<p>I think that [this</a> thread](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-chicago/420256-chicago-fit.html"]this”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-chicago/420256-chicago-fit.html) will help explain that difference. It seems (to me) to be, on the most prominent level, an unquantifiable one. It has to do with how the people who apply to and attend the U of C view themselves and the school–and how the school views itself. That’s part of the reason Chicago’s applicant pool is often referred to as “self-selecting.” Other aspects of the difference exist, but that’s my view. More people could explain this more clearly, I’m sure.</p>
<p>The linked thread, by the way, is featured at the top of this forum page, and helped me a great deal when I was first getting into the U of C and making my way through the application/decision process. I think unalove (the person behind the thread’s gigantic original post) is a little famous around here for helpfulness in that respect.</p>