<p>So if you've seen some of my other threads, UChicago is definitely my #1 choice. So I know they're big on essays, but I was wondering if I could even get in. </p>
<p>My GPA is pretty crappy; I messed up badly freshman year and its haunted me since. I would prefer not post it here to save myself from humiliation (its higher than a 3.0 UW tho)</p>
<p>ACT: 28, I plan to retake 2 more times, hoping for a 30!</p>
<p>By the end of next year I'll have taken 8 or 9 AP's (still deciding if I'm taking 4 or 5 next year)</p>
<p>I've taken honors/AP courses at my competitive public high school. Almost every year the top 3 or 4 students go to ivy's/NU/Uchicago etc.</p>
<p>EC's:</p>
<p>I started my school's STAND Student Anti-Genocide Chapter
Science Fair
F.R.E.E. (Fighting for Relationship Equality through Education) Co-President
Key Club Member
Student Council Division Representative
UChicago Hospitals Volunteer
Internship with a top cosmetic surgeon
150+ service hours</p>
<p>I really think that my essay will end up being pretty awesome; I've been told before that I am a pretty good writer. Also, I plan on using the QuestBridge Application, which has a bunch of additional essays to portray my personality better. I don't think I'd ever be awarded the QB scholarship, but, to the best of my knowledge, I can select for my application to be forwarded to schools (is that right?)</p>
<p>I will definitely interview at UChicago (on campus; I live in Chicago). I have an awesome personality, and although I know that personality alone cannot help me gain admission, it is one of my best assets. </p>
<p>Also, I'm a URM (hispanic) first-generation hs graduate.</p>
<p>I think that you have a shot if you can highlight your ECs, write good essays, and do a good interview. THe URM first-generation status might be a plus. As far as the other schools, I think NW is a reach, and the rest are all matches or safeties due to your status and ECs. I would also retake the ACT and improve the GPA. Thats pretty much it.</p>
<p>First of all, your URM status will help you. Your GPA is pretty low, because it is a 3.0+ UW, but it has demonstrated an upward trend, even while challenging yourself with 8-9 AP classes. You should be proud of yourself, because you went up even though things got harder. Admissions officers will respect that. Freshmen grades don't kill people, but it may help if you explain how you made a comeback and why you were so motivated. Inspire them with your awesome writing skills.</p>
<p>Your ACT of 28 is at the 25th percentile of UChicago's ACT range. You are an URM, so you don't have to go for a 33+ unlike some of us (lucky you!). UChicago does not care so much about standardized test scores; instead, they care deeply about the essay, because apparently they think that the essay can tell everything about you, and it does! It's like a job interview on paper. However, if you feel that the 28 misrepresents your skills, you may consider retaking your ACT one more time so that you can boost your score to about a 30 or so. It's up to you. </p>
<p>Your ECs are quite good, especially your volunteering at UChicago hospitals (one of the most prestigious in the US) and internship with a surgeon (that pops out). However, you don't really demonstrate leadership in them, but that's not too important is it? </p>
<p>Overall, I can see that your a hard-working student who has come a long way since freshman year. Keep it up! Your painstaking efforts will be rewarded someday ... </p>
<p>Chances:
UChicago: Your ACT is barely within UChicago's mid-50% range, and your GPA is well below the average of UW 3.89. However, admission at UChicago is very difficult to predict. Do well on those essays, and you may very well surprise those people here at CC who think that you need perfect test scores and 4.0s to get into top schools (I hate those snobs). </p>
<p>Good luck, and remember to chance me too! If you want some comments on your UChicago essay, I'm here to help, so PM me whenever you're ready. </p>
<p>Well your act is withing the mid-50% range, since theirs is 28-33 surprisingly, but you should definitley get it up. Prestigious schools also like seeing extra-curriculars and the person behind all the numbers and stats that your grades and transcript say so write a good essay and go in for interviews. However they also look at the numbers so try your best on your GPA.</p>