<p>Could not reply to the old thread, I have to start a second one.</p>
<p>I read all comments in this thread, I think phantasmagoric made a point. UChicago supportors should not just take nice words from others, we should also take other opinions. The recently established institute for molecular engineering is a good sign for Chicago to start an engineering education.
I am a parent of a student in Chicago class of 2015, I sincerely hope UChicago is getting better and better, since UChicago has things to catch up with HYPSM. [Institute</a> for Molecular Engineering](<a href=“http://molecularengineering.uchicago.edu/]Institute”>http://molecularengineering.uchicago.edu/)</p>
<p>In comparing acceptance rates, etc. between schools and then looking for the admissions strategies one is confronted with an almost impossible task. Another approach is to look at what the schools say they do and consider that that is pretty much what they do.</p>
<p>I believe what UChicago and Stanford, for example, say they do accounts for many of the similarities and differences in what they do in regards to admissions. </p>
<p>Below is what each says. I think one sees a somewhat differing, but overlapping approach. Student body SAT distribution ends up pretty similar, student differences (if there are any) likely based on the other factors.</p>
<p>Both share the same USNWR Ranking.</p>
<p>UChicago
SAT Reading Middle 50%: 700 - 790
SAT Math Middle 50%: 700 - 780</p>
<p>Rigor of Secondary School Record: Very important
Class Rank: Important
Academic GPA: Important
Standardized Test Scores: Considered
Application Essay: Very important
Recommendation(s): Very important
Interview: Considered
Extracurricular Activities: Important
Talent / Ability: Very important
Character / Personal Qualities: Very important
First Generation: Considered
Alumni/ AE Relation: Considered
Geographical Residence: Not Considered
State Residency: Not Considered
Religious Affiliation / Commitment: Not Considered
Racial / Ethnic Status: Considered
Volunteer Work: Important
Work Experience: Considered
Level of applicant’s interest: Considered</p>
<p>Stanford
SAT Reading Middle 50%: 670 - 770
SAT Math Middle 50%: 690 - 780</p>
<p>Rigor of Secondary School Record: Very important
Class Rank: Very important
Academic GPA: Very important
Standardized Test Scores: Very important
Application Essay: Very important
Recommendation(s): Very important
Interview: Not Considered
Extracurricular Activities: Very important
Talent / Ability: Very important
Character / Personal Qualities: Very important
First Generation: Considered
Alumni/ AE Relation: Considered
Geographical Residence: Considered
State Residency: Not Considered
Religious Affiliation / Commitment: Not Considered
Racial / Ethnic Status: Considered
Volunteer Work: Considered
Work Experience: Considered
Level of applicant’s interest: Not Considered</p>
<p>Mhm, now I get your point. I think that it is time for UChicago to take a stand on where they are in terms of prospective alumni profile: do they want overachievers or critical thinkers (who may not have perfect scores)? GPA or creative writing? Up until now they have been kind of in the gray zone, admitting students that kind of seemed to be right.
On the acceptance rate, it will keep getting lower as more and more students apply.</p>