<p>I have relatively average grades and class rank and maybe only slightly above average standardized test scores. But what I do consider to be an advantage is my choice in electives. I have chosen to take all three language courses that my school offers, and will complete five years of German in two years. Is this actually going to set me apart from other applicants?</p>
<p>Here are some details about me:
-High School Junior at a private high school
-3.25 GPA (unweighted), 3.75 GPA (weighted)
-PSAT score was a 195 (I took it several months ago)
-I am signed up for the ACT this June and am expecting around a 28 to 30.
-I will probably be taking the SAT this summer.
-Middle-of-the-road Class Rank (maybe slightly on the upper end now)</p>
<p>-I will have completed:
Spanish 4 (Honors)
German 5 (College Level)
French 1 (Introductory Course)
4 years of English/Lit./Composition (1 AP course)
4 years of math (through precalc)
3 years of science
2-3 years of History (depending on senior year schedule)
4 years of Theology
-Electives include:
Creative Writing
Philosophy
2 years of journalism
1 year of art</p>
<p>-I will have at least one very good letter of reccomendation from my German teacher for learning five years of German in two.
-4 years on varsity swimming (2 years as captain)
-4 years on the competetive Mock Trial team(2 years as captain).
-3 years in speech/debate
-2 years in Future Business Leaders of America
-1 play production on stage crew
-Steady job throughout high school
-No criminal record
-50 total hours of service (minimum requirement at my school)
-4 years of art classes outside school.</p>
<p>I appreciate any guidance you provide me with. Thankyou in advance!</p>
<p>I would say no because your UW GPA is really low for UCHicago. Also, you seem to have like no AP classes and anything lower than a 30 on the ACT is basically bad for Chicago. It would be a reach for you.</p>
<p>Honestly, i have to agree with mcvcm92, Your hours of service are just the min. req. and it is very low. Your gpa and rank are too low. And your rigor of course is questionable. Your ACT couldve been overlooked if the rest i mentioned were really strong, but they arent. Sorry, You are a good student, but not for U of C.</p>
<p>UChicagos median SAT score range is 1330-1540, and its median ACT is in the mid 30s. Based off this, I would say that UChicago would be a huge reach. The fact that your GPA is also not Valedictorian level would also skew things out of your favor.</p>
<p>Okay, so I was thinking about possible ways to improve my chances:
-I was contemplating studying pre-calculus over the summer to get me into AP Calc I. This would be tough, as I am already learning two years of German this summer, but I am hoping it is possible.
-I could take AP US History
That would put me at 3 total AP classes.</p>
<p>-I then could do some inordinate amount of service fhours, which wouldn't be all that tough, considering that swim season is over.
-If I try really hard this semester and maintain straight As, I could theoretically increase my GPA to 3.5 or so (unweighted).</p>
<p>And I am really just guessing about my class rank, as I haven't checked on that since the end of sophomore year.</p>
<p>20 minutes not long enough to find the article and read it. Take your time. Better to know how they go about it and what they really look at before you decide what you'll do.</p>
<p>Chicago is just about the hardest, most academically rigorous university in the world. There is widespread grade deflation and the workload can be brutal at times. You will NOT find that Chicago offers students the "typical" college experience. Do you really think you can see yourself thriving in a place like that? The admissions dept looks for students who shows a high degree of intellectual ability,curiosity and interest in LEARNING for the sake of learning across a broad range of subjects, both inside and outside the classroom, and are not impressed with student with multiple EC's outside the classroom, but a less than stellar academic record. So doing more EC's will NOT increase you chances there. The type of students that do best at Chicago are the ones whose academic record and outside interests indicate they would thrive in an highly intellectual, academically rigorous environment.</p>
<p>I hate it when people make assertions as in menloparkmom's post. It's as if what they say is fact. It's all about subjectivity really. Don't worry, if Chicago is what you want then go for it! I don't have a great SAT (1980). My only great year for grades is my senior year, and I've still applied. I know someone who got in ED with a 2020 (590, 670, 760) just because of her essays and her ECs.
Chicago puts a lot of weightage on essays (or so I've heard). It's called picky for a reason. It's been known for rejecting many people 22s and even 24s on their SATs. So by all means give it a shot. If you can show that you're passionate and display a strong understanding of the subject you wish to study you might just be in with a chance!</p>
<p>Could you chance me too? It's my Chicago post too. Please allow me to PM you my essay too so you get a real idea of my chances. Oh and Be honest please.</p>
<p>HAHAHA no criminal record, pretty important. </p>
<p>But seriously, I would still apply, I think you have a chance. Possibly better than you think, especially if you write some great essays. Your athletics might get you in, not as a recruit, but to add diversity to the student body. There stereotypical UChi student is really nerdy and antisocial. At a school like that, your swim team experience might be a hook, shows you are athletic.</p>
<p>You are going to need some good scores, get at least a 30 on the ACT.</p>
<p>Stockholmjoy, I think That Menloparkmom is touching on a very important point. Let's say that you do get into Chicago. What then? Would you really be that happy in a place that, at first glance at least, doesn't seem to fit your personality all that much?</p>
<p>UChicago can be a really brutal place academically and you'll be surrounded by other students who are not only really bright, but who work their asses off day after day, seven days a week. I had a hard time there due to my lack of discipline and while I loved my years at Chicago, there were many bleak moments, too. You really have to be disciplined and know how to manage your time in order to thrive at Chicago.</p>
<p>Just be aware of what you're getting yourself into.</p>