Hello! I applied to uchicago with EA and got deferred so I need to make a decision whether do ED II or RD. I have 26 ACT, idk if I should retake in February and do RD or just do ED II with my 26 ACT. Which one do I have a higher chance of acceptance ? Thank you.
Did UChicago tell you that you could retake the ACT and submit a higher score?
The average ACT for UChicago is 32-35. A 32 is at the 25th percentile and a 35 is at the 75th percentile. As it stands now your 26 is well below the 25th percentile. I would study and retake before applying – if think you can get your score up significantly by taking the February ACT it could help your chances.
@JBStillFlying They said they will accept February ACT for RD, and I think ED II decision comes out before the ACT score being released.
@happy1 So I go for RD even tho it’s might be harder than ED II ?
Your call…but your current ACT will be a major weakness your application.
OP - it’s hard to say w/o knowing what that Feb. score will look like (not to mention the rest of your application).
Only YOU can make this decision so the folloiwng is food for thought to assist you in that. No need to answer these on the thread - they are for your reflection over the next few days:
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Why are you considering EDII? Are you willing to commit to the school if accepted? (if not, don’t apply this option).
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Why do you think you were you deferred and not rejected? Or deferred and not accepted? What part do you think the low score played in this decision (ie was it the only negative factor or were there other things as well?)
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How do your stats, EC’s and attributes (including any distinguishing factors about you) line up vis-a-vis others who were deferred EA? Check out the CC results thread or your classmates to get insight here.
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Should you opt for RD and re-take the ACT, what is your realistic expectation for a score improvement? You need to be realistic here - knowing nothing about you other than your score, IMHO leaping over the rest of the 20’s is going to be tough-to-impossible. But you know much better than anyone here giving advice why you got a 26 in the first place, and what your odds are for significantly improving that.
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MOST IMPORTANT: What does your GC advise you to do? How about your parents? All of them will need to sign the binding EDII agreement along with you.
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Where else have you applied - what are your Plans B and C and how happy are you with them?
Good luck to you!
don’t forget that uchicago superscores!
@lzpare with a 26 ACT you kinda hope that the 2nd test IS the superscore!
@christine1019 if you want to attend UChicago, then switch to EDII and in the letter/email you send to your advisor, let them know you will be retaking irrespective.
Good Luck.
@fbsdreams But I asked the admissions counselor and they said they can’t consider the February ACT for ED II, so do you think the email would work? Thank you.
@JBStillFlying I am trying to get my ACT score up to 32, but I also want to commit to Uchicago because it’s my top choice. So I’m not sure should I go with RD but tell them I’m commiting to the it, or do ED II and say I’ll be retaking my ACT in February, thank you.
Absolutely, don’t delay EDII for an updated score. Letting the counselor know should suffice in your email with the EDII agreement.
@christine1019 just my opinion here but @fbsdreams has a great point. They can’t consider the score because they won’t have it by the time that decisions are released. But can they consider the very positive fact that you are taking it again regardless of how everything turns out as a strike in your favor? Absolutely they can. Committing AND retaking can be a strong signal that you are on board 100%, willing to do what it takes to make that happen, and personally dissatisfied with a result that doesn’t reflect your abilities so want to correct that. In fact, you are retaking it as a matter of principle. Make sure that score goes directly to them.
Good luck to you!
@JBStillFlying Yeah that’s what I’m thinking too, but with the 26 ACT when they review my application, will they actually consider the fact that I will be retaking the ACT or they are more likely just put me on the waitlist ? Thank you.
A 26 is way too low for U Chicago unless you have some huge hook. There are going to be lots of applicants with 36 ACT scores that get denied. Look at the results threads from last year for a reality check. Last year the RD admit rate was VERY low. One of my daughter’s friends was deferred from EA. She changed to ED2 and got in. Her father attended U Chicago, her sister is a current student, and she is Latino/Asian. Maybe you will get in too. You should take your best shot so you won’t look back with regret. There is a thread in the University of Chicago page called ask an admissions counselor. You could also ask your question there.
@Houston1021 yeah so do you think I should go with ED 2 too since RD acceptance rate is really low? But I’ll still retake the ACT though. Thank you.
OP, apply EDII since it is your dream school. Yes your ACT is on the low side, but they deferred you. This means that they read your entire application. Scores are just the foot in the door. Passion demonstrates a lot more.
Who else CANNOT wait for Mid February :)>-
To be very honest I can say that UChicago does not have a ideal candidate for selection, they are looking for an ideal class. If you look at the ACT quartiles for students that have ACCEPTED THEIR OFFER, the ACT range DROPS drastically. Make sure that the application presented in any supplemental work shows how YOU will ADD to the environment in a positive way.
I was surprised that I was deferred in EA because I had ACT scores that aren’t high compared to what they publish, so I expected a straight rejection. I know that they are looking at everything together, making sure a weakness is balanced with strengths. I was admitted to UChicago in their Summer Bridge, they select only approx. 30 students to the program which provides them free college classes to take in the summer at their institution, and I was surprised then because of my test scores. I got my foot in the door for that program with my strong Science and Visual Arts background. I showed my interest and how much I worked for it. There isn’t a standard, as long as a candidate is above average, shows drive, and can defend themselves then they have a chance of being accepted.