2011-2012 University of Chicago (Pritzker) Application Thread

[Pocoapoco]

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I received a reminder email to register for the secondary today and when I did register it said they had sent me the invite on June 23rd. I never got the initial invite...must've ended up in my spam folder and then been deleted. Moral of the story: Keep an eye on that spam I guess.

 

[cowsgomuon]

I received a reminder email to register for the secondary today and when I did register it said they had sent me the invite on June 23rd. I never got the initial invite...must've ended up in my spam folder and then been deleted. Moral of the story: Keep an eye on that spam I guess.

I got the same message, but checked through my spam folder and the original message wasn't there. My spam folder keeps emails for at least 6 weeks - it's a little worrisome that the original email isn't showing up in any of my email folders 🙁

 

[ZooeyGlass]

Anyone else still waiting on the secondary? I'd rather not bother the admissions office with a phone call if others are still in a similar situation.

(Primary processed on 6/3)

Finally received the secondary invite this afternoon. They must be emailing them out in small batches over the course of a couple weeks.

 

[MadMedic704]

I got the same message, but checked through my spam folder and the original message wasn't there. My spam folder keeps emails for at least 6 weeks - it's a little worrisome that the original email isn't showing up in any of my email folders 🙁

Same here. Couldn't locate the initial email anywhere.

 

[rxnfiend]

Congrats!

Thanks! I'm very excited to visit Pritzker. 😀

I have a question though: I will be going by train to Chicago from Ann Arbor on Friday night so where is the best place to stay for the weekend (Saturday and Sunday night)? Would a student host be willing to take me for the weekend before the interview Monday or do you think I would need a hotel?

 

[NickNaylor]

Thanks! I'm very excited to visit Pritzker. 😀

I have a question though: I will be going by train to Chicago from Ann Arbor on Friday night so where is the best place to stay for the weekend (Saturday and Sunday night)? Would a student host be willing to take me for the weekend before the interview Monday or do you think I would need a hotel?

You can try to see if your student host would be willing to host you over the weekend (they may not care). If you can only get your host to take you the night before the interview, PM me and I'll let you crash at my place.

 

[rxnfiend]

You can try to see if your student host would be willing to host you over the weekend (they may not care). If you can only get your host to take you the night before the interview, PM me and I'll let you crash at my place.

Awesome, thanks a lot! When do classes start for you guys?

 

[NickNaylor]

Awesome, thanks a lot! When do classes start for you guys?

Orientation starts on August 4th and class starts on the 9th. Depending on when you're interviewing they may not even have the student host list set up, so that might suck.

If any of you are unable to get a student host through the hosting program, you're free to PM me with your interview date and when you'll need a room and I'll host you if I can. I may not be able to, but since I benefited greatly from student hosting as an applicant last year, I'll do my best to help as much as I can.

 

[sexycani]

generally for interviews, is it recommended to stay with a host?

 

[cyanide]

If any of you are unable to get a student host through the hosting program, you're free to PM me with your interview date and when you'll need a room and I'll host you if I can. I may not be able to, but since I benefited greatly from student hosting as an applicant last year, I'll do my best to help as much as I can.

+1, except for ladies. 🙂

 

[NickNaylor]

generally for interviews, is it recommended to stay with a host?

Yes. It's cheap (free) and gives you a chance to learn about the school from a current student's perspective. Unless you have a good reason for not staying with a host, I would absolutely recommend it.

 

[MilkIsGood]

do people usually sleep on couches when staying with a student host?

 

[rxnfiend]

Orientation starts on August 4th and class starts on the 9th. Depending on when you're interviewing they may not even have the student host list set up, so that might suck.

If any of you are unable to get a student host through the hosting program, you're free to PM me with your interview date and when you'll need a room and I'll host you if I can. I may not be able to, but since I benefited greatly from student hosting as an applicant last year, I'll do my best to help as much as I can.

