Random thought. Is it slightly more difficult for the traditional high achiever to get into Chicago with its new test optional approach?
As many high gpa students with excellent ecs etc but non correlated test scores turn to Chicago now as a option. Perhaps they wouldn’t have in the past. This In addition to some of their new focus areas mentioned above. It adds a layer of competition at the top. Perhaps the time spent test prepping should be used on ecs and community service to best align with Chicago Bowdoin etc.
The formula might be a little different going forward over time.