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How much do you think getting a really impressive recommendation could help me in the admissions process at University of Chicago? I'll be getting a recommendation from the director of a very prestigious, nationally recognized high school summer program at UC Berkeley that I attend, and she personally knows the admissions directors at pretty much every prestigious university, including Chicago. I just wasn't sure how much weight that might carry.

Also, I know that my GPA is low by Chicago standards (3.65W), but I've been going through a hell of a lot (my single mom is unemployed, our unemployment benefits ran out, my grandfather died, etc). Do you think that the admissions officers would take that into account when they look at my transcript?

By Er222 (Er222) on Friday, June 18, 2004 - 04:42 pm: Edit

The recommendation you describe certainly can't hurt, and may very well help. As for grades, I think that Chicago isn't quite as hung up on those statistics as are other schools of its caliber. Again, it certainly can't hurt to describe your circumstances. In any event, your grades are not disqualifying on their face. I would also strongly recommend an on-campus interview, if you can afford to get to Chicago. Also, as I've said in the past, the essays are very important in the admissions process at Chicago. Good luck.