We are Wellington | On to University of Chicago, Maggie ‘21

The University of Chicago is one of the world's premier research schools. Its impressive list of alumni includes US Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, US senator and two-time presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, economist Milton Friedman, astronomer Carl Sagan, culture critic Susan Sontag and novelist Kurt Vonnegut. It consistently ranks among the top 10 in US News & World Report's Best National University Rankings list. This year, it placed at number six, clustered among schools like Stanford, Yale, University of Pennsylvania and California Institute of Technology. With an acceptance rate of 7%, the University of Chicago is also one of the most difficult US universities to get into, which makes year 13 pupil Maggie's early admission to the school all the more impressive. Congratulations are definitely in order.

Our university guidance programme's mission is to see our pupils through to such achievements. As early as year 9 we begin helping them cultivate the attributes that the world's top universities look for in applicants. By the time they begin the application process, they are equipped with all the tools needed to pursue the higher education they deserve. Of course, we cannot take all of the credit. Wellington high school Shanghai pupils work hard to get accepted at the school of their choice, and Maggie's efforts are exemplary. "Maggie has had an exceptional journey at Wellington," says head of sixth form Martin O'Brien. "She constantly pushes herself both in and outside the classroom: always looking for ways to improve and learn. Over the years, she has flourished into a well-rounded and responsible young woman. I am confident that Maggie will achieve great things at the University of Chicago."

Here, Maggie shares her experiences in the admissions process as well as her aspirations for her university career.

Why did you choose the University of Chicago?

I based my school choices on my test scores. I looked at what schools would accept someone with my scores. I took the SATs here about one month before the University of Chicago's early decision deadline. At that point, I had narrowed my choices down to Dartmouth and the University of Chicago. I ultimately decided on Chicago because one of my friend's parents advised me that a university's community is as important as its academics. They explained to me that there are lots of opportunities available to me in a big city like Chicago. Dartmouth, on the other hand, is a great school, but it is in a small New England town.

Were there any famous University of Chicago alumni whom you admire that inspired you to apply?

Yes. Before I applied, I watched [author and New York Timescolumnist] David Brooks's graduation commencement speech. I liked what he said about diving into your interests and being mindful of why you like doing what you are doing. After hearing him, I realised that this was the kind of university experience that I wanted.

What was the biggest challenge in the application process?

The essays were challenging. One is a more conventional personal statement. This one was harder for me. They do not give you a word limit, and you are allowed to upload any kind of supplementary materials that you want — charts, graphs, pictures, anything. The lack of direction was so daunting, and because everybody else has to answer the question as well, I was constantly worried about what I could write that would make me stand out among the other candidates. The other essay question was much more fun, and it made me realise that the University of Chicago has my kind of sense of humour. Every year, applicants get a choice of essay prompts that were created by current students. This means that next year, I will get to help write essay prompts for next year's applicants. The questions are a lot of fun. One of them was "Solve a contradiction using a tongue twister". Another one was "Where's Waldo?" The prompt I chose was "What can actually be divided by zero?" This was an opportunity to tap into my creative side and tell them a little more about myself, so I wrote a short science fiction story in which I designed a video game. The objective of the game was to solve really difficult math problems. I incorporated famous mathematicians into the story, like Henri Poincaré and Isaac Newton. 

What do you plan to study at the University of Chicago?

I applied for a math/music double major. The music part of it is just based on interest. I play the violin as my primary instrument, and I started playing jazz guitar here at Wellington. I have always wanted to study music. Fortunately, music dovetails nicely with something else I enjoy, maths. My teacher, Mr Miles, makes it so interesting. You can tell that he loves the subject because he talks with us about all kinds of mathematical topics outside the syllabus.

What kind of career path do you want to take with your degree?

For now, I am interested in studying pure maths and doing research, but that could change. I will not have to make that decision until I am two years in and have completed my core curriculum. I think that should give me enough time to figure out the direction I want to go in. But right now I am not entirely sure what I want to do when I graduate from university.

How did Wellington's university and career guidance team help you with the application and admissions process?

Mr Beard was really helpful on the essay questions. He had a good idea of what admissions officers in the US look for in a personal statement. My first draft was heavy on mathematics and theory. He wisely recommended that I try to incorporate more of a story into my essay. He edited it two or three times, helping me balance out the content in terms of how much I discuss myself, the school and my goals. He also gave me a lot of insight into what academic life would be like for me in the US and what to expect at Dartmouth and Chicago.I decided to apply to some schools in the UK as alternates as well, and that is where Mr Tippen proved helpful. In just two days, he helped me craft a personal statement that would get the attention of UK admissions officers.

What are you most looking forward to at the University of Chicago?

I think I am most looking forward to all the friends I will make. I have already been in touch with several people in the incoming class who share common interests with me. I cannot wait to get to know them better.

Is there anything about going to university that intimidates you?

Yes. I have heard that the academic pressure at the University of Chicago is greater than in most places.

How has your Wellington education prepared you for university?

I think just the diversity of options available to me at Wellington have prepared me. There are so many things you can explore and discover here. For me, it has been orchestra and jazz band, for instance. But there is so much more with the CCAs and all of the organisations you can get involved in.