university of chicago sat essay requirements

The University of Chicago: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

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The University of Chicago is a private research university with an acceptance rate of 6.2%. Located in Hyde Park seven miles from downtown Chicago, UChicago is one of the top-ranking and most selective universities in the U.S. The university has a chapter of  Phi Beta Kappa  and is a member of the Association of American Universities. First-year students at The University of Chicago reside in one of 38 "houses" which serve as the center of student life. Academics are backed up by an impressive 5-to-1 student/faculty ratio . On the athletic front, The University of Chicago Maroons compete in the NCAA Division III, within the University Athletic Association (UAA). Popular sports include football, soccer, swimming, tennis, and track and field.

To apply, students can use the  Common Application , or the Coalition Application . UChicago has two Early Decision plans and one Early Action plan that can improve admission chances for students who are sure the university is their top choice school. Considering applying to this highly selective school? Here are the UChicago admissions statistics you should know.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, The University of Chicago had an acceptance rate of 6.2%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 6 students were admitted, making UChicago's admissions process highly competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

The University of Chicago has a test-optional standardized testing policy. Applicants to UChicago may submit SAT or ACT scores to the school, but they are not required. During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, 53% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that of those students who submitted scores, most of UChicago's admitted students fall within the top 7% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, the middle 50% of students admitted to UChicago scored between 720 and 770, while 25% scored below 720 and 25% scored above 770. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 750 and 800, 25% scored below 750, and 25% scored a perfect 800. While the SAT is not required, this data tells us that a composite SAT score of 1560 or higher is competitive for The University of Chicago.

Requirements

UChicago does not require SAT scores for admission. For students who choose to submit scores, note that The University of Chicago participates in the scorechoice program, meaning that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates. UChicago does not require the optional essay portion of the SAT.

ACT Scores and Requirements

The University of Chicago has a test-optional standardized testing policy. Applicants to UChicago may submit SAT or ACT scores to the school, but they are not required. During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, 58% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that of those students who submitted scores, most of UChicago's admitted students fall within the top 2% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to UChicago received a composite ACT score between 33 and 35, while 25% scored above 35 and 25% scored below 33.

The University of Chicago does not require ACT scores for admission. For students who choose to submit scores, note that The University of Chicago participates in the scorechoice program, meaning that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all ACT test dates. UChicago does not require the optional writing portion of the ACT.

The University of Chicago does not provide data about admitted students' high school GPAs.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to The University of Chicago. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

The University of Chicago has a highly competitive admissions pool with a low acceptance rate and high average SAT/ACT scores. However, UChicago is also test-optional and the university has a holistic admissions process involving other factors beyond your grades and test scores. Strong application essays and glowing letters of recommendation can strengthen your application, as can participation in meaningful extracurricular activities and a rigorous course schedule . Students with particularly compelling stories or achievements can still receive serious consideration even if their test scores are outside UChicago's average range.

In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent accepted students. As you can see, students who are admitted to UChicago tend to have an A- or higher GPA, SAT scores of 1250 or higher (ERW+M), and an ACT composite score of 25 or higher. Note that UChicago is test-optional, so grades and other elements of the application are more important than test scores in the admissions process.

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and The University of Chicago Undergraduate Admissions Office .

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How to Write the University of Chicago Essays 2022-2023

UChicago is a rigorous, top-tier research university located in beautiful Hyde Park, Chicago. It’s famed for its outstanding academic programs, neo-gothic architecture, and prestigious school of economics. If you’re interested in delving deep into theory, bookishness, and the most hardcore of academic materials, UChicago might be just right for you. 

You can complete your UChicago application through the Coalition Application or Common Application. The essay questions for this season are on the UChicago website , and listed below. The first question, which boils down to “Why UChicago?,” is required yearly. The second question, a one-to-two page essay, is also required, but applicants can choose from a menagerie of exciting prompts that offer boundless opportunities for creativity and reflection. 

Read this UChicago essay example to inspire your writing and watch our video where we interviewed UChicago students about their essay topics.

Before You Begin Writing  

The University of Chicago’s prompts are famous (infamous? both?) for being different, quirky, and sometimes downright weird. Have you ever seen the word cheese or pie in a college essay prompt before? I’m guessing not. But don’t get discouraged or overwhelmed—the weirdness of the UChicago prompts makes them ripe with opportunity to explore your passions, interests, and personal oddities. 

