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sorry, but i don't think u have a chance at chicago
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<p>And even if he/she does, the rigour of UChicago may be excessive.</p>
<p>woah, I'm in the same boat as all of you, crap HS grades (2.5, i think) 3.56 first semester college, and mediocre ACT scores, and shooting for NYU... what on earth am I thinking. </p>
<p>There really should be a club, lol</p>
<p>nspeds: I doubt it.</p>
<p>I say go for it. Chicago DOES weight essays, and if you can be persuasive and work your grades in, you'll have a shot. Neverborn, just do what you want to do. Even if you really don't have good chances (and I think you have a chance if you can write), stranger things have happened. Good luck!</p>
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nspeds: I doubt it.
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<p>Do you know anything about UChicago?</p>
<p>Many students have dream universities, but a part of being realistic is in attempting to understand whether one can handle the rigour of a particular school. Sure, I had dreams of attending MIT for my undergraduate studies, but could I handle the rigour? Probably not.</p>
<p>Try to be realistic. Dreaming is one thing, but pursuing it without understanding the entire situation is another, foolhardy, thing.</p>
<p>nspeds: Your assumptions fail. I have been researching the university for over a year, and have talked to MANY alumni about the school.</p>
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Your assumptions fail. I have been researching the university for over a year, and have talked to MANY alumni about the school.
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<p>They were not assumptions, and no, assumptions cannot 'fail.' Sure, they can be unsound, but they cannot be predicated 'failure' and 'success.'</p>
<p>At any rate, the prevailing reputation of UChicago is that it is a hard-core, academic institution. The phrases 'where fun comes to die,' and 'the only thing that goes down on you is your GPA' are common for reason, and that is because most students take seriously their academics. UChicago's rigour is widely believed to be comparable to that of Harvard and Yale, because the school, rather than grade-inflating, grade-deflates. </p>
<p>That you cannot earn above a 3.5+ at a school nowhere near the caliber of UChicago probably means that you will not earn anywhere near a 3.5 if you happen to attend UChicago - that is, assuming you are admitted.</p>
<p>^Thats BS you're assumptions are just as/even more ridiculous than the OP's just because some other people did well it doesn't mean you will. You don't even have a 3.5+ gpa at your current U what on earth makes you think you're capable of handling UChicago's quarter system + courseload.</p>
<p>UChicago has had grade inflation, just not as much of HYPS. I'll probably have over a 3.5 after this semester - just got off to a rough start with one "C" first semester. Random forum people think I'll fail - four professors that graduated from UChicago (or got doctorates from UChicago) and many professors that went to top twenty schools seem to think I won't. I know who I trust more.</p>
<p>if we're just "random forum people" whose opinions aren't valid, why did you post here?</p>
<p>I'm interested in a survey of opinions. I have no problem with people who do not think I will get into the University of Chicago - I wanted to know a realistic estimate of my chances. I know that with my essays being good, it's a VERY long shot. I just don't think that the rigor will be excessive, and my professors who know me very well and know Chicago very well agree.</p>
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UChicago has had grade inflation, just not as much of HYPS
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<p>Guess again.</p>
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I know who I trust more.
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<p>I agree, but many times a professor's estimation is not always the best. Just by looking at the numbers, you should be realistic about your study habits and whether you will adjust well to UChicago. Download some course syllabi, and see what students endure. Speak to students and professors at UChicago and gather their opinion about the current situation.</p>
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I just don't think that the rigor will be excessive
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<p>You are going against the educated opinions of many individuals on this forum. </p>
<p>Also keep in mind that Ph.D programs are often not as difficult as BAs. It is widely known that earning a masters or doctorate from MIT is not nearly as difficult as doing undergraduate work there, and I would not be surprised if the same applied to UChicago.</p>
<p>Guess again? <a href="http://gradeinflation.com/chicago.html%5B/url%5D">http://gradeinflation.com/chicago.html</a></p>
<p>I should download some course syllabi - very excellent advice. I also know a student at UChi who thinks I'd make it there. It's obviously very rigorous - but I feel that I would make it. If I get in, we'll see.</p>
<p>I don't get why everyone is so intent on telling this guy that his present grades signify certain failure at UChi (if he gets in). Maybe his work ethic would be different. Maybe one C is NOT the end of the world. I got Bs in some classes at my first high school, then transferred to Phillips Academy, which is a pretty difficult institution...with the understanding that I would just have to work harder. And I did. I was on the honor roll my entire senior year.</p>
<p>Also, professors have opportunities to observe a large number of students. I don't see why their opinions wouldn't matter more than those of students posting on a public forum. I mean, I come here to ask for opinions, so obviously I value the advice I am given here, but I think a professor at an institution in which I'm interested (or who is familiar with my work) would also have very valuable insight.</p>
<p>Neverborn, aim high and see where the chips fall. Flukes happen, both favorably and unfavorably, and it's been a terrifically ****ty few years for college admissions, but, of course, your chances of getting what you want are greater if you decide to actually pursue it.</p>
<p>Thanks, marta.</p>
<p>You seem to be passionate enough about the school, U of Chi will certainly like that. I think if you spice it up with essays, you can MAKE them accept you.</p>
<p>Esquared: That's what I'm trying for - UChi weights essays a lot more than other T20 schools. I also app'd Northwestern, but I think my chance there is right around 1-2%. My essays(IMO) are damn good.</p>
<p>Yes, I think Chi is the kind of school that would take you if they just straight up like you. </p>
<p>Go for the gold...or platinum, whichever you consider more sentimentally valuable.</p>
<p>HopeHopeHopeHope.</p>