<p>Does U Chicago send out a lot of early recruitment mails to all and sundry or are they selective about who the kids that they woo? I'm hearing contradictory reports on this</p>
<p>Thinking back to previous discussions on the topic my sense is that, if you believe that mailings should be sent to a pool encompassing high reach to high match students, UChicago sends materials to a slightly larger group based on test scores. This is not necessarily awful, in my opinion, because the high reach students or below can improve their standing through hooks, or essays, or improved grades and test scores. The general perception is that UChicago is on the agressive side, though.</p>
<p>My recollection, having a child who went through it, is that their stuff is fairly distinct and in many cases interesting. Enjoyed looking through it. It was always high quality. Some great photos of Hyde Park and Chicago. </p>
<p>Be aware that the mail will keep coming and coming and coming. This is also not an indication of how much they like you.</p>
<p>Don’t be deceived into thinking that you’re a competitive applicant. Chicago is very selective.</p>
<p>Is it usual also to have the student’s parents get mails offering an admission fee waiver?</p>
<p>Personally, I did not receive one. But even if you did, do not use the waiver if you are not qualified.</p>
<p>The fee waiver was the topic of a recent thread. The response are current, and all relevant: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-chicago/1666774-they-sent-me-an-application-fee-waiver.html”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-chicago/1666774-they-sent-me-an-application-fee-waiver.html</a></p>
<p>This waiver didn’t seem to be sent out quite so much 2 - 3 years ago, but is being offered more often for this upcoming class.</p>
<p>I get that one shouldn’t take the waiver if you can afford it. But does even getting offered one indicate the univ’s real interest in you or is it just something they send to a lot of people?</p>
<p>anulak – I’m not sure; I suspect that it does not carry any special meaning above the fact that your test scores are in the range and that you indicated interest, but I would suggest you ask the question in the “UChicago Questions? Ask an Admissions Counselor!” thread. There is an official adcom who answers questions there. See what the official answer and maybe someone else in the know will post here.</p>
<p>OP - I think they are somewhat over-inclusive on who they market to, but it can pay off. UChicago was not even on the radar until my D started receiving marketing materials her junior year of HS. I remember one particular postcard that described drinking a milkshake while strolling through the quad or something like that. She showed it to me and said “I think I want to go here.” Then she got the big poster with UChicago in the foreground and the city skyline and lake in the background. That was it! After doing some research, I told her it sounded great, but it was a real reach and she had very little chance of getting accepted. Her SAT score was “only” 2200. But she applied early action last fall, was accepted, and will be starting next month!</p>
<p>Thanks for your response. It was very useful. I think they do send out all this material to those they’re broadly interested in ie those falling within a certain range of interest either by virtue of their GPA, SATs or ECs. But this ofocurse is no guarantee of admission. At best I guess it means you have a shot</p>
<p>Well stated anulaks.</p>
<p>Our S2 has been getting mail from several colleges including uchicago. What is strange about this is that he is already a junior at UW and has about 4 quarters left to graduate. </p>