@menloparkmom, I think that’s pretty accurate. I spent 7 years at UChicago as both a student and on faculty, and it has a distinctive atmosphere of intellectual vigor and inquiry. Having been at a number of top schools, it was one of my favorite places. All the top schools will have some overlap in what they look for in an applicant, but I think UChicago is more likely to go for really bright kids who are a bit out of the mold, and who are willing to go off the beaten path.