Should I just forget about Chicago?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Chicago ✅
1

<p>Chicago has been leaping up in ranks these last few years. Considering that Chicago came in at #5 in the US News rankings this year, I expect there to be even more qualified applicants applying and for the acceptance rate to take a steep downturn.</p>

<p>I would really be complete if I could attend UChicago. I love its philosophy, the libraries, its campus in general, everything, and I know so many really great people from UChicago. All of that combined plus living near Chicago has made me want to attend.</p>

<p>But</p>

<p>do I even have a chance? Here's my background info. Please be truthful, no beating around the bush; I realize already that I am not the strongest applicant, but do I still have a shot or is it pretty much a "no"?</p>

<p>Scores
GPA: 3.5 UW, 4.06 W
ACT: 33
SAT II: Lit (750), US history (720), Spanish (680)
AP: English Language (5), US History (5), Spanish Language (3)</p>

<p>Recognition
School high honor roll
AP Scholar
NCTE nominee
National Merit Commended</p>

<p>EC/Sports/Work
EC: I haven't done a particular activity for four years, so my ECs are spotty. I've done NHS, a volunteer club, class board, student congress, more volunteering, small leadership roles (very small), and one larger leadership role. Currently involved in school literary magazine and radio.
Sports: JV swimming, cheerleading (each for one year)
Work: Summer job</p>

<p>Senior courses
AP Calc AB
Spanish 5 Accelerated
AP Gov
AP Macro
AP Psych
3 English electives (radio, film, creative writing)
AP Themes</p>

<p>Misc.
I'm a strong writer, so I hope that helps. I've had a few outside things with writing. Not particularly notable for the college app.</p>

2

<p>You have nothing to lose other than the $70 application fee.</p>

3

<p>Cakewalk:</p>

<p>Your scores and stats put you within range. It’s up to you to close the deal, though, and you can best do that through your essays. Make them original, creative and a true reflection of how you think and look at the world. </p>

<p>Any compelling academic paper will pose a question and then proceed to answer it. If you are able to frame this in a counter-intuitive manner, all the better. Remember, the more clever and unpredictable you can make this journey, the better your essay will read to an admissions officer who has to sit through 1000’s of cookie cutter yada yada yada’s.</p>

<p>Again, it always helps to think outside the box and think and write provocatively. There is no right or wrong, only boring vs. fascinating. Good luck!</p>

4

<p>@CalvinCoolidge: Very true. </p>

<p>@Archiwaldron: Thank you for your advice. I must say that my essays are quite… original, haha. Hopefully they have some sway because I’ve read that UC puts great importance on the essay portion.</p>

<p>I am going to give it my best!</p>

5

<p>I’m sure you will have a better chance because you actually like UC because of its philosophy rather than the kids applying just because its a top ten school.</p>

6

<p>The best advice I’ve ever gotten: if you don’t apply, you won’t get in.</p>