You know that subject you avoid in casual conversation, because it turns you into a gushing ball of enthusiasm that could talk for hours ? UChicago wants to hear about it. Whether it’s feminist literature of Southeast Asia, modern perception of African art, or your job at Colonial Williamsburg, UChicago has happily passed you the mic. 

While your creative opportunity has few bounds, there are some key strategies to conquering the UChicago essays. Keep this checklist of things in mind as you write: 

Unconventional topics often require unconventional styles. 

UChicago essays should definitely be viewed as a piece of creative writing, rather than a dry analysis. When you are in college, you will be asked to write thesis-driven essays, but that’s not what the UChicago essays are asking for. You need to have a clear focus, but you should be comfortable disrupting the familiar rhythms of essay prose. This can mean vivid (and I mean vivid ) imagery, addressing the reader directly, sentence fragments, CAPS, lists, and anything else! Toss in some wild jargon from your field, phrases from another language, anything you’ve got—as long as you explain them. You should try to be imaginative, engaging, and colorful while maintaining an authentic voice and staying focused with your subject matter.

Communicate who you are as an academic.

The point of your essay is still to tell admissions officers about yourself. Give them an image of how you will perform in and contribute to an academic environment. You can’t just gush about your topic—you have to prove that you can engage with it at a highly intellectual level. Explain research protocol, cite specific books you’ve read, mention your AP and IB classes, or give examples of how you’ve collaborated with others to produce results. 

UChicago admissions don’t want a student who says “I love physics”; they want a student who says “I love physics so much that I stayed up until 4 am reading Cosmos by Carl Sagan, and I use meatballs to diagram the moons of Jupiter to my friends, and I took Calc III because I plan on studying mechanical engineering with a focus on aerospace materials.” Be detailed about your studies; be explicit in your interests. 

Marry yourself to your topic.

Be sure to include the first person; you are the main character here, not whatever subject you’re writing about. The subject is an avenue to tell admissions officers about you. You aren’t trying to get your latest film, your famous lasagna, or your community service project into the university— you are trying to get in . Don’t be afraid to center yourself. How do these objects from your past illuminate facets of your personality? What do your interests say about you ?

And, as always, answer the prompt!

Print out the prompt, circle key words, hang it on your mirror. Read it, then read it again, and again . Sit with the prompt, get some (probably crazy!) ideas, then repeat the process! Many UChicago prompts are dense in their weirdness. Some of them take time to even understand. Many prompts will reveal themselves to you in your everyday life (after you’ve read them over and over again). Some of them just take deep thought. The key is to keep thinking and focus on what the prompt is asking. You’ve got this!

All the UChicago Essay Prompts

Prompt 1: (required), how does the university of chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to uchicago., prompt 2: extended essay (required; choose one).

Option 1: Was it a cat I saw? Yo-no-na-ka, ho-ka-ho-ka na-no-yo (Japanese for “the world is a warm place”). Może jutro ta dama da tortu jeżom (Polish for “maybe tomorrow that lady will give a cake to the hedgehogs”). Share a palindrome in any language, and give it a backstory.

– Inspired by Leah Beach, Class of 2026, Lib Gray SB ’12, and Agnes Mazur AB ‘09

Option 2: What advice would a wisdom tooth have?

–Inspired by Melody Dias, Class of 2025

Option 3: You are on an expedition to found a colony on Mars, when from a nearby crater, a group of Martians suddenly emerges. They seem eager to communicate, but they’re the impatient kind and demand you represent the human race in one song, image, memory, proof, or other idea. What do you share with them to show that humanity is worth their time?

—Inspired by Alexander Hastings, Class of 2023, and Olivia Okun-Dubitsky, Class of 2026

Option 4: UChicago has been affiliated with over 90 Nobel laureates. But, why should economics, physics, and peace get all the glory? You are tasked with creating a new category for the Nobel Prize. Explain what it would be, why you chose your specific category, and the criteria necessary to achieve this accomplishment.

—Inspired by Isabel Alvarez, Class of 2026

Option 5: Genghis Khan with an F1 racecar. George Washington with a SuperSoaker. Emperor Nero with a toaster. Leonardo da Vinci with a Furby. If you could give any historical figure any piece of technology, who and what would it be, and why do you think they’d work so well together?

