**Decision: Accepted **
Objective:
ACT:
(One sitting) Composite 32, Writing 10. (Super score) Composite 34, Writing 12
SAT II:
–Math II (770)
–Literature (670)
–Reading (650)
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
–(out of 5.0) 4.8605
Rank/Percentile: 1 out of 397
AP:
–Biology (4)
–US History (3)
–Physics B (3)
IB: Diploma Candidate (no scores yet)
Senior Year Course Load:
–IB English HL
–IB Spanish (Language B) SL
–IB Mathematics SL
–Differential Calculus (through Oregon State University, 2nd semester only)
–IB Chemistry HL
–IB History HL
–IB Psychology SL
–IB Theory of Knowledge (1st semester only)
–Economics (2nd semester only)
Major Awards:
–National Hispanic Scholar
–Outstanding Female Junior, Mason’s of Lakewood
Subjective:
Extracurriculars:
–Forensics Speech and Debate (Captain for 2yrs, 1 yr state qualifier, 5th alternate national qualifier, several 1-4 place trophies)
–Gender-Sexuality Alliance (Co-founder, President)
–Research Assistant in a Traumatic Brain Injury lab
Job/Work Experience:
–Cashier at McDonald’s
Volunteer/Community Service:
–Hospital volunteer
–Church Janitor
–Church Sunday School Leader
Summer Activities:
–Language / Cultural immersion in Costa Rica
–Running camp
Essays:
– Common Application essay
–UChicago supplement
Teacher Recommendations: Sent maximum number from English and TOK teachers
Counselor Rec: Yes
Additional Rec: No
Interview: Not interviewed
Other
Applied for Financial Aid?
–I indicated I would not, but I changed my mind and plan to apply for it
Projected Concentration:
–Mathematics
–Philosophy (secondary)
State/Country: Colorado, USA
School Type: Public
Ethnicity: Hispanic, Native American, Caucasian
Gender: Female
Income Bracket: 180K+
Hooks: First Generation, Lesbian
Reflection
Strengths: I work very hard and have passion for learning and people.
Weaknesses: I’m bad at to-the-point academic writing (I’m more of a “flowery” writer, which was reflected in my essays). I am also not great at taking standardized tests.
Why I think I was accepted: I think what set me apart was my unique background (first gen lesbian) with community involvement that shows I will give back to my unique community (which they hope will equate to future donations to UChicago). My application reflected personal growth and how I attempt to make the most of what I learn about myself and the world. My extracurricular also cover a broad range of interests, making me more interesting (I guess?)
Where else you are applying or have already applied: I applied to 19 other schools ranging from the Ivy League schools to state schools that accept everyone.
General Comments/Advice/Hindsight: I never expected to get in. In my application, I exercise the “show don’t tell” method of showing the admissions committee that I am not perfect, but I’m trying to make the most of what I have both inside and outside of school.
*I misreported my ACT score initially (2 points lower on the reading section), and I immediately emailed my admission counselor. He was glad I notified him, and it was fine.
*I also sent an update on my senior year achievements to my admission counselor with a copy of my complete resume and assurance that UChicago was my number one choice. I referenced those cheesy emails they sent me, and received a positive response.