How optional is the optional essay, and how did you all format it?
@dango98 not really so optional, if a school ever says it’s “optional” odds are you should do it, I got in and just did a sort of list with a few sentences of explanation for each one. try to show them how you’re different.
@dango98 I didn’t do the optional essay and I was still accepted, but I am an URM and had a pretty decent hook. Under normal circumstances I would do it.
No, they definitely deny people. I know at least one person on CC has mentioned they were denied.
As a deferred applicant who didn’t do the optional essay – should I complete one to add it to my application?
@whatisalie: Can you do that? If you can, I would definitely suggest you doing that.
As a deferred applicant who did that essay, I’m wondering what else I can give to them as supplements. I put some articles I did for our school newspaper, but that’s it so far.
@betcalit I’m also from Nairobi 
but applying next year
Anyone here know which part of the application they put the most weight on? For example, would great test scores, recommendations, essays, and extracurricular activities make up for a low GPA? I’m applying RD!
Depends how low. If you mean 3.6 or 3.7, it’s plausible (albeit unlikely). If you’re applying with a 3.5ish GPA (or lower), the odds are not in your favor.
MiniLion, I had a 3.6 GPA (Although not official, as I am international and my school does not issue a GPA) and got in EA. Don’t know if that counts, as I am not from your system, but lol
If I have 95+/100 GPA would that translate to a 4.0?
Would somebody mind helping me edit my essays? I just need to make sure there are no grammatical errors before I hit submit.
Hi there!
I haven’t started my UChicago essay yet (procrastination my friends, procrastination) but I’m thinking of creating my own prompt which would be: can silence be considered as a failure of language?
What do you think? Is it too mainstream, not creative at all, or would it be okay?
(I’m planning to major in Cinema and Media Studies)
Thank you!
@MiniLion i had a C and 7 B’s and I still got in so its totally possible. My EC’s even weren’t Ivy level or anything. You never know unless you try!
@nishaus Thanks!! 
Just out of curiosity, how familiar are the admissions officers with this year’s prompts? I made quite a few references to some of the other prompts and I am hoping that they catch on
@afamelas I can help you edit your essay! I already submitted my app, so you don’t have to worry 
I got an email that says the deadline for UChicago application has been extended to Jan. 8th for those who were affected by severe weather
UChicago you’re the best
Does anyone know what areas they consider affected by severe weather? I live in Michigan, and we had a pretty bad ice storm yesterday, but I don’t know if I would consider it “severe.”
Hi to all the UChicago applicants on this thread!
I had a question about the optional essay prompt. So does it have to be in an essay format or can it be more of just a list? The common app said that most applicants keep it within 250 words and mine is at 480 words already with just me listing out books, music, etc in a list format. However, I did add quite a few of my own categories so I feel that it represents the diversity of my interests. So idk is list format okay or not?