<p>Regarding scores, as long as they’re in context, you’ll be fine. My friend who visited said that during an info session someone asked what was a “good” SAT score and the rep replied, “We don’t think the SAT accurately determines one’s intelligence.” The SAT is more of a thing on the checklist rather than something that makes someone stand out- if you have significantly lower scores than the rest of your transcript might suggest then it will raise a red flag, but otherwise I feel like its something admissions officers glance at and move on from.</p>
<p>As for hyeonjlee, I think your son’s case demonstrates that to get into Chicago, you don’t have to have crazy credentials. From your description of your son, I think he does have some pretty nice creds (getting to the top for online games is not an easy feat, although I don’t know how colleges view it and self-learning takes a lot of self-motivation) and I’m sure the admissions officers saw something in his file that made him a worthy applicant. However, I remember last year when applying, it seemed that all my classmates had suddenly cured cancer over the summer, were top in the nation in bocce ball, and had multiple alumni connections to various schools. While its addicting to listen to what every other kid seems to have/do/done, its important to focus on yourself. It doesn’t matter that Johnny has 3 grandparents who went to Harvard, went diving for buried treasure over his summer and wrote a spectacular essay on it, and is being recruited for basketball. Too many kids in my grade bemoaned their “terrible applications,” which made application season a lot more stressful than it is.</p>
<p>(Excuse my lack of transitions) My alumni interview with Chicago was pretty bland. The guy was tired, it was the end of his Wednesday workday, and it lasted for 40 minutes. He was quiet although opened up a bit when I asked about Chicago, and honestly didn’t give me that great of an impression. But I’m going to Chicago this September, so I guess that’s that. Reading other peoples’ posts, it seems that a lot of you had great interviews, and I’m glad- I’m sure it helps your application. But if your interview doesn’t go so hot, don’t worry- I still made it in and my interview was probably one of the worst out of all the college interviews I did.</p>
<p>Essays matter. This is the University of Chicago. I think it helped me a lot to read other really good college essays and get inspired to write something good myself. If you’re feeling lazy, reading other work is definitely a great way to get motivated. Obviously, you are going to have to write something unique, but I feel that following by example is one of the easiest ways to become motivated.</p>
<p>I wrote the optional essay, but it was not a work of art. It was quick and there are definitely cases where people have gotten in without writing one, so I would choose whether to write that essay based on your own discretion. </p>
<p>It would really, really, really help if you wrote your essays early- the summertime is great. I procrastinated, sent in all my college applications with an hour or two to go before the deadline (maybe more considering the time difference- always handy to know that, btw) and didn’t have a winter break worth mentioning because it was all essay writing. I got it done, but my senior grades probably could’ve been higher if I hadn’t procrastinated and then blew off schoolwork to do applications. Most colleges release their questions during the summer, so take advantage of that.</p>
<p>Chill out. Yes, college is where you’re going for the next 4 years and people say its the best 4 years of your life. But ultimately, you’re going to college to learn something and then get a job where hopefully you get to use your knowledge. College is not the ending point (although many students and parents treat it as such), it is a jumping-off point. Getting into Chicago is not the end-all, be-all. Getting accepted is a great feeling, and definitely take second semester of senior year and the summer to relax and recharge. Rejection hurts- you’ll get depressed and ask why and what if and how come so-and-so got in instead. Take some time to reflect and mope, but ultimately its the college’s loss. I guess you should approach it like dating. </p>
<p>Hope this helps- feel free to ask questions, clarify, or refute.</p>