<p>I'm trying to find a thread from an adcom or a page on the uchicago website where it says that grades and the essay are ranked foremost. I know this is true myself but I want to be able to prove it to a friend.</p>
<p>I would prefer a page on the uchicago website that says so, and if not then a thread by an adcom here. I don't want a claim by a non-adcom though, because that wouldn't give me that undebatable proof that I'm looking for.</p>
<p>well, you're not going to find it by making a thread. you're going to need to ask/search in the adcom thread that's stickied.</p>
<p>Post #165 is probably the closest you are going to get:</p>
<p>
[quote]
When people ask me questions about "weighting" one part of an application more than another, I think, do you weight page 6 of a novel more than page 7? The important parts are the important parts, and they will always stand out for us.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Libby may have also posted something on the blog about the rough hierarchy of order of importance of application components.</p>
<p>I also think it's worth pointing out that "chancing" yourself is fruitless, and will reduce who you are to who you aren't, and the best way to determine whether or not Chicago is in a realistic range is to comb through admitted student SAT scores/class rank. You may also check out the decisions that students post on these boards, but I wouldn't take them at face value.</p>
<p>What I think Libby points out is that every person is different, and there is no solid formulaic way to read an application, because you run the risk of having your student body all the same.</p>
<p>Very important admission factors:</p>
<pre><code>* Character/Personal Qualities
* Application Essay
* Recommendations
* Rigor of secondary school record
* Talent/Ability
</code></pre>
<p>Important admission factors:</p>
<pre><code>* Class Rank
* Extracurricular Activities
* Volunteer Work
* Academic GPA
</code></pre>
<p>Considered:</p>
<pre><code>* Alumni Relation
* Interview
* Racial/Ethnic Status
* Standardized Test Scores
* Work Experience
* First generation college student
* Level of Applicant's Interest
</code></pre>
<p>College</a> Search - University of Chicago - Chicago - Admission</p>
<p>unalove - I agree. Thanks for the quote. I'm actually already a student here -- trying to help a friend who may apply.</p>
<p>somedumbnoob - Ah, thanks. That's pretty good for evidence.</p>
<p>Notice it says rigor of coursework. This is not the same as grades or high GPA. They are looking to see if one challenged oneself with the courses offered at a particular school. If the school offers APs, did a student take them, if no APs, did the student take the honors courses and so forth.</p>
<p>From Libby Pearson
[quote]
There is never a concrete answer as to how much each portion is "weighted." If there's some telling detail in the teacher recommendation, then suddenly that becomes the most important document, and weighs 55 pounds. If there is a beautiful argument in the essay, then suddenly that becomes the most important document, and weighs 61 pounds. Reading an application is like reading a short story. Page 7 does not mean more than Page 3. I think I've said that before...
[/quote]
</p>
<p>At the tour I rmemeber vividly an adcom saying that the most important was grades and courses, followed by the essays.</p>
<p>He continued to list everything in the order of importance, but I'll be damned if I could remmeber anything else.</p>
<p>Under noob's list (or rather, UofC's stats list) categorizes SAT scores as "Considered?" Can anyone support this (not necessarily confirm it, since nobody can be sure of a college's admissions' focus)?</p>
<p>I remember they said SAT scores (and test scores in general) are pretty far down the list of thigns they look at, although I certailny do not rmember how far down. I'm pretty sure I'm remebering this correctly anyways.</p>
<p>Libby Pearson in response to a question on SAT scores and URMs:
[quote]
We actually "forgive" SAT scores from anyone -- no one is ever denied based on their low scores.</p>
<p>The way that we try to increase diversity in our school is mainly by trying to get more diverse students to apply, hence the Students of Color Open House.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>While SAT scores are not a priority for admissions, Chicago still looks at them and uses them in granting admission. The statistics speak for themselves. Look at the mean SAT scores for attending students and you will see that the great majority score in the 1400 range for CR and math. I distinctly remember that when my child had her on campus interview two years ago the interviewer came out and told me that he really liked my child but that her 1340 score was a bit too low for Chicago's standards. She had applied EA and was deferred after the interview. She took the SATs again and raised her score to 1400 and was admitted regular decision. So, they clearly do look at SATs. If everything else is perfect, i.e. 3.9 grades, etc., maybe they will be a little lax with the SAT scores, but they clearly fit into the picture from my experience.</p>
<p>I looked for it, but couldn't locate a comment and explanation by Ted O'Neill of why, in recent years, test scores have taken on even less importance. As I recall, this is largely the result of attempting to have a more diverse student body. Rather than giving certain students breaks the approach is to give all students a break on test scores. Having said that, the other criteria of doing well with a rigorous course load and writing thoughtful essays stand and are highly correlated with those test scores. I don't think Ted would have agreed with that interviewer.</p>
<p>60 extra points on the SAT probably did not cause her to be accepted RD. My guess is that she was probably borderline for the EA pool and a strong applicant for the RD pool to begin with.</p>