Im applying to colleges this year but does anyone know what UChicago looks for in an applicant? I plan to apply early action but I have some questions like how much does admissions weigh the essays? Like I know they have really intellectual (sometimes weird) essay questions so does that impact your decision alot? And what else do they look for in applicants.
http://www.collegedata.com/cs/data/college/college_pg01_tmpl.jhtml?schoolId=327 ←
essays and recs always weigh heavily; they look for kids who aren’t just smart on paper, but who are genuinely good and interesting people. i read an article once that said that colleges seek kids who will go on to create value, and will thereby make their alma mater look good. they want kids with ambition, basically.
i’m applying to UChicago this fall too; good luck!
Chicago has always wanted students who demonstrate intellectual vigor AND a REAL love of learning- not just those who are smart and get good grades, etc, etc, but those who spend time in intellectual outside EC’s. That’s why they also use the quirky essay questions- to help separate the typical hi Stat smart student from those who LOVE an intellectual challenge and relish the opportunity to show a side of themselves that may not be otherwise be readily apparent.
@menloparkmom, I think that’s pretty accurate. I spent 7 years at UChicago as both a student and on faculty, and it has a distinctive atmosphere of intellectual vigor and inquiry. Having been at a number of top schools, it was one of my favorite places. All the top schools will have some overlap in what they look for in an applicant, but I think UChicago is more likely to go for really bright kids who are a bit out of the mold, and who are willing to go off the beaten path.
The essays are incredibly important. They are very proud of their core and look for people who will enjoy it
In my opinion, Chicago looks for “fit” a lot more than other colleges do. Show how you will fit in academically, socially, professionally, and intellectually.
When you write your essays for UChicago, don’t necessarily go for quirky because if you try too hard, that’ll shine straight through. Write them honestly and make sure they actually encompass who YOU are. Like other posters before me have said, they look for fit because UChicago is a unique school with a certain philosophy. Chicago students are well known for learning for the sake of learning and not to just get a degree. They tend to be a little weird – in the best of ways – and always up for a midnight debate or two. They seem to actually have fun – despite what their image is to outsiders – and their definition of fun might be different from a different school’s definition of fun. Everyone has a different definition of fun, so whether UChicago is or isn’t fun is dependent on the person.
Overall, don’t necessarily worry about what UChicago is looking for in an applicant. If you meet the quantitative requirements (in the GPA, ACT/SAT score range), then put yourself out there as yourself in your essays. Don’t try to come off as someone you’re not because in the end, it might come back to hurt you. If you fit and its meant to be, it’ll happen. Have fun with it, and good luck!! 
As I told my DS, who will be starting there this fall, try to get across how much you want to be there and only there.
First, you have to have the excellent stats to apply for the school. Second, you need have convincing essays to impress the adcoms. Third, you need lots of luck, as only about 15% of the applicants were accepted in EA. And finally, the school must be affordable with your financial situation.
My kid got into uChicago this year (she can’t go because we can’t afford it) and I believe she made it in based on 1) solid stats and 2) an interesting/offbeat life and 3) strong essays that were interesting but not too quirky.
SouthernHope: Sorry the money didn’t work out for you. It’s strange how these schools evaluate a family’s financial situation differently.
With the new “no loans in FA” policy, I believe the FA package will be more stringent for years ahead. I am glad we are out of it.