Salutations,
I will be applying to the University of Chicago EA this fall and I would like some feedback on what you would think my chances would be of being admitted into the college. I appreciate your time and consideration. Let’s get started!
ACT:
Composite: 32
English: 31
Mathematics: 35
Science: 33
Reading: 32
Writing: 11 out of 12
Superscore: 33
SAT: N/A
SAT Subject Tests: Spanish–780 and I will be taking Math II and Chemistry in October
UW GPA: 3.8
W GPA: 4.21
Coursework: AP Spanish (5), AP Human Geo (5), AP Language and Composition (5), AP US History (5), AP Physics 1 (3)
Currently Enrolled in: AP Calc BC, AP Economics (Micro&Macro), AP Chemistry and Dual Enrollment at Harper College for English, but I intend on taking the AP Literature and Composition exam.
AP Scholar with Distinction
I finished AP Spanish my sophomore year and I took French for the subsequent years. I am now enrolled in Honors French III.
Extracurriculars:
-Latin American Student Organization: VP Junior Year, President Senior Year
-Math Team: Competitor and State Qualifier– 88/250 individuals at State (Junior and Senior year)
-Science Olympiad: Competitor and Regional Qualifier (Junior and Senior year)
-Liturgy Core Team: Mass Organizer and Foreman (Frosh/Soph)
-Campus Ministry Team: Service Coordinator and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for two years (Frosh/Soph)
-Football: Player for Frosh/Soph years
-Student Council: Representative all four years
-Peer Tutor: I tutor in Chemistry, Mathematics, Spanish and French during my lunch period and after school
-National Honor Society
-National Spanish Honor Society
-UChicago Neubauer Summer Scholar: applied and accepted to Neubauer Summer Program to study Microbiology at UChicago and dorm on campus for three weeks all expenses paid.
-MIT WISE: All expenses paid trip to MIT for campus visit and sitting in on classes.
Work Experience:
-Kmart–2 Years–Customer Service Associate
-Athletico Physical Therapy–Present–Rehabilitation Aide
Background:
-State–Illinois
-School- Public
-Class Size - 597
-Gender- Male
-Income- <$75k per year
-Race/Ethnicity- Hispanic; Mexican
-Hooks- URM, First Gen
Essays: My CommonApp essay touches a bit upon my pre-professional goals and my relationship with my grandfather because I grew up without a father as he left when my mother found out she was pregnant.
My UChicago essay revolves around the idea of humble art and entails my passion for analog photography. I think that I showed a different aspect of my nature as well as my ability to write quite well.
I wrote about my three weeks spent at the University in my Why UChicago essay
I was honest and quirky in my favorite things essay.
Letters of Rec:
AP Physics teacher who will write me a glowing letter of recommendation and he is actually a UChicago Alumnus
AP Language teacher who will also write me a glowing letter of recommendation
Math Team coach will write my supplementary letter of recommendation
Additional:
I transferred schools from a Private, Catholic school to a Public school at the start of Junior year. This might account for my low GPA, but I quickly joined clubs and really made the best of my high school experience. I moved schools to ease the financial burden on my family and to pursue more AP class opportunities and I have made note of this in my application.
I plan on interviewing on campus in the near future.
I appreciate you taking the time to read this and I also appreciate any comments you might have regarding my chances. I am a bit nervous when I think of all the wonderful and well-rounded applicants that will be applying to these highly-selective schools.
Once again, thank you. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Cordially,
Gabe