University of Chicago
Chicago, IL, USA

Admissions

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Key Admission Stats

Institution Type
Private
  • Coed

Need Blind

This school does not consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission

Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Major city
0
100
6%
Acceptance Rate
37,974
Students Applied
5%
Transfer Acceptance Rate
74
Transfer Students Admitted

Admissions Requirements

SAT
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No
ACT
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No
SAT Subject Tests
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Yes
AP Course Credit
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Yes
Dual Enrollment
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Yes
Transcript
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Yes

Important Deadlines

Application Type Application Deadline Reply Deadline
Early Decision Acceptance is binding so student must attend college if accepted. November 1 January 15
Early Action Acceptance is not binding, but student will receive admissions decision earlier. November 1 May 1
Fall Regular Decision January 4 May 1
Other
Early Decision II
January 2 March 6
Test Optional
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Yes
Application Fee
$75
Fee waivers available
Rolling Admissions
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No

Admitted Student Stats

In-State Students
11%
Out-Of-State Students
81%
US States Represented
52
Countries Represented
125
35%
Submitting ACT
49%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 36
0
36
Average SAT Composite: 1528
0
1600
SAT Percentiles

Math
25th
770
75th
800
Reading
25th
740
75th
780
4.00
Average GPA
Students Enrolled By GPA

3.75+
85%
3.50 - 3.74
11%
3.25 - 3.49
3%
3.00 - 3.24
1%
Students Enrolled By Class Rank

Top 10%
99
Top 25%
100
Top 50%
100

Admissions Resources

Admissions: visit page
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Telephone: 773-702-8650
For International Student Services: visit page
For Students with Disabilities: visit page
For Veteran Services: visit page

What Students Are Saying

Learn about the transportation schedules of your nearby buses and the university shuttles. Knowing these will help you get around much more quickly and efficiently to go out and have fun! Also, don't be afraid to ask upperclassmen anything about their experiences in classes. They'd love to tell you, but keep in mind that not everyone will like the same classes- everyone has different interests!
Faisal from Los Angeles, CA
There is, without a doubt, a specific type of student the University if looking for. It's looking for students who think outside the box, for students who don't see a glass half empty or half full, but rather completely filled (half water and half gases). Most applying to this University will have stellar scores and GPAs, so make sure to stand out in the essays. Be daring. Be bold. Dissolve your personhood into liquid ink, and write yourself down in those limited 500 words. Also make sure that you express that you are more than an academic powerhouse--show the University that you're a person with thoughts, emotions, and relationships. Show them that the breadth of your being goes beyond the mere bounds of academia and is grounded in humanity and humility above all else.
Student from Aurora, IL
Although, ironically, the University has moved to the Common Application, probably just to inflate application numbers, the application was traditionally called the Uncommon Application. Now it's just the Uncommon Essay supplement to the Common Application, but this should lead you to a certain inference: that essay is probably the most important part of the application, so make sure you know how to 1) think and 2) write before you start it. Other than that, I seriously encourage visiting, because that's the only way you'll know if this is the right place for you. You probably hear that all the time, but it is especially important for a quirky place like the University of Chicago.
Michael from Washington
i suggest you decide how you balance social and academic life now and examine how that might change coming here. Are you okay with that a change?
Margaret from Oak Park, MI
Have a blast, read fast, make it last - don't be your house's outcast.
Anastasia from Naperville, IL
The essays in the application process are crucial- make sure to take a lot of time writing them and to be sure your voice shines through. The essay questions are usually strange- topics in the past have included, Find X, Write about a jar of mustard, and Where, exactly is Waldo. Brainstorm, write multiple drafts, and be sure you can hear yourself in your words when you are finished. The essays are probably the most important part of the application. Overall, be sure your application reflects your love of learning and any unique interests you have. Be original. Also, visit the campus and interview if possible- it cannot hurt, only help an application. For younger students, focus your time in high school on what really interests you- do not worry about padding your application with a million activities but find your niche instead. Chicago loves ideas and students with passion for academics- make sure those two aspects shine through in an application.
Alana from Benton Harbor, MI
Be creative and explore your interests. UChicago is famous (notorious?) for their quirky essay prompts, and be sure to have fun with these. You don't necessarily have to be off-the-wall for the prompts either, though -- my essay was just a very sincere account of an experience I had. Just take advantage of the opportunity to elaborate on your personal story. Also, try checking out the UChicago Admissions Tumblr page -- it'll give you a lot of great information and a great taste of what life on campus is like. And of course, the school is selective, so take challenging classes, get good grades, blah blah blah. Just remember -- they like curiousity and personality.
Apply early! Look into every financial aid and scholarship resource you know of, for both need-based and merit-based assistance. Make sure you visit campus (hopefully during Spring quarter) before you make your decision. Be prepared for challenging, yet intriguing, coursework. If you do decided to attend the University of Chicago, you're first priority is to establish a balance between academics, extracurricular, and social activities that fit your lifestyle. This is both possible and crucial to success.
Xavier from Fort Wayne, IN
Get involved in your community as well as in your school. Making yourself as diverse as possible will help you in the long run. Make your name familiar with UChicago - talk to recruiters, visit the campus and take tours, speak with admission advisers and counselors to express interest in the school. Lastly, apply early to help your chances of acceptance.
Gabrielle from Chicago, IL
Don't be alarmed by your first B or C. The work here is on a different level than other colleges, so don't be afraid of getting grades that you're uncomfortable with. Don't overdo studying, try to find different RSO's to become a part of and let your extracurricular interests flourish alongside your intellectual growth.
Cosette from Chicago, IL