<p>Chicago is my first choice school and I have wanted to apply early for some time now.</p>
<p>I have a pretty solid application (SAT 2250+, good EC, AP's, etc.) yet the only weak part of my application is my 3.6 GPA, which is probably low compared to other applicants due to bad frosh/soph years. </p>
<p>Im thinking of applying RD so that my first semester grades, which I hope to be all A"s, would be put into consideration for admission. </p>
<p>Is this a good decision? The problem is that I wanted to show Chicago that it is my first choice school. But just applying RD may not do that.</p>
<p>I would apply EA. Applying EA does not scream out to Chicago that it is your first choice, either (it's a non-binding, non-restrictive EA) and I do not think Chicago cares whether it's your first or eighteenth choice-- I think they care whether you'd fit in well or not. (If they cared, they would have instituted an exclusive or a binding early policy).</p>
<p>If you aren't admitted, you will be deferred, in which case you will have a chance to show yourself in your first semester grades. Defer-accepts are not as uncommon as you might think-- I know a handful of people here who were deferred early action. If you apply regular, you don't have as many opportunities to show yourself.</p>
<p>Above your academic credentials, though, make sure your writing expresses you and make sure to express why you want to attend.</p>