Question for admissions

<p>I am extremely interested in the University of Chicago and have the application nearly complete, but I am not satisfied with my current test scores, which are definitely my biggest weakness on the application. My scores are 740 in writing with a 10 on the essay, 690 in math and a measly 580 in critical reading. I don't know what happened, but I am confident I can improve all of those scores. My problem is that the next testing date is a couple months away, so can I submit my application without the scores and send them in later, or would my application not be looked at until I have the scores. Also, would it give me a better edge to submit my application now or wait a few months and have improved scores? How much does Chicago really look beyond the numbers (because I feel everything else is strong)?</p>

<p>Also, I understand schools consider students who do campus visits over those who don't. Is this true? Can I substitute an expensive plane ticket for a good essay describing why I want to attend if it demonstrates that I know Chicago beyond it's rankings? I will gladly start looking for time and money for a tour, but I can envision it never coming to fruition.</p>

<p>If your essays are finished, put them aside and then come back to them in a few weeks and take a fresh look. You may well feel differently about them by then. S wrote his main essay in August, stopped, wrote a different one, came back to the original in mid-October, polished, reworked and used that instead. </p>

<p>Turning in your app now vs. later (with or without new scores) will make no difference.</p>

<p>Chicago cares less that you've visited than that you demonstrate why you are a good fit for Chicago (and vice versa). On the other hand, if you can get there at some point, it would be good to sit in on a couple of classes and have some depth to your perceptions about the place.</p>

<p>--parent of incoming first-year</p>

<p>Look at the incoming class profile to see if you have a legitimate shot, as well as "how much Chicago looks beyond the numbers"</p>