<p>I'm going to apply as a transfer to UChicago for Fall 2006 as an English Major. I'll have my A.A. this spring, with at least a 3.8gpa, it's a 3.9 now. I go to Monroe Community College, which is quite impressive compared to other CCs.</p>
<p>I volunteer 5 hours a week as a on-campus college tutor, I work at the college book store, I'm the Opinions section editor of the college newspaper, I am in Phi Theta Kappa, I am doing an honors concentration, and the only class that will not transfer, according to admissions, is a preparation for college chemistry class.</p>
<p>I have strong recommendations, all from PhD professors.</p>
<p>Now, besides this, I have to explain if I have been failed or withdrawled from a course. My first semester at MCC I had a 0.9 GPA. Withdrawled from one class, flunked 2, and passed psych 101 with a B. I had mono in the middle of the semester, but the real reason why I failed was because I was heavily abusing drugs and alcohol. That eventually led to my arrest, charged with 2 class A misdemeanors. I went to rehab, got the charges reduced to violations, stayed clean, and turned my life around. I'm a totally different person now. How do you think admissions would respond to this?</p>
<p>Personally, I think you're very brave for getting through what you've been through, and it seems like you're back on track. </p>
<p>Frankly, I'd say as good as any. But then again, I don't know Chicago, the region, the adcoms, what exactly they're looking for. They may like that you've overcome a difficulty like that, or they may reject you for fear of it coming back.</p>
<p>Your essay will be of paramount importance. It is that piece of the application from which the adcom will try and figure out if you've overcome your problems or not.</p>
<p>Do not write about your experiences in the essay. Write about them in the Additional Information section. The essay should be about string, or "mind that does not stick," or whatever. The long essay is not a personal statement.</p>
<p>My niece was accepted at UChicago Law School with a truly checkered undergrad past (no arrests, but F's and a slew of other issues) on the basis of a compelling personal statement (this is law school, different app). My feeling is that it is worth applying, but I can't predict whether you will be accepted. I believe that you should interview on campus - another chance for them to see that the 'you' now is not the old you!</p>