University of Chicago Admissions
The University of Chicago is a prestigious private research university known for its rigorous academic programs and intellectual curiosity. It is one of the most selective universities in the United States with an acceptance rate of 4.76% and admission is competitive. It is important to demonstrate your academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and unique qualities in your application.. The University of Chicago evaluates applications holistically, considering a variety of factors beyond academic performance.
Undergraduate Admissions
- Applicants are expected to have a strong academic record with high grades in challenging coursework.
- SAT or ACT scores are required. While there is no minimum score requirement, competitive applicants typically score high.
- The University of Chicago requires students to submit a unique essay that demonstrates their intellectual curiosity and ability to think critically.
- A strong extracurricular record, showcasing involvement in various activities, is valued.
Graduate Admissions
- A strong academic record with a competitive GPA is typically required.
- A GPA of 3.5 or above out of 4.0 (90%) is recommended.
- Some graduate programs may require GRE or GMAT scores.
- Strong letters of recommendation from faculty or professionals in the field are often required.
- A well-written statement of purpose outlining your academic and career goals is essential.
University of Chicago Admission Requirements for Graduate Programs
UChicago offers more than 100 graduate programs, many interdisciplinary. International students seeking admission at University of Chicago will have to fulfill the following admission requirements:
University Eligibility
- Undergraduate degree
- GPA or aggregate: No minimum GPA is required for admission.
- English language proficiency scores:
- TOEFL IBT- 90–104
- IELTS- 7.0–7.5
- Test Scores: GMAT/GRE scores are optional.
Documents Checklist
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume or CV
University of Chicago Graduate Program Requirements
The following table will give details about the specific admission requirements for international students seeking admission at University of Chicago:| Programs | Test Scores | ELP Scores | Documents Checklist |
| MS in Financial Mathematics | Not required | TOEFL IBT: 90 | IELTS: 7.0 | 3 LORs | 3 candidate statements | 2 video statements | Resume/CV |
| MS in Computer Science | GRE score of 300+ | TOEFL IBT: 100 | IELTS: 7.0 | 3 LORs | Essays | Resume | |
| MBA | GMAT: 600-780 | GRE: 148-170 [Quant] and 149-170 [Verbal] | TOEFL IBT: 104 | IELTS: 7.0 | 2 LORs | Essays | Professional Resume |
| Master of Laws (LLM) | Not required | TOEFL IBT: 104 | IELTS: 7.5 | 2 LORs | Resume/CV | Personal Statement | |
| MS in Public Health Sciences | GRE optional | TOEFL IBT: 102 | IELTS: 7.5 | 3 LORs | Candidate statement | Resume/CV |
University of Chicago Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Programs
The University of Chicago (UChicago) offers 53 undergraduate majors and 59 minors. In addition, the university offers many areas of specialized study and pre-professional preparation. International students seeking an undergraduate degree at University of Chicago will have to fulfill the following admission requirements:
University Eligibility
- High school transcripts
- GPA or aggregate: No minimum GPA score is required for admission.
- English language proficiency scores:
- TOEFL IBT- 104
- IELTS- 7
- Test Scores:
- SAT- 1510–1560
- ACT- 34–35
Documents Checklist
- Midyear report
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Supplemental essays
University of Chicago Application Deadlines
|
Action |
Application/Decision |
Deadline |
|
Early Action |
Application Deadline |
November 1 |
|
Decision Date |
Mid-December |
|
|
Reply Date |
May 1 |
|
|
Early Decision 1 |
Application Deadline |
November 1 |
|
Decision Date |
Mid-December |
|
|
Reply Date |
Mid-January |
|
|
Early Decision 2 |
Application Deadline |
January 6 |
|
Decision Date |
Mid-February |
|
|
Reply Date |
Early March |
|
|
Regular Decision |
Application Deadline |
January 6 |
|
Decision Date |
Late March |
|
|
Reply Date |
May 1 |
University of Chicago Selection Criteria
The University of Chicago (UChicago) considers many factors when evaluating applicants, including academic, personal, and intellectual criteria. Some of these factors include:
High school transcript
Applicants must submit a high school transcript or GED to show they’ve graduated, met prerequisites, and completed high school preparation requirements.
Letters of recommendation
Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation to give the admissions committee a different perspective on the applicant.
Essays
Essays are an important part of the application, helping the committee understand the applicant as an individual and their leadership potential, writing skills, and analytical skills.
Extracurricular activities
Admissions officers consider extracurricular activities when evaluating applicants.
Academic rating
UChicago looks for students who are the best in one thing or who are involved in many things.
English language skills
UChicago asks for a “superior level” of English skills, but applicants don’t need to submit proficiency test scores if other aspects of their application demonstrate their language skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can an Indian student get admission to the University of Chicago?
Indian students planning to apply at University of Chicago must apply by following the below steps:
- Select a course
- Review admission requirements
- Check program specific requirements (if any)
- Apply for the program
Is the University of Chicago hard to get into?
The University of Chicago has an acceptance rate of 4.8%, showcasing a highly selective admission process. Following is the enrollment data fro the class of 2027 at the University of Chicago:
|
Number of Applicants |
38,800 |
|
Number Accepted |
1,849 |
|
Number Enrolled |
1,626 |
What GPA do you need for UChicago?
Students applying to the graduate programs need a minimum GPA of 3.5 or 4.0 above (90%) for admission to the university. To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1560 SAT or a 35 ACT. You should also have a 4 GPA or higher for undergraduate admissions.
What is the acceptance criteria for University of Chicago?
With an acceptance rate of 4.77%, UChicago is extremely selective. It’s difficult to get into UChicago if you fall short of their academic standards. Aim for a 4.0 GPA and minimum SAT/ACT scores of 1510 and 33, respectively.
What time do University of Chicago decisions come out?
2024-2025 Timelines
|
Particulars |
Early Action |
Regular Decision |
|
Application Due Date |
November 1 |
January 6 |
|
Admission Decision Release Date |
Mid-December |
Late March |
Does the University of Chicago need GRE?
The requirement for GRE scores depends on the program you want to apply for. University of Chicago’s GRE requirements vary by program. Some require it, while others recommend or make it optional.
