<p>Yea, my school is the unofficial magnet for the entire area. Unfortunately, we are ranked 600 in the nation because we have a magnet and a standard program in one school. The magnet part can easily compete with the best schools in the country (which we regularly do). Also, I was under the impression that as an international, not applying for financial aid actually increases your chances. As to questions of whether or not I challenge myself, I can assure you I am probably one of the top five most self-motivated people at my school of 500. This year, I am actually doing well in classes because the classes have finally started to sound interesting, thanks to AP, so my GPA will be at approcimately 3.55/5.0 by the end of this semester. Unfortunately, people keep telling me I’m too diverse and that its a problem. Most of my teachers, peers, etc don’t think so and neither do I. As a matter of fact, I’d say its one of my greatest strengths. I can talk to you about Gaugain or Gauss with the same level of familiarity. I don’t know many others who can, partly why I hate school right now and want to go to an academic school like Chicago. Also, my ECs, Knowledge Bowl and MUN, are, from what I’ve heard, the top two ECs at Chicago. So, why does that put me at a disadvantage if I do research in different areas. In my opinion, thinking is my true passion, and that seems to be Chicago’s main selling point.</p>
<p>3.4 and 35 ACT here</p>
<p>I go to an extremely rigorous college prep school, and first semester of junior year wasn’t exactly the best time in my life for a few reasons. Hopefully the essays will pull me through.</p>
<p>I guess you’re not the only one.</p>
<p>I know one person with a 3.0 and 2400.</p>