A Couple Questions about U of C

rockerguyasj
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 23:47:23 +0000

Okay, I will try to answers your question concisely, because you could get the in-depth answers through out the forums if you search other threads.

1a.) The acceptance rate at U of C is not 35% anymore, for the Class of 2012 it was around ~28%. Yes, that’s still rather high for a top ten school. Why? Check out U of C’s essay topics. They should show you that not the typical HYPS applicant will or always can successfully apply to U of C. Their essays are not run-of-the-mill, and probably deters people from applying who ready doesn’t know much nor like the school that much. Of course, that is changing because U of C is trying to get their name out there more. When you apply (you’re Class of 2014, correct) the acceptance rate will most likely be lower.

2a.) I will pass on this because I haven’t researched these departments enough to know how they compare to the schools you listed. Suffice to say, practically every department at U of C is pretty renowned.

1b.) From an objective criteria, your chances are strong. You obvisouly have the GPA/SATs to get into a top school. However, U of C puts A LOT of emphasis on your essays. A lot. Fit is also important. Very important. Go look at 2013 EA decision thread or the 2012 RD thread to see what I am talking about. You will see that many high scorers are rejected while some people who scored in the 1300s and 1400s get accepted. So, doing chances for Chicago are hard because a lot of weight is on the subjective elements of your application.

2b) As far as I can tell, merit scholarships are extremely competitive to get. I believe they are given through a holistic review, just like the regular application process, so it is hard to chance. Other top schools also do merit-based scholarships (Duke/UNC-CH does the Robertson, Vandy does several, Rice does some…).

Anyway good luck, and go in these boards and read up some older threads to get a more complete answer to your questions. Good luck!