-Inspired by Braden Hajer, Class of 2025

Option 6: And, as always… the classic choose your own adventure option! In the spirit of adventurous inquiry, choose one of our past prompts (or create a question of your own). Be original, creative, thought provoking. Draw on your best qualities as a writer, thinker, visionary, social critic, sage, citizen of the world, or future citizen of the University of Chicago; take a little risk, and have fun!

Prompt 1 (Required)

The pressure’s on to be unique here, since EVERY SINGLE APPLICANT to UChicago will be answering this required question. Here’s what you need to do:

Provide a tangible connection to UChicago. 

This is composed of specific elements of the university that appeal to you, and UChicago’s website is a great place to delve into these. Be sure to be “particular,” as they stipulate, and give them the “specificity” they’re asking for. Examples include research opportunities at Argonne Labs, the marketing classes in the Business School, or an internship offered through the Creative Writing program. 

Don’t write about UChicago’s general attributes, like fame, prestige, or “intellectual rigor.” And please don’t try to be clever and refute the old canard that UChicago is the place “Where Fun Goes to Die.” Application readers have seen this hundreds, if not thousands of times. And besides, why talk about a tired UChicago stereotype when you can talk about something cool? 

Describe your intangible connection as well. 

How is UChicago a place that aligns with your values, dreams, and goals? How do you vibe with it? For example, if I wanted to write about the Creative Writing internship, I would state explicitly how it draws me in: 

“ I want to attend a college that values the innovative nature of indie comics publishing as much as I do. So, I’m impressed by UChicago’s commitment to providing internships in comics writing through Bult Publishing and The Artifice magazine. One of my goals as a writer is to gain firsthand experience in comics publishing, specifically small houses, and the Creative Writing program at UChicago hits the mark, resoundingly. ”

Engage with faculty and students, if possible. 

This is a perfect place to talk about specific interactions, like sitting in on an inspiring seminar during a campus visit, hearing a professor speak, or seeing how UChicago has prepared a friend for his career. 

However, always be sure to tie these experiences into your own goals and interests! For example, don’t just name-drop a certain Professor Smith. Instead, take the opportunity to find a personal connection to Smith’s research and how great UChicago is for supporting people like her. Your format should be

        Program/Individual/Major – UChicago’s Values – My values

If you want to learn more about a specific professor or their subject, don’t be afraid to politely email them or contact their department. Many love to talk about their work and their interests, or would love to put you in touch with current students. This will better inform you about the school and give you a great edge for this prompt. And, more importantly, you’ll probably get great advice for your higher education journey. Note: the earlier you prepare for this, the better!

It’s worth noting that there is no recommended essay length, but sticking to around 500 words should do the trick. It’s long enough to share the reasons you’ll thrive at UChicago, but not too long that the admissions officers will start to get bored.

Prompt 2: Extended Essay (Required, Choose One)

Choose one of the six extended essay options and upload a one- or two-page response. Please include the prompt at the top of the page.

Prompt 2, Option 1

Was it a cat i saw yo-no-na-ka, ho-ka-ho-ka na-no-yo (japanese for “the world is a warm place”). może jutro ta dama da tortu jeżom (polish for “maybe tomorrow that lady will give a cake to the hedgehogs”). share a palindrome in any language, and give it a backstory..

If you love linguistics and creative writing, this is a good choice for you. You have the freedom to pick any palindrome—a word or phase that says the same thing when read forward and back—and get as creative as you like. If you speak another language or have a unique cultural background, picking a palindrome in that language would be a great way to tie in your background.

Let’s look at a few examples of how you can turn a phrase into a story:

Draw, O coward!

Bring a moment from one of your extracurricular activities to life: Little beads of sweat rolled down from my temple to my chin, carrying the stage makeup caked on my face with them. My sweaty palms fumbled by my side to grab my plastic prop sword. My scene partner’s words fell on deaf ears as my director’s voice coursed through my head. Don’t forget to hit the O, she would say. My brain lagged behind the rest of my body. Before I could process what had happened, my sword was tightly gripped in my outstretched hand and my booming voice declared “Draw, O coward!”

