UChicago Chances for a Deferred Student?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I was deferred from UChicago early action, but I just had an on-campus interview and I think it went relatively well (the interviewer gave me advice on what to do to increase my chances, which I think is a pretty good sign). Historically, 10% of deferred students are admitted in the spring. What do you think my chances are? Thanks!</p>

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<p>Ethnicity: White
Income bracket: >$250,000
High School: Public</p>

<p>Major: Computer science</p>

<p>GPA - Unweighted: 3.76
GPA - Weighted: 4.34
Class Rank: 30/748</p>

<p>Grades:
Freshman year got all As
Sophomore year got mostly Bs, a few As, and one semester of a C+ in AP Chem (but a 4 on the exam)
Junior year got all As, with one B each semester
Senior year courseload is all APs with one honors (anatomy)</p>

<p>SAT I Total: 1540/1600 (UChicago doesn't consider writing)
SAT I Math: 800
SAT I Critical Reading: 740</p>

<p>SAT II Math Level 2 (IIC): 800
SAT II Physics: 720</p>

<p>Primary Extracurriculars:
- Youth Group
(International Board Member, International Convention Co-Chairperson, Chapter President, planned two week road trip for region, planning regional convention)
- Student Government
(Secretary, developed mobile application for school)
- Open Mic Club
(Co-Founder, Treasurer, Web Editor)
- Freshman/Transfer Transition Program
(Leadership Board Member)
- NHS
(Officer)</p>

<p>Work Experience:
- Independent tutoring</p>

<p>Recommendation #1 should be great
Recommendation #2 should be good but somewhat generic
Counselor recommendation should be GREAT</p>

<p>Common app essay: Talked about a particular place from a specific angle
UChicago extended essay: I answered the prompt "You are you and your ______" by arguing that I am me and my doodles. Uploaded as a PDF with scanned doodles.
Why UChicago?: Took a pretty creative approach, showed I know a lot about the school
UChicago optional essay: Nothing special but nothing horrible either, discussed a favorite book</p>

<p>I don't know if it makes a difference, but I've been accepted to my other 2 early action schools--Clark and Case Western--with half-tuition scholarships at both.</p>

2

<p>Normally, 3.76 would be kinda low, but I think you’re fine since you’re in the top 5%. Your SAT is pretty good. Your EC’s aren’t good but not jaw-dropping. It’s too late to change those at this point I think. Maybe get some recommendations from sources outside of teachers? </p>

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<p>@bradybest: I’m going to assume you meant they are good but not jaw-dropping. Unfortunately, it’s too late for me to add any supplemental materials to my application. Thanks for the chance!</p>

4

<p>It’s no secret that UChicago takes applicants’ essays VERY seriously, and submitting essays that aren’t well-written or creative can get your application thrown in the trash immediately. Clearly the UChicago adcom sees something in you, since you weren’t flat-out rejected, but none of us on CC can accurately chance you without having read your essays or even your letters of recommendation (which may be subpar for all we know). What I can say is that the only glaring things on your application that may be turning off the adcom are your semester B’s and that C+.</p>

<p>Anyway, I’m sure that even if you don’t get into UChicago, you’ll be accepted at other great schools. Regardless, there’s nothing you can do about it now, except perhaps write a brilliantly-crafted letter to the UChicago admissions office pleading your case.</p>

<p>Best of luck! :)</p>

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<p>Right, sorry I meant they were good but not jaw-dropping. </p>

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<p>@Thebeatlestoday Thank you for the chance! Fingers crossed, I guess!</p>