2008-2009 University of Chicago (Pritzker) Secondary Application Thread

[majestic red]

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I think what these rejections from Chicago show is that no matter how well qualified you are, you are going to get rejected from roughly 50% of the places you are applying to.

I really do not get it...They must be looking for... what?? With some of your stats, they may be focusing on very specific ECs or parts of the country they want people from.. To not even give some of you the chance of an interview to get your "personality" down, etc, is outrageous.

I guess the game and its unpredictability is getting tougher every year.

I'm begining to think that the only I got an interview invite because I go to UofC undergrad :/

 

[amph119]

I think what these rejections from Chicago show is that no matter how well qualified you are, you are going to get rejected from roughly 50% of the places you are applying to.

I really do not get it...They must be looking for... what?? With some of your stats, they may be focusing on very specific ECs or parts of the country they want people from.. To not even give some of you the chance of an interview to get your "personality" down, etc, is outrageous.

I guess the game and its unpredictability is getting tougher every year.

Gonna call bull here. If someone is rejected pre-interview from a school, they just don't have someone that school particular school is looking for. What that something may be varies greatly from school to school, but calling it unpredictable or a crapshoot is undermining the whole process. Applicants not knowing exactly what a school is looking for is different than that school randomly picking applicants with high GPA/MCAT to interview.

 

[unsung]

I'm begining to think that the only I got an interview invite because I go to UofC undergrad :/

That sounds like a good enough reason to me 😉 As long as they're giving you that chance, who cares why they are giving you that chance? Just kill that interview and you have a great shot. When are you interviewing?

 

[majestic red]

That sounds like a good enough reason to me 😉 As long as they're giving you that chance, who cares why they are giving you that chance? Just kill that interview and you have a great shot. When are you interviewing?

I'll be interviewing 9/30-- the day after undergrad classes start. I figured it wouldn't make sense for me to schedule an interview there before I'll be back on campus for school anyway And plus, even if it IS UofC, I can't miss THAT much during the first week, can I?

 

[lubthumpdub]

So, for the second essay (challenging situation), we're supposed to identify the "coping skills" we used.

...

What's that supposed to mean? How direct do we need to be about this, e.g. should we state outright what "coping skills" we used? I'm not quite sure what constitutes a "coping skill." Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[majestic red]

So, for the second essay (challenging situation), we're supposed to identify the "coping skills" we used.

...

What's that supposed to mean? How direct do we need to be about this, e.g. should we state outright what "coping skills" we used? I'm not quite sure what constitutes a "coping skill." Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I just said things like "I vented to my friends" and "I asked for help," etc.

 

[n3opologist]

So, for the second essay (challenging situation), we're supposed to identify the "coping skills" we used.

...

What's that supposed to mean? How direct do we need to be about this, e.g. should we state outright what "coping skills" we used? I'm not quite sure what constitutes a "coping skill." Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I phrased it as something that I learned from the experience, ie I had to resolve the challenging situation doing x, and I received help from x person(s). I don't know if this applies to you, but I used a quote from the Dalai Lama that paralleled the mechanism I used to survive the challenging situation. I got an interview so mine couldn't have been too bad! Good luck 🙂

 

[linguini]

So, for the second essay (challenging situation), we're supposed to identify the "coping skills" we used.

...

What's that supposed to mean? How direct do we need to be about this, e.g. should we state outright what "coping skills" we used? I'm not quite sure what constitutes a "coping skill." Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Personally I interpreted "coping skills" as something you did to handle a situation that you can't control, such as coping with a death in the family. I'm having problems with this essay as well because the "moral/ethical dilemma" question I answered in other secondaries wasn't really something I coped with; it was more like a sticky situation that I had control over and I acted to resolve it.

 

[skategirl08]

Hello,

This may sound like a silly question, but when I went back and looked at my final submitted version of the Pritzker secondary, I realized I made a ginormous error. I'm not sure how it escaped my eyes the first time, but basically I didn't copy and paste a sentence completely, so it shows up ending with "and,". I was wondering, would it be appropriate to email them, pointing out and fixing the error or should I just leave it and say whatever.