Si Nummi immunis (Latin for “Give me my fee, and I warrant you free”)

Discuss a social issue you deeply care about: In the DA’s office, interns don’t do much—I was your standard coffee-getter and errand-runner. The one exception: looking at bail records. Every day, I could peek at who posted bail and for how much. While I originally approached it with a child-like curiosity, it quickly became disheartening. Looking at record after record of affluent offenders who paid their fee and went about their days made my heart ache for those who couldn’t afford bail, through no fault of their own. Every morning, on my trip to the coffee shop, a little voice in my head kept telling me: Nothing will change unless you take action.

दामाद (Dāmād, Hindi for “son in law”)

Tell a story of your family: No one dares to get in between a mother and her daughter. Especially my nani and mom. So, the day my dad marched up to my nani’s door and declared he was going to marry her daughter didn’t go as anticipated to say the least. “You will never be my dāmād. She is too good for you.” Was it his goofy smile or his naan baking skills that finally won her over? Whatever it was, he carries the title of dāmād as a badge of honor now.

Prompt 2, Option 2

What advice would a wisdom tooth have.

This is the shortest option of the bunch, making it one of the most open-ended prompts. You can interpret this question from several different angles, and here are some potential ideas:

The play on words angle

Wisdom teeth are named as such because they erupt later in life, when you typically have more wisdom. Your wisdom teeth might advise you that this is true, and you could share the life lessons you’ve learned as you’ve grown older, opening each paragraph with an age and an anecdote.

The foodie angle 

If you’re a big foodie or chef, your wisdom teeth might advise you on their favorite dishes they’ve seen/chewed. You could share those dishes and the stories behind them. For example, maybe all your favorite recipes are gathered from cooking with others, and you could share the story of how your family hosted an exchange student from Portugal and how they taught you to make pastéis de nata, and how your grandmother taught you how to make her pierogies while sharing life advice with you.

The “stuck inside” angle

Many people’s wisdom teeth never see the light of day and remain impacted in their gums. This could be a segue into telling a story of how you stayed engaged when quarantined or stuck indoors during a rainy day. For example, maybe you picked up sewing during the pandemic because you couldn’t go outside and now you make historical period gowns. Your wisdom teeth might advise you that sometimes boredom or idleness can help you find new inspiration.

The relevancy angle

While wisdom teeth aren’t very useful in the modern world, It’s believed that they helped our prehistoric ancestors quite a bit. Back then, humans needed to grind raw meat, nuts, and leaves, so these extra molars made it easier to break down food. Beyond that, dental hygiene probably wasn’t the best, so humans may have lost adult teeth, which the wisdom teeth would then replace. 

If you like fiction writing, you could imagine wisdom teeth in a room with other things that were once relevant, but are now obsolete, such as floppy disks, dinosaurs, sundials, etc. What would they say to each other? What are they all doing together?

The medical angle

Wisdom teeth are actually not routinely removed in countries outside of the US. As a result, some people interpret the industry as a ploy to make money from unsuspecting patients. If you’re going into the medical or dental field, you could use this prompt as a chance to comment on the state of medicine and why you feel healthcare needs to be reformed. 

Some argue that removing wisdom teeth still reduces the chances of complications down the line, while others think the surgery is riskier than leaving the wisdom teeth in. You could use this debate as a chance to share a time you did a cost-benefit analysis on an area of your life, such as the time you were deciding whether to work at a brand-new local jewelry shop that paid less but had more opportunities for growth, or to work at a grocery chain.

Prompt 2, Option 3

You are on an expedition to found a colony on mars, when from a nearby crater, a group of martians suddenly emerges. they seem eager to communicate, but they’re the impatient kind and demand you represent the human race in one song, image, memory, proof, or other idea. what do you share with them to show that humanity is worth their time.

Like all the others, this prompt is another way to showcase your creativity, but it also gives you the opportunity to reveal what you value. If you love art and history, you could show the Martians Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. If you’re an avid music fan, maybe you want to teach the aliens the iconic Thriller dance. Inexplicably fascinated by science? Show your new friends the benefits of penicillin. 

What’s important about this essay is not what you pick, but how you demonstrate its importance . Forget about writing a college application essay for a minute; you are tasked with saving the entire human race. That’s a lot of pressure. Anyone could show the Martians a picture of the pyramids of Egypt, but it’s all in the story you tell that will make them appreciate this is the greatest accomplishment of humans and the true test of their capabilities.

