I know that the University of Chicago is the school I want to spend the next 4 or so years at. I was wondering, though, should I apply EA or RD? One class, last semester, dropped my GPA to a 3.28. I know that I can write a compelling essay and list great extracurriculars I was passionate about, and could have my supplements ready for November 1st… But, should I apply RD based off my GPA? The class that wrecked my GPA was Algebra 2, which I’m retaking this year.
I would recommend going RD, as they would probably defer you to RD anyways with a 3.28.
What did you score on ACT/SAT?
@whatisalie But even the RD deadline is before my first semester is finished. What happens then?
@UCMom19 I scored in the 2100s.
If you know in your heart that this is really where you want to be, I would say go ahead and apply EA. Try getting that across in one of your essays. Schools want kids that want them. It will be a reach though with your GPA–good luck!!!
The last few years, the University of Chicago has been issuing more than half of its total acceptances to EA applicants, who constitute about a third of all applicants. There’s enough of a difference in acceptance rate that it isn’t explained by all athletic recruits or whatever – it looks like a deliberate policy to encourage early applications. So I would encourage anyone for whom the University of Chicago is really a top choice to apply EA if possible.
As for the OP’s first semester ending after the RD deadline: That may be true, but final RD decisions won’t be made until a couple of months later. They will have plenty of time to get the first semester grades and take them into account RD.
@JHS Do you think I should apply EA, then?