yes, it will. That 500 in CR really sticks out like a sore thumb. I would retake, if only just to get CR to at least a 700+

3

Thank you for your advice. To be honest, I do not think I will ever have over 700 points on CR. ~650 is the best I can get I assume. I really feel sad about my terrible score and the fact that three test sections drive me too far:/

4

The ACT score range of UChicago for last year was 21-36. Someone with a 21 got in. So, a 500 is not the end of the world. If you have amazing stuff all round, you have a chance. But I would advise retaking it.

5

My father hired someone from UChicago who had poor scores on his English and great math scores. Do your best to explain your situation. First generation + international keeps your application viable, keep a positive attitude.

Good luck

6

Being an international student with financial need hurts his/her chances. Admissions for such students is even more competitive than for US students.

Try an ACT practice test to see if you’d fare better on it. The registration deadline for the December test is Friday. They do accept February scores, but it’s really better to get your scores in around the deadline.

Based on its average test scores and the patterns of accepted/rejected students over the years, I’ve long suspected Chicago weighs test scores much more heavily than they’ve traditionally let on. Moreover, Chicago is a reading-intensive university. I agree that the score sticks out as a glaring weakness.