Let’s take the example of the student who writes about penicillin. What they shouldn’t do is write “ I would show the Martians penicillin because it was one of the biggest medical advancements that allowed for humanity to conquer infections that used to be deadly, allowing people to live longer and healthier lives.” While what they wrote is true, it reveals nothing about them. The item you choose will undoubtedly be important to not just humanity, but you, so your response needs to establish a personal connection.

So what should this student do? They could start their essay by telling a story of how they plan to find a sick Martian suffering from an infection and will inject them with penicillin to show the aliens its magical healing properties. Then, this student should go into what penicillin means to them. Did they volunteer at a hospital where they witnessed people recover from infections that could be deadly because of this medicine? Maybe penicillin saved their life and allowed them to pursue their research that could be the next scientific breakthrough. 

You can get creative and playful with the story you tell about the item you chose, but if you go with this option, you’ll want to spend more of your essay focused on how that choice made a difference, not just for humanity, but in your life. 

Prompt 2, Option 4

Uchicago has been affiliated with over 90 nobel laureates. but, why should economics, physics, and peace get all the glory you are tasked with creating a new category for the nobel prize. explain what it would be, why you chose your specific category, and the criteria necessary to achieve this accomplishment..

The Nobel Prize is awarded to those who have “conferred the greatest benefit to mankind” in the categories of Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Peace. Through this prompt, UChicago wants to know what matters to you, and they want to see your analytical and creative side shine through your selection process.

You can take a more straightforward angle or a more unconventional one with this prompt. A straightforward angle would involve selecting a “serious” category that fits neatly into the existing ones, such as Sustainability, Education, Technology, or Music. 

The unconventional angle would mean coming up with, well, something more unusual. Maybe you think there should be a Nobel Prize in Cooking, Hiking, Crocheting, or Speed Reading.

The category itself doesn’t matter as much as your connection to it, as you’ll need to explain why you chose it. Make sure your essay touches on both the personal significance of the category as well as its implications for mankind. For example, maybe you chose cooking because it’s soothing for you as a home chef, but it also has the power to improve the mood of those eating the meal. Food has also brought people from different backgrounds and cultures together throughout millenia. 

Continuing this cooking example, your selection criteria could involve a competition where cooks from around the world are asked to create dishes in three categories: one from their own culture, one from another culture, and a meal for ten that costs no more than $1/plate. This competition would highlight the cultural aspects of cooking, but also raise awareness of food insecurity and the challenge of creating nutritious meals at a low cost.

In addition to the criteria you need to receive the accolade, you could include examples of previous winners or people you would like to nominate for the prize.

UChicago prides itself on the accomplishments of its alumni, but the school gives every student the opportunity to excel within their own right. They want you to be a future Nobel Prize winner, so if you don’t feel like you fit into the traditional categories, here’s your chance to show them how you will succeed and change the world for the better.

Prompt 2, Option 5

Genghis khan with an f1 racecar. george washington with a supersoaker. emperor nero with a toaster. leonardo da vinci with a furby. if you could give any historical figure any piece of technology, who and what would it be, and why do you think they’d work so well together.

There’s three important things your response to this prompt needs to incorporate: what wacky pairing you choose, what their interaction would look like, and why the world absolutely needs to witness this combo.

Let’s take a look at a sample pairing a student might choose:

Who and What?

While you could choose any random figure and item, this essay will be most successful if you choose either someone or something that has personal significance to you (although it will be strongest if both your person and technology relate to you!). So for example, if a student loves graphic design, they might choose to give Walt Disney an iPad and Apple Pencil. 

This might not be the wackiest combo they could choose, but notice how both relate to the student and their passion. Growing up on Disney animation was what prompted this student to start doodling when they were younger, which eventually led to an interest in graphic design. Their iPad is their sketchbook, home to thousands of designs that they can create at their fingertips. This student wants to see what their inspirational figure would do with the piece of technology they cherish the most.

How do they interact?

This is where you can infuse more creativity into your essay. What will separate an okay response from a good or great one is how well you can show the interaction between these two unlikely players. Using the example of Walt Disney, this student could describe some of the tools they have used and apply it to a drawing of Mickey Mouse. Maybe they think Disney would have made a new movie every week if he had that advanced technology at his fingertips and the student shares the concept behind his latest character design. 

