<p>‘but can we basically conclude that those who send in truly significant updates to their application (academically and extra curriculary/recs/essays etc) are truly helping their cases?’</p>
<p>It probably depends on the individual case, and, unfortunately we’re not going to know for sure for another five and a half weeks or so. If your update successfully addressed an issue that was present in your original application, it could certainly help. One of these issues could be fit - how well do your and Chicago fit each other. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, there is a numbers game here - too many valid applicants for too few spaces. Which is why one has to apply to several schools. I think that, at this point, you’ve given it your best shot. Unless Spirited Away gets that time machine reved up, its down to waiting, and trying to enjoy life in the moment as much as possible. Try to focus on school and EC’s, spend time with your friends, even shock your parents by (say) attending a movie with them. They will miss you a lot; you might even miss them (a little, LOL). It will all be very different next year.</p>