<p>I'm not normally one to post neurotic "omg omg omg" threads, but yesterday I found out that I've been waitlisted at UChicago. I foolishly thought that I was a shoe-in there, so now I'm kind of rethinking my whole college life thing. (I also applied to Harvard, Brown, Columbia, and NYU, but I'm not expecting to get into any of those except perhaps NYU).</p>
<p>Here's the situation:
- I'm pretty sure that my numbers are more impressive than my ECs; I have some decent ones, like being the editor of my school newspaper, an executive position at my school's radio station in charge of finances, intern at a presidential political campaign, member of city council committee, and some lead roles in drama productions, but nothing that's really WOW.</p>
<ul>
<li><p>My numbers are solid (not extraordinary in terms of these schools, I know, and they could be better) - 35 ACT, 4.1 GPA, 760 on SAT English Lit, National Merit Commended Scholar (that's not a number!)</p></li>
<li><p>I've also got what I'd like to think are a few aces up my sleeve: one of my letters of recommendation was written by a Northwestern alum. However, I don't know for sure if she signed her maiden name or if she indicated that she was a Northwestern alum in her final draft of her letter. Either way, it was still a fantastic letter of rec.</p></li>
<li><p>Also, I kind of have legacy. My uncle went to Northwestern in the 50s. He's my uncle by marriage, but I hope that it still counts for something.</p></li>
<li><p>Finally, my Northwestern essay was by far the best and most inspired essay that I wrote. </p></li>
</ul>
<p>Give it to me straight. Should I be expecting disappointment or do I have a reason to be somewhat hopeful?</p>