I’ve been holding my fingers on this post for a couple days. I don’t know if I can make the call just based on what a person can put on CC. I’m not saying what the OP posted was not factual. But, you really can’t self grade the qualitative parts of an application. I am absolutely sure your incredible stats got you a thorough reading. But, your essays and LORs can be written works of art, but not do a good job of selling the AO that you + UChicago = the word a better place. Additionally, I really think if you try to force it, or over emphasise things like “look how quirky I am” or “I love UChicago 'cause Hogwarts.” it can actually hurt you. You need to be absolutely yourself, genuine, and be a UChicago student. If you are, it will show up in your essays. I cannot tell you what it is or if your essays do that.
Finally, I really think the most important thing is the LORs. Teachers who know you very well and like you often times don’t know how to write a good LOR that conveys to a University who you are. They may say you are great. A joy to teach, but not how “You + UChicago = World a better place.” Unfortunately you have little control of this. Especially if you don’t ask them to put it in your LOR.
I am not surprised by OP’s result. An Asian applicant, with top stats, wanting to study Econ at U of Chicago… There are just too many of the same profile in the applicants pool. Our’s friend’s son with similar stats, but having national and international HS economics competition awards, was flat out rejected by U Chicago as well.
@jzducol oh gosh, I’m really sorry for your friends’ son! that’s really surprising that even w/ international economics awards UChicago wouldn’t take him
@BrianBoiler I guess my teachers definitely didn’t write anything like that in my rec letters - i go to a large public school that doesn’t have much experience sending kids to top universities and most teachers here write really generic recommendations
@pleasechanceme01 it’s hard to say how it will all turn out. The adcoms will know so much more about you than other posters on CC do. However, assuming you chose a variety of selective schools, you will very likely land on your feet with those stats! Personally, I think you have a great shot at getting in to an excellent school. Hopefully this month will be filled with happy news. Even ONE top school will be a success story, in this environment!
Your question about “business” is interesting because, of course everyone who applies to a business program is interested in “business”. Applicants have to stand out in other ways and there I believe your stats and EC’s will really help you. Just a hunch - hope I’m right!
Do you think it would be similar at other top universities?