@okeydokeypokey My information is way out of date, but it used to be the case that Chicago was on the alert for promising kids who came from less well-travelled places - such as the southern states, such as small towns or the actual countryside. I believe those kids had an edge as against urban kids and kids from private schools, all other things being equal. That was my case, many many years ago. Others on this board will be better informed than me as to the present situation, but there seems little doubt that if your son really really wants to go to the U of C he would be well advised to apply ED. Chicago needs bright kids from the hinterlands, so as an alumnus I hope he does that, but, whether or not he does, I hope he makes it there in some way. That will be good both for him and the University. Easy for me to say, but don’t let the financial part of it bulk too large in your thinking if your son is really set on going to Chicago.