U of Chicago, EA

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>My kid has applied EA to the U of Chicago. He is a slightly unusual candidate, so please help chance him honestly. His test scores are good: he has a 2350, one sitting. His SAT subject tests (Math 2, Chem) are both 800. He doesn't suffer from test anxiety. AP tests are 5s in Chem and Calc.</p>

<p>So his GPA is uneven. It's 3.7 overall, but this is due to losing his dad at to cancer at the start of sophomore year. Junior year is 4.0, start of senior year is 4.0. This year he's taking multivariable calc, physics, French 5, 2 English classes, history, and a few others. He was awarded a compeitittve NIH funded internship at our state's cancer research center this last summer and has rowed for three years. He has also campaigned for marriage equality.</p>

<p>His recommendations are from an English teacher and a math teacher as well as the faculty member he worked for this summer. . His counselor says his supplements are powerful and I think she's right. He has rowed for three years. </p>

<p>So on the one hand I think he has a strong application, but on the other I worry that his sophomore year grades will prevent him from being considered seriously. His counselor has written explaining the situation with his dad's illness, but I wonder if schools really look at these? I know for Chicago supplemental materials are very important and I feel like he did a terrific job on these. If he gets into Chicago he'll go there, if he doesn't, he'll apply to Williams, Reed, Middlebury. Haverford and not sure where else. Thanks for any insight. I think he's got a shot but parents can't usually assess their kids objectively and I'm no exception.</p>

2

<p>I think that he has a great shot- his grades are outstanding for the situation and his test scores make up for where he might’ve slipped a little. He also has unique ECs that will make him stand out, and assuming his supplements are good then I’d say that he has a great chance! Good luck!</p>

3

<p>Wow. that’s really nice to read. Thank you. </p>

4

<p>My suggestion: ignore the post above.</p>

<p>I think your son sounds like a great candidate and if he’s a good fit for UChicago, he should stand a very good chance of getting in. 3.7 is not outstanding by UChicago’s standards, but it’s not low enough to rule out an application either, and in this case there is a very good reason for it not to be a 4.0.</p>

<p>My condolences, by the way! I can’t imagine what a mess I would have been if I’d lost a parent while in school.</p>

5

<p>I dont understand why the parent is so involved in this?</p>

6

<p>I would HIGHLY doubt a 3.7 sophomore year will prevent him from getting in. A 3.7 is by no means terrible it is still very solid (assuming he took somewhat rigorous classes), especially in his situation which could be easily explained. I think your son has as great a shot as any candidate because of his great test scores. You should be a very proud mother! Best of luck!</p>

7

<p>Your son is a very strong candidate. </p>