Hey everyone!
I’m currently an (Asian ;- high school junior, and I have begun to refine my college research process. Currently, UChicago is at the top of my list because, so far, everything about it appeals to me as a person, a student, and an intellectual.
That being said, I’m somewhat worried about my grades. My freshman year grades were around 3.65, and although I showed a marked improvement sophomore year (and thus far, this year), I think that I’ll still end this year with a cumulative 3.8-3.9ish UW GPA (with the most challenging courseload). The several classes I got Bs and B+s in were generally STEM-related fields (not exactly my forte, nor is it something I would pursue), but in humanities/arts classes, I generally receive good grades. I am curious if similar situations were common among UChicago-accepted students. I only know two accepted students (both had similar situations), so I would like to gain a wider perspective, not even necessarily just to assuage my fear. How much of the student body is “pointed”, so to speak, in one or two general areas?
Obviously, colleges value upward trends and look at the whole thing holistically, and GPA isn’t the only thing that matters, but I’m curious at how UChicago specifically addresses and applies these aspects. Partially because I’m kind of intimidated by my lower GPA, but mostly because I want to know how much of the student body has had similar experiences and how they circumvented it.
It definitely depends on your school. If you go to a really difficult school and get a few B’s the admissions officers will realize that your school is really difficult. I think they do respect that some people have areas that they are not as strong in as long as you show great strength in other areas and enough in the weaker areas that they think you will be able to be successful in the core classes–you will have to take Math and Science at UChicago. Doing an excellent job on your essays will be very beneficial when you have a slight weakness.
I got plenty of B’s, but I went to a tough school. I haven’t been accepted yet, but kids from my school with lower grades and test scores than me get in regularly (based on Naviance stats). Look at your schools Naviance, it’ll give you a good idea of what it takes. GPA’s on CC can be seriously inflated or deflated. Chicago looks at strength of schedule and your schools reputation. So just take the hardest classes possible, and look at your school’s Naviance.
Yeah, I’ve looked at our school’s UChicago stats and the average is about 3.89. Our school’s math class is notoriously difficult for our area, so I’m hoping that also provides some sort of leeway, haha. Thanks everyone for your help!
I think Chicago is really good about considering applicants as a whole. Don’t worry about it too much; focus more on showing Chicago why they want you.
I know one UChicago student who had a very rough start freshman year but turned that around and demonstrated a serious commitment to learning. Tell your story- you like humanities, great. It was a challenge you worked through to do better in STEM, and you’re doing well now
high school junior, and I have begun to refine my college research process. Currently, UChicago is at the top of my list because, so far, everything about it appeals to me as a person, a student, and an intellectual.