Whatever you choose to do, the interaction of a historical figure with modern technology would be ridiculous and hilarious. If you’ve taken anything away from UChicago based on their prompts, it should be the value they place on creativity, so don’t throw away this opportunity to inject some creativity into your response.

Why should we care?

The last thing you’ll want to make sure of in your essay is to pull back from the absurdity of the moment and reflect on why this odd combination is important. Even if it only has a deeper significance to you, we still want to know why you chose this pairing over every other.

Our student would probably elaborate on what Disney animation meant to them growing up at this point in the essay. They might explain that if they were influenced by the stories and visuals Walt Disney created, they can only imagine how many more kids all over the world would have had the same experience if he was able to use modern technology to develop his projects. 

You don’t have to follow this exact model in your response, but keep these different aspects of the prompt in mind as you write. As long as you can tell an engaging story of the item and historical figure interacting, and find a personal connection, you can really pick any person and item.

Prompt 2, Option 6

In the spirit of adventurous inquiry (and with the encouragement of one of our current students) choose one of our past prompts (or create a question of your own). be original, creative, thought provoking. draw on your best qualities as a writer, thinker, visionary, social critic, sage, citizen of the world, or future citizen of the university of chicago; take a little risk, and have fun.

Again, this prompt is, on the surface, granting you a lot of leeway. UChicago even ends it with an exclamation point! But you should always remember: they expect a disciplined, thorough, rigorous essay. Don’t let your sense of fun and frolic drown out your serious intellectual ideas.

Pick a prompt that inspires you to write, and connects with your academic interests. If a prompt jumps out at you, and you’re immediately filled with ideas, it’s probably a good fit. Just take it slowly, jot your thoughts down, and get to work. 

Involve your personal connection to that prompt. If you’re not answering any of the 6 prompts UChicago has issued this year, the onus is on you to prove that you and the archival prompt you’ve picked are a match made in heaven. This means having a lot of knowledge and personal investment in your subject matter, and an angle/perspective totally unique to you. 

If making your own question, remember this: YOUR QUESTION IS YOUR HOOK. So make sure it’s not a question that could be found on a standard-issue application, like “When did I overcome a challenge?” or “What’s a place that feels like home?” These prompts are everywhere. They won’t get the job done, and they won’t make an unforgettable first impression. But “Why did I lock myself in the basement and watch The Bee Movie for eighteen hours?” That’s a different story. 

If you look at past UChicago prompts, they tend to be fond of certain things: numbered lists, fairy tales, common phrases, and items of pop culture that can be re-contextualized. They also like hearing your answers to famous questions, and you might have a unique answer to “Et tu, Brute?” or “Do you like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain?” Just remember that the novelty of the question, while the hook of your essay, is not its substance. If your biography and scholarly interests don’t involve pina coladas, or rain, you might just have to pick a different question to answer – as wonderful as that eternal question is.

UChicago essays take a lot of time and thought—but don’t overthink it. The university wants to hear what you have to say, in its full form. That’s why they give you a page limit, and not a word limit—no last minute cutting! Fully develop your ideas in a way that feels natural. If a paragraph needs to be a little thicker, or if you need to include a longer quote from your favorite author, don’t worry about it. These essays can be fun to write and extremely effective.

You can look up lots of examples of essays online, but try not to get intimidated. It’s the nature of the UChicago essays to encourage everyone to showcase their expertise—which is exactly what you should try to do! You may read sample essays and think, “Wow. I’ve never spent a month in Arizona digging up fossils. How can I ever compete?” Try to reframe the essays as a Giant Celebration of everyone’s achievements and interests not a Competition.

If you’ve written your UChicago essay and are looking for feedback, you might want to check out our free peer essay review and paid expert essay review . Since the UChicago essay prompts are weird, it’s important to get an extra set of eyes on them to make sure they are clear and engaging! You can also improve your own writing skills by editing other students’ essays.

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How to Get Into The University of Chicago: SAT and ACT Scores, GPA, and More

If studying rigorous academics on a historical campus (known for its inclusion in the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition ) while living in one of the best cities on earth sounds amazing to you… then The University of Chicago might be for you.

