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<p>Really? I think there are some schools in Fairfax County, Virginia, Austin, Texas, and a bunch more in major university college towns that might take exception to that.</p>
<p>Regardless, the best answer I ever heard an admissions officer give about whom the University of Chicago admits is, “We try to admit kids we think our faculty will like.” I like that. I’m not sure what it means, but I like it.</p>
<p>Financial aid? It really does depend, but the UofC tends to follow the beat of its own drummer on this sort of thing. The FA you get will depend on how they look at your parents’ whole financial picture. I will say that $95,000 usually gets some sort of aid for a school as expensive as the UofC, but your parents’ assets and particulars will play a role in that.</p>
<p>Chances? Well, you’re right in there. Your essays will count for a lot. It will be useful if you really are an intensely intellectual being who tended to get good grades in areas of passion, and go above and beyond class requirements in those areas. And, of course, it would be useful to have a teacher say that about you.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>