Decision: Accepted
Objective:
ACT:
(One sitting) Composite 32, Writing 10. (Super score) Composite 34, Writing 12
SAT II:
--Math II (770)
--Literature (670)
--Reading (650)
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
--(out of 5.0) 4.8605
Rank/Percentile: 1 out of 397
AP:
--Biology (4)
--US History (3)
--Physics B (3)
IB: Diploma Candidate (no scores yet)
Senior Year Course Load:
--IB English HL
--IB Spanish (Language B) SL
--IB Mathematics SL
--Differential Calculus (through Oregon State University, 2nd semester only)
--IB Chemistry HL
--IB History HL
--IB Psychology SL
--IB Theory of Knowledge (1st semester only)
--Economics (2nd semester only)
Major Awards:
--National Hispanic Scholar
--Outstanding Female Junior, Mason's of Lakewood
Subjective:
Extracurriculars:
--Forensics Speech and Debate (Captain for 2yrs, 1 yr state qualifier, 5th alternate national qualifier, several 1-4 place trophies)
--Gender-Sexuality Alliance (Co-founder, President)
--Research Assistant in a Traumatic Brain Injury lab
Job/Work Experience:
--Cashier at McDonald’s
Volunteer/Community Service:
--Hospital volunteer
--Church Janitor
--Church Sunday School Leader
Summer Activities:
--Language / Cultural immersion in Costa Rica
--Running camp
Essays:
-- Common Application essay
--UChicago supplement
Teacher Recommendations: Sent maximum number from English and TOK teachers
Counselor Rec: Yes
Additional Rec: No
Interview: Not interviewed
Other
Applied for Financial Aid?
--I indicated I would not, but I changed my mind and plan to apply for it
Projected Concentration:
--Mathematics
--Philosophy (secondary)
State/Country: Colorado, USA
School Type: Public
Ethnicity: Hispanic, Native American, Caucasian
Gender: Female
Income Bracket: 180K+
Hooks: First Generation, Lesbian
Reflection
Strengths: I work very hard and have passion for learning and people.
Weaknesses: I'm bad at to-the-point academic writing (I'm more of a "flowery" writer, which was reflected in my essays). I am also not great at taking standardized tests.
Why I think I was accepted: I think what set me apart was my unique background (first gen lesbian) with community involvement that shows I will give back to my unique community (which they hope will equate to future donations to UChicago). My application reflected personal growth and how I attempt to make the most of what I learn about myself and the world. My extracurricular also cover a broad range of interests, making me more interesting (I guess?)
Where else you are applying or have already applied: I applied to 19 other schools ranging from the Ivy League schools to state schools that accept everyone.
General Comments/Advice/Hindsight: I never expected to get in. In my application, I exercise the "show don't tell" method of showing the admissions committee that I am not perfect, but I'm trying to make the most of what I have both inside and outside of school.
*I misreported my ACT score initially (2 points lower on the reading section), and I immediately emailed my admission counselor. He was glad I notified him, and it was fine.
*I also sent an update on my senior year achievements to my admission counselor with a copy of my complete resume and assurance that UChicago was my number one choice. I referenced those cheesy emails they sent me, and received a positive response.
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