The University of Chicago is a highly prestigious, private research university located just a few miles south of Downtown Chicago, right on gorgeous Lake Michigan. Its phenomenal academic reputation and location make it widely appealing to students from around the world. And as you probably expected, it’s highly selective.

According to their website, “One of the world’s great intellectual destinations, The University of Chicago empowers scholars and students to ask tough questions, cross disciplinary boundaries, and challenge conventional thinking to enrich human life around the globe.”

So, do you have to be an academic rock star to get in? The answer is pretty much yes.

Just how competitive is University of Chicago? Extremely. In fact, it’s ranked #6 in national universities and it’s getting increasingly more selective every year.

Before we take a deep look at exactly how to get into The University of Chicago, here are some admissions statistics to give you a sense of what you’ll need to make the cut.

Quick University of Chicago Admissions Statistics

So as you can see, you’re going to need to be a pretty, pretty, pretty impressive candidate to get into The University of Chicago. But especially now that standardized test scores are optional, making your application stand out to The University of Chicago is going to be a whole new game.

More About Standardized Tests at The University of Chicago

Following the cue of some smaller liberal arts colleges, as well as DePaul University (also in Chicago), The University of Chicago has decided to stop requiring ACT and SAT scores starting in the fall of 2019, for the class of 2023.

In The Chicago Tribune’s recent piece, “ University of Chicago to stop requiring ACT and SAT scores for prospective undergraduates ” the author explains that the choice was made because “the tests place an unfair cost and burden on low-income and minority students, and ultimately hinder efforts to broaden diversity on campus.”

Furthermore, The University of Chicago is the very first elite college to do away with standardized testing to “help even the playing field for students coming from low-income and underrepresented communities.”

This is fantastic news, but is also means that you’ll have to stand out in other, less quantitative ways when applying to The University of Chicago.

And because the SAT and ACT are still optional, and you’ll likely be taking them for other schools, we’ll still go over the necessary scores ranges should you still want to submit your scores.

More About The University of Chicago SAT Scores

Looking at the historically very high SAT scores required to get into The University of Chicago can give you a sense of just how selective it is.

The average composite SAT score needed was a 1530 out of 1600. That’s pretty close to perfect!

As far as percentiles:

• The 25th percentile for The University of Chicago SAT scores was 1470
• The 7th percentile for The University of Chicago SAT scores was 1570

This means that a 1470 or lower was a below average score compared to everyone else admitted to U of C, while a 1570 or higher constituted an above average score.

So what can you do with this information now that the SAT is no longer required? Well, if you do opt to submit your SAT scores as a means of strengthening your overall application, you’ll want to aim for as close to 1600 as possible to really stand out. And on that front, Magoosh can help! You can use our free SAT practice test to get started on your SAT prep. (And a Magoosh SAT subscription can help you even more as you aim for the highest possible SAT score.)

More About The University of Chicago ACT Scores

The same idea applies to your ACT scores. Since they’re no longer required, you’ll want the highest ACT scores possible if you do choose to submit them.

Historically, the average composite ACT score of students accepted at University of Chicago was 34, and the percentiles shook out as follows:

• The 25th percentile for University of Chicago ACT scores was 34
• The 75th percentile for University of Chicago ACT scores was 35

This means that a score of 33 or lower would have been below average compared the other students admitted to U of C, while a score of 35 or higher would have placed you above average.

So if you plan to take the ACT and submit your scores, you’re going to want to aim for at least a 35, or in other words, a nearly perfect score!Again, Magoosh can get you pointed in the right direction with your prep. We have a free ACT practice test , too! And of course, if you want to go for Magoosh ACT Premium , you’ll get tons of additional questions, as well as video lessons and email support. (Just like SAT premium!)

Keep in mind that U of C also takes  ACT superscores  into consideration, so you may want to consider taking the test multiple times!

More About The University of Chicago GPA

While The University of Chicago is committed to considering more than just the numbers on your application, unlike standardized test scores, your GPA is still taken into consideration.

The average GPA of students admitted to University of Chicago is 4.48. Out of 4.0. Yowza.

So it may seem to go without saying, but in order to have a strong chance of being accepted, you’ll have to be at the tip-top of your class. We’re talking straight-A’s all the way.

And how does one even exceed a 4.0? Well, depending on how your high school calculates