Oh nice, classes start relatively soon. My interview date is one of the first I believe (Aug 29th) so yeah the student hosting program might not have any hosts available. I will call them around the first week of August and see how it is looking then and report back. Thanks for the offer!

Also, for those who have gone to review, it seems like they get back to you within a week but I never got an email inviting me to interview. I found it on the status page so keep checking there if you are under review. Good luck! 👍

 

[NickNaylor]

do people usually sleep on couches when staying with a student host?

Obviously it depends on the particular housing situation of the host, but yeah, you'll probably be on a couch.

 

[SteveJMarist]

I'm out this cycle guys. Hopefully I will get in elsewhere. Sad, but I'm not exactly surprised since this was a major reach for me. to everyone here, and hopefully you'll get in- Chicago is a great place.

 

[NickNaylor]

Word. You might have to bring your own sheets/blankets/sleeping bag or something too.

You must've had crappy hosts. All of mine even provided me with a towel to shower with.

 

[NickNaylor]

I'm out this cycle guys. Hopefully I will get in elsewhere. Sad, but I'm not exactly surprised since this was a major reach for me. to everyone here, and hopefully you'll get in- Chicago is a great place.

Sorry to hear that. Good luck!

 

[MonicaMelquiade]

I'm a good 122 words over the 550 mark for the first essay. How crucial is it to try to get within that range? I know they're at least a little bit flexible, given that there's no actual limit within the text box, but is 122 words just too many?

 

[MonicaMelquiade]

Oh and also: I'm struggling to decide whether to include a speeding ticket I received when I was 17 in the judicial history section. The question itself indicates it doesn't really apply, given that all I had to do was pay a fine and I didn't have to stand before a judge or anything, but the FAQ says you might want to include anything more serious than a parking violation. I also might feel stupid including it given that I was underage so I don't think it's even on my record. Thoughts?

 

[calvnandhobbs68]

Oh and also: I'm struggling to decide whether to include a speeding ticket I received when I was 17 in the judicial history section. The question itself indicates it doesn't really apply, given that all I had to do was pay a fine and I didn't have to stand before a judge or anything, but the FAQ says you might want to include anything more serious than a parking violation. I also might feel stupid including it given that I was underage so I don't think it's even on my record. Thoughts?

Double check to make sure its not included in your state's criminal code as a misdemeanor (it is in mine). I don't remember exactly what the question says though. I'd always err on the side of telling. I've said this a lot before but nobody will care if you disclose a speeding violation..at all. They WILL care if it happens to pop up on the background check later and you didn't tell them about it.

 

[NickNaylor]

I'm a good 122 words over the 550 mark for the first essay. How crucial is it to try to get within that range? I know they're at least a little bit flexible, given that there's no actual limit within the text box, but is 122 words just too many?

I really don't think it'll matter. If it's bothering you, though, then cut it down.

 

[MonicaMelquiade]

Thank you both!

 

[rxnfiend]

I'm a good 122 words over the 550 mark for the first essay. How crucial is it to try to get within that range? I know they're at least a little bit flexible, given that there's no actual limit within the text box, but is 122 words just too many?

Oh and also: I'm struggling to decide whether to include a speeding ticket I received when I was 17 in the judicial history section. The question itself indicates it doesn't really apply, given that all I had to do was pay a fine and I didn't have to stand before a judge or anything, but the FAQ says you might want to include anything more serious than a parking violation. I also might feel stupid including it given that I was underage so I don't think it's even on my record. Thoughts?

If it makes you feel better, I went about 100 words over the first and 150 over the second. I also listed a ticket on my application and still received an interview. I think they just want to make sure you are an honest person. A ticket or two isn't going to do anything to your application - everyone gets them.

 

[MonicaMelquiade]

If it makes you feel better, I went about 100 words over the first and 150 over the second. I also listed a ticket on my application and still received an interview. I think they just want to make sure you are an honest person. A ticket or two isn't going to do anything to your application - everyone gets them.