Thanks

 

[iA-MD2013]

I've made some big errors on secondaries as well, but it's ok. I say forget about it...and hope that they realize that it's just a stupid mistake.

 

[skategirl08]

haha, well it doesn't really matter now. i got my rejection today.

 

[Adam Smasher]

Got rejected from Pritzker today.

On the other hand, I got approved for my student loan deferment.

Given that I was going to get one rejection letter in the mail today, I guess I'd rather it be from Prtizker than Citibank.

<-- Optimist

 

[Calf]

Got rejected from Pritzker today.

On the other hand, I got approved for my student loan deferment.

Given that I was going to get one rejection letter in the mail today, I guess I'd rather it be from Prtizker than Citibank.

<-- Optimist

Way to look on the bright side!

 

[m_rivera84]

checked status: rejected, time to unsubscribe to this forum bye all :X and gluck

 

[unsung]

Wait, how are you guys getting your rejections? By "surface mail"? In the "complete" e-mail I got they said all notifications will be by surface mail. But then there's also this "check status" thing online. I'm kind of afraid to log in now. 😕

 

[Raryn]

Wait, how are you guys getting your rejections? By "surface mail"? In the "complete" e-mail I got they said all notifications will be by surface mail. But then there's also this "check status" thing online. I'm kind of afraid to log in now. 😕

I got the news via status check, but my father just said I received a physical letter today. Probably they update the status check first and send you a letter later.

 

[spidermann]

how long did it take for them to receive your LORs? I sent mine via express mail a week ago, and according to UPS tracking it says it was delivered successfully.. but on the status page it still says they didn't receive it 🙁

 

[dr drummer]

How long were you guys complete for before the news arrived? I haven't heard anything, but I'm banking on a rejection anyways.

 

[Adam Smasher]

Submitted 7/15

Rejected 8/25

 

[Kaydubz]

How long were you guys complete for before the news arrived? I haven't heard anything, but I'm banking on a rejection anyways.

Uhhhh...you have like the perfect application 🙄

 

[droshan]

Bam, first rejection here too...kinda stings...oh well. Good luck to those of you who got an interview. I can't believe raryn didn't get an invite either.

 

[linguini]

I already paid my application fee and received a confirmation email for it. However, when I go to the Pritzker secondary app site, it prompts me to pay the fee. They haven't received my LORs yet.

Has anyone else had this problem?

 

[MsKrispyKreme]

I am SO nervous.

They are rejecting excellent applicants!

 

[linguini]

I am SO nervous.

They are rejecting excellent applicants!

I hear you! 🙁

 

[spidermann]

i'm not complete at pretzel yet until LORS come in. but i'm scared ....noooooo

 

[MsKrispyKreme]

I hear you! 🙁

I'm thinking they're placing a huge emphasis on the essays or something. I'm not even complete yet, but I'm still "".

 

[doomknight]

maybe they have a secret writing sample cut off?

 

[messenger634]

Hey, what can you say, they have reduced there class size from 104 to 84 for next year. This is probably a crucial year for them from an admissions standpoint. I think they are going after a very select core type of applicant. Just my thoughts - if its meant to be for you and Pritzker, great. If not, than this is probably not the right year. Move on!🙂

 

[majestic red]

maybe they have a secret writing sample cut off?

N here and I got an interview, so unless their WS cutoff score is incredibly low... you can probably rule that out. But again, I might have some sort of bizzare advantage from being a UofC undergrad. My stats are good (77+ LizzyM), but I think my ECs are pretty mediocre...

If I end up going to med school here, though, I think UofC will officially own my soul for the rest of my life.

 

[doomknight]

I don't think 77+ LizzyM is considered good, something more like, I dunno, God Walking Amongst Merest Mortals

 

[Raryn]

maybe they have a secret writing sample cut off?

Not unless its above an S.

Oh, and my LizzyM was a 77...

 

[gasdf1234567]

Rejected by status page...and if it wasn't for this site I would have never checked or known.

 

[majestic red]

Not unless its above an S.

Oh, and my LizzyM was a 77...

I really don't see how they picked me over you... but with stats like that, I'm sure you'll get in to plenty of places~

 

[azuldelcielo]

maybe they have a secret writing sample cut off?

would the lucky letter be an "M"....? 🙄

 

[doomknight]

Just sent in my LOR today. Counting down to the rejection day, I'm gonna give it 2 weeks.

 

[n3opologist]

I know plenty more people who don't post on this site who got rejected with Lizzy M scores over 75. I have a feeling that once you pass a threshold value in the low 70s, it is ALL about extra curriculars, essays, and LORs. On that token, I do not even think it is a measure of how outstanding or extraordinary the ECs are; it is a matter of selecting people based on personality. That is a very random way to do this process. It seems like Pritzker could be shooting themselves in the foot by rejecting high numbers so early though; go figure.

 

[linguini]

After seeing how many amazingly qualified applicants are getting rejected, I am fairly confident that trying to understand how Pritzker selects applicants for interview is completely futile. 🙁

 

[n3opologist]

After seeing how many amazingly qualified applicants are getting rejected, I am fairly confident that trying to understand how Pritzker selects applicants for interview is completely futile. 🙁

You and I have the same Lizzy M score. You have just as good a chance as anybody!!!😀

 

[linguini]

You and I have the same Lizzy M score. You have just as good a chance as anybody!!!😀

Thanks for the vote of confidence 🙂 But def not getting my hopes up. After really looking into their program for the "why pritzker" question on the secondary app I realized how much I like their program! Ignorance would be bliss in this case!

 

[ami1983]

seven87: Submitted: 7/2, Letters rec'd: 7/10, Complete: 7/10
JDoc13: Submitted: 7/5, Letters rec'd: 7/10, Complete: 7/10
Schwerbert: Submitted: 7/11, Letters rec'd: 7/11, Complete: 7/14, Interview Invite: 8/1, Interview: 9/9
copingmethods: Submitted: 7/14, Letters rec'd: 7/23, Complete: 7/23, Interview Invite: 8/1
Rowerlauren: Submitted: 7/15, Letters rec'd: Before 7/15, Complete: 7/18
azuldelcielo: Submitted: 7/25, Letters rec'd: Before 7/20, Complete: 7/26, Interview Invite: 8/7, Interview 9/16
Cancerkiller007: Submitted: 7/26, Letter rec'd: 7/21, complete: 7/29
Calf: Submitted: 7/28, Letters rec'd: 8/15, Complete: 8/15
Dulcina: Submitted: 8/5, Letters rec'd: before 8/4, Complete: 8/6
unsung: Submitted: 8/13, Letters rec'd: 8/19, Complete: 8/19
JoJo23497: Submitted: 8/18, Letters rec'd: ???, Complete: ???
ami1983: Submitted: 8/27, Letters rec'd: ???, Complete: ???

so i finally submitted... had second thoughts after reading about how all you wonderful people got rejected! but you have to aim high...

 

[Dango]

Chalk me up for limbo land...a lovely pre-interview hold email was sitting in my inbox this morning. "Hold" seems to be the theme of the month.

 

[oober]

They received all my application materials early last week, and I saw an email from Pritzker sitting in my inbox today. I thought they had already made a decision. Too bad all it said was that my application is now considered complete.

I'm also a little nervous about this school.. 🙁

 

[foodfood]

Chalk me up for limbo land...a lovely pre-interview hold email was sitting in my inbox this morning. "Hold" seems to be the theme of the month.

that's ridiculous, your app is amazing. goodluck

 

[ami1983]

I already paid my application fee and received a confirmation email for it. However, when I go to the Pritzker secondary app site, it prompts me to pay the fee. They haven't received my LORs yet.

Has anyone else had this problem?

i have this problem as well... submitted and paid and it still shows "pay your fee" on the status page... did yours resolve itself?

 

[linguini]

i have this problem as well... submitted and paid and it still shows "pay your fee" on the status page... did yours resolve itself?

I emailed the admissions committee about it about ~ an hour ago, so no it hasn't resolved itself. I haven't heard back yet but I will let you know when I do. Also my LORs were just sent out from Interfolio 3 days ago so it may be that the "pay your fee" notifcation remains there until they receive your recs and consider your application complete. Not sure.

 

[ami1983]

seven87: Submitted: 7/2, Letters rec'd: 7/10, Complete: 7/10
JDoc13: Submitted: 7/5, Letters rec'd: 7/10, Complete: 7/10
Schwerbert: Submitted: 7/11, Letters rec'd: 7/11, Complete: 7/14, Interview Invite: 8/1, Interview: 9/9
copingmethods: Submitted: 7/14, Letters rec'd: 7/23, Complete: 7/23, Interview Invite: 8/1
Rowerlauren: Submitted: 7/15, Letters rec'd: Before 7/15, Complete: 7/18
azuldelcielo: Submitted: 7/25, Letters rec'd: Before 7/20, Complete: 7/26, Interview Invite: 8/7, Interview 9/16
Cancerkiller007: Submitted: 7/26, Letter rec'd: 7/21, complete: 7/29
Calf: Submitted: 7/28, Letters rec'd: 8/15, Complete: 8/15
Dulcina: Submitted: 8/5, Letters rec'd: before 8/4, Complete: 8/6
unsung: Submitted: 8/13, Letters rec'd: 8/19, Complete: 8/19
JoJo23497: Submitted: 8/18, Letters rec'd: ???, Complete: ???
ami1983: Submitted: 8/27, Letters rec'd: 8/28, Complete: 8/28

I looked on the status page yesterday but got a 'complete' email from them today. i freaked out when i saw it in my inbox because i thought it was a rejection notification!! be still, my heart...

 

[JoJo23497]

That "Pay my Fee" button is still there for me, and I've been complete (received their "complete" e-mail) since 8/20.

So I'm assuming it just doesn't go away.

Cheers!

 

[JoJo23497]

seven87: Submitted: 7/2, Letters rec'd: 7/10, Complete: 7/10
JDoc13: Submitted: 7/5, Letters rec'd: 7/10, Complete: 7/10
Schwerbert: Submitted: 7/11, Letters rec'd: 7/11, Complete: 7/14, Interview Invite: 8/1, Interview: 9/9
copingmethods: Submitted: 7/14, Letters rec'd: 7/23, Complete: 7/23, Interview Invite: 8/1
Rowerlauren: Submitted: 7/15, Letters rec'd: Before 7/15, Complete: 7/18
azuldelcielo: Submitted: 7/25, Letters rec'd: Before 7/20, Complete: 7/26, Interview Invite: 8/7, Interview 9/16
Cancerkiller007: Submitted: 7/26, Letter rec'd: 7/21, complete: 7/29
Calf: Submitted: 7/28, Letters rec'd: 8/15, Complete: 8/15
Dulcina: Submitted: 8/5, Letters rec'd: before 8/4, Complete: 8/6
unsung: Submitted: 8/13, Letters rec'd: 8/19, Complete: 8/19
JoJo23497: Submitted: 8/18, Letters rec'd: 8/18, Complete: 8/20
ami1983: Submitted: 8/27, Letters rec'd: 8/28, Complete: 8/28

 

[linguini]

That "Pay my Fee" button is still there for me, and I've been complete (received their "complete" e-mail) since 8/20.

So I'm assuming it just doesn't go away.

Cheers!

Yeah I emailed admissions about it and they said it'll still appear even if you have already paid. Check here for your app status instead: https://secure.bsd.uchicago.edu/prit...re/login.shtml

 

[Dulcina]

crap, rejected =( so so sad 🙁

i didnt even know to check the status page, i had a fellow sdn-er tell me about it. you think they could at least send me an email telling me i'm rejected!