<p>I don’t know that much about U Chicago yet, but from what I do know it seems like it would be a good fit for me.
I’ve been playing classical violin for 13 years, and I love the arts and music, I’m a pretty independent learner, I love to read and do so constantly, and I come from a very political family in a very political town, so I’m fond of political discussion
In terms of my stats:
4.2 W GPA/ 3.99 W
2200 SAT (800 W, 760 CR, 640 M)
English Lit SAT II - 750
US History SAT II - 700
rank 3/350ish
8 APs throughout High school/ pretty much the most challenging courseload (I didn’t take Calculus, though)
Lots of art, drama, music</p>
<p>ECs
Concertmaster of Youth Symphony, all state orchestra (4 years) private violin lessons for 13 years, various chamber music groups
I write for city newpaper
Internship at local magazine
Student advisor to board of education
Science (I like science, but not math) club, VP
National Honor Society - VP
Various Drama productions
Work experience at low-income summer camps,
pre-college program at Barnard
Drama Club</p>
<p>I know you get a lot of these, and I’m really more concerned about my fit at U Chicago than my chances, but I thought my stats might help tell a little about me…</p>
<p>You sound like you’d probably do fine here. Do read more about the school, it has a very unique academic/political culture.</p>
<p>Study abroad is pretty common, most often in the form of a one quarter language/civilization (history) class run by UChicago abroad, but there are several universities abroad that will take UC students on for a term as well.</p>
<p>It’s difficult to determine from a list of interests and activities whether or not the U of C will click for you. Honestly, the best way to see if you’re a fit is to visit the school, sit in on a class, and do an overnight. I knew the school was right for me as soon as I visited a class. I had sat in on many classes at other schools and I felt that Chicago provided the best academic atmosphere for somebody like me, who always liked to be vocal in class discussions but felt like being passionate wasn’t “cool.” Chicago kids seemed to be really engaged in discussion with each other and with the professor and were both good speakers and good listeners, and there seemed to be no social stigma attached to somebody who liked to participate in discussion.</p>
<p>(I was a bit wrong on that one… somebody who either participates so much to the extent of limiting others from speaking or who paricipates but says irrelevant things is termed a “that kid.” That kids can be annoying at times, but I would rather have that kids times ten than have a dead class discussion).</p>
<p>There is no one Chicago personality. I would venture to say that most Chicagoans value education over grades and career aspirations. (That’s not to say they don’t value grades or career aspirations, but the investment banker wannabes I know are really into taking classes on Nietzsche and impressionist art). Other than that, though, I don’t think there’s anything else that all Chicago kids have in common.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot - and I plan to do a lot more research before I apply, but I wanted to first see what actual students thought… I don’t really have the money to travel from NM to Chicago right now, unfortunately, so I have to rely on testimony.</p>