That does make me feel better, thanks. 🙂 I'm gonna go ahead and submit this essay as is, and also include my ticket. I just didn't want to feel stupid for including something they thought was trivial, but I think it makes sense.

 

[NickNaylor]

Another thing - in case those of you that interview decide not to get a host or don't get one, I would be more than happy to meet up with you and talk about the school/whatever over a beer or a meal. Just PM me.

 

[CaliBalla]

Aaaaaand I'm outta the running. Guess my 3.82 cGPA and 3.93 sGPA didn't make up for my 31R MCAT 🙁

 

[MilkIsGood]

.

 

[hatteapear]

Double check to make sure its not included in your state's criminal code as a misdemeanor (it is in mine). I don't remember exactly what the question says though. I'd always err on the side of telling. I've said this a lot before but nobody will care if you disclose a speeding violation..at all. They WILL care if it happens to pop up on the background check later and you didn't tell them about it.

Really? Speeding tickets? They really want me to remember/list all of those?! eeep

 

[Illinois2012]

For the letters of recommendation, they say they'd like two people who can speak to our ability to handle a rigorous science curriculum. I have a letter from a science class, 1 from non-science, and 2 from basic science research professors. Do you think this would meet expectations?

This. Anybody know? I have a letter from a science prof, a non science prof and a research prof.

 

[cowsgomuon]

Really? Speeding tickets? They really want me to remember/list all of those?! eeep

I'm confused about this as well. I received a speeding ticket that was NOT counted as a misdemeanor (just a fine), and does not show up on a background check. Do I still need to report this?

 

[calvnandhobbs68]

This. Anybody know? I have a letter from a science prof, a non science prof and a research prof.

I don't really know the specifics for that. I feel like that'd be cool but I don't know cause one of my research professors had taught some of my classes too, so I ended up with two science prof letters. If you're really worried about it call them up and ask...I don't want to screw you over or something by telling you its okay.

 

[cowsgomuon]

However, keep in mind that just because you paid a fine does NOT necessarily mean the ticket was not a misdemeanor. I just had to pay a fine too but all speeding tickets in my state are misdemeanors (whether you appear in court or not). You're basically just pleading guilty to it by paying the fine. Are you sure it doesn't show up on a background check? Have you paid to do a Certaphi background check to see? If you have and nothing comes up then there really isn't any way for them to find out about it anyway (cause that's the company they use).

Yeah, I checked that it is definitely not a misdemeanor in my state. And the Certaphi background check showed up clean. I just checked the FAQs, though, and it says "Regarding traffic violations, we ask that you include any ticket of greater severity than a parking violation." So it looks like I'll be including it on the secondary anyway. I only have one ticket, and it wasn't fast enough to be considered reckless driving, so I hope it won't hurt my application.

 

[WongoBongo]

I put that I had a traffic violation and was able to get an interview this cycle. Don't worry about it

 

[NickNaylor]

I wouldn't be fudging around with the tickets. There is an expectation that you're human; they aren't demanding perfection. A speeding ticket or any other minor offence obviously isn't a big deal. I highly, highly doubt that's going to be what prevents you from getting in. What will prevent you from getting in, though, is not listing an offence and they find out about it later. Bad move.

 

[sibitrum]

Anyone else having trouble getting their head out of the clouds on the mission statement. I feel as if 70% of what I am writing is just broad generalizations. Any advice?

 

[TheJoshdude]

Ouch! Rejected today, which is also when my secondary was complete. These guys don't mess around!

 

[NickNaylor]

Anyone else having trouble getting their head out of the clouds on the mission statement. I feel as if 70% of what I am writing is just broad generalizations. Any advice?

Just do your best to hit on the key themes of the statement. It's obviously difficult since you're not a member of the institution, but do the best you can.

 

[cactuscake]

Hey everybody, got the interview invite email today! I am very surprised at how quickly this has all happened. Very much looking forward to interviewing.

 

[rdrolet]

Congratulations to all the people already recieving interview invites! Wow! I'm a bit jealous... I submitted my secondary, but I am waiting for my committee letter to be assembled and submitted... so my application is incomplete. Boo.

 

[hatteapear]

Alright so I'm not sure in the instances where your speeding tickets are not any type of misdemeanor. It is still a moving violation, so if it says anything greater than a parking ticket I would put it. I don't remember what the Pritzker secondary said exactly so again I'm not sure but would err on the side of disclosure. Again, I put mine down on my AMCAS primary last year and it didn't keep me from getting interviews/accepted.

However, keep in mind that just because you paid a fine does NOT necessarily mean the ticket was not a misdemeanor. I just had to pay a fine too but all speeding tickets in my state are misdemeanors (whether you appear in court or not). You're basically just pleading guilty to it by paying the fine. Are you sure it doesn't show up on a background check? Have you paid to do a Certaphi background check to see? If you have and nothing comes up then there really isn't any way for them to find out about it anyway (cause that's the company they use).



If you have a history of speeding tickets it might look a little worse...

All of mine were infractions as well, but there are a lot of them! Like right hand turn on a red light, 70 in a 65 etc... :/

 

[CaliBalla]

Hey everybody, got the interview invite email today! I am very surprised at how quickly this has all happened. Very much looking forward to interviewing.

Just curious, what are ur stats? I wanna know if my MCAT was too low for them or there's another redflag on my app...

 

[Invin22]

Hey everybody, got the interview invite email today! I am very surprised at how quickly this has all happened. Very much looking forward to interviewing.

Way to go! I was also surprised by their quick turnaround times for inviting for interviews. It makes for a nice contrast compared to some other schools 👍

 

[NickNaylor]

Way to go! I was also surprised by their quick turnaround times for inviting for interviews. It makes for a nice contrast compared to some other schools 👍

Don't worry, final decisions may not work the same way. I had to wait about 3 months after my interview to get my final decision (interviewed at the end of September, didn't hear until mid-December).

That definitely wasn't everyone's case, so hopefully you'll be lucky.

Congrats to the interview invites!

 

[diddy237]

Got an interview invite this morning. So excited!

 

[candav]

It's been two days and my application status still states that neither my secondary nor my payment have been received. This is despite the fact that my secondary is locked and I received a "payment received" email from Pritzker. Plus, when I go to my actual secondary page, it states:

Your application is almost ready to advance
1. COMPLETE: Submit and lock my application
2. INCOMPLETE: Pay my application fee.

Confused about this -- but wanted to clarify if this is normal before contacting admissions.

 

[cactuscake]

Hey guys, so my stats are 3.9 sGPA, 3.8 cGPA, and MCAT in the mid-30's. I'm a non-trad applicant so my EC's include founding my own consulting company and my main client for 2+ years has been a hospital in Chicago.

Good luck to everyone applying!

 

[EliteBeat9]

Got an interview invite this morning. So excited!

Congrats! When were you complete?

 

[soccerboy90]

It's been two days and my application status still states that neither my secondary nor my payment have been received. This is despite the fact that my secondary is locked and I received a "payment received" email from Pritzker. Plus, when I go to my actual secondary page, it states:

Your application is almost ready to advance
1. COMPLETE: Submit and lock my application
2. INCOMPLETE: Pay my application fee.

Confused about this -- but wanted to clarify if this is normal before contacting admissions.

I have the same thing, but I just submitted last night, so I'm hoping that it gets changed on Monday. If not, I'll probably call on Monday evening or something. Good luck!

 

[PeterPesto]

Congrats on everyone getting interview invites! I hope you enjoy your experience in Chicago - you'll love this city.

As a Chicago resident, I would love to go to this school, but realistically, the odds are against me. I'll do my best on the secondary and hope for the best

 

[cactuscake]

For the payment issue, my history shows that I wasn't marked as paid until my payment was manually processed by someone. There was only one day between my submission and payment processing but perhaps now there are many more to process. Or maybe the person was sick?