http://www.collegedata.com/cs/data/college/college_pg01_tmpl.jhtml?schoolId=327 ←
essays and recs always weigh heavily; they look for kids who aren’t just smart on paper, but who are genuinely good and interesting people. i read an article once that said that colleges seek kids who will go on to create value, and will thereby make their alma mater look good. they want kids with ambition, basically.
i’m applying to UChicago this fall too; good luck!