<p>I think there’s a ridiculous number of full-paying, high-achieving Indians applying to every selective college in America 
But yeah, UChic is uber-competitive especially for Econ. (for obvious reasons, look at the faculty!).</p>
<p>Fact is, being an international student puts you in a low acceptance range in the first place. There are LOTS of applicants with the credentials you state applying to such highly regarded schools as UChicago. I am sorry you are disappointed, but there are numerous components to the acceptance process. One is a diverse student body and if you know of 20 other applicants from India, then I would venture to guess they had an abundance of Indian applicants so your odds were further hurt. One further point about educating internationals, it is indeed a privilege. Some of these universities are supported by taxpayers in their areas, such as UNC and texas schools, and therefore have a duty to serve those students needs first. More states are going towards this model. Think about it, why should taxpayers subsidize a college if it is going to admit students primarily from outside. There has been a real shift in this thinking by taxpayers and politicians and I know of three other states in the process of tightening their admission guidelines for this reason. Private schools are different, but any public university has this consideration. MN9001 is simply stating a fact. Yes, our country is made up of a diverse population, which is great, but bottom line, if you do not help contribute to the university, you should not expect to be first in line. Most would see the reasoning in that. Again, I am sorry for your disappointment and I am sure with your credentials you will do just fine. Things work out for a reason.</p>