<p>@Archie: Yes, but rankings aren’t everything. People get rejected from both institution, or might get accepted into either. Depending on where you go, some people may hold Cornell higher than UChicago. Also, they look for different students. All in all, getting admitted into any top 20 school is a privilege. But like I said, my essays weren’t that great and I do go to another university in Chicago, that might have affected my admittance. I wouldn’t hold ranking too strongly, once you’re in the top 20. Also, Cornell does have certain departments better than UChicago, you have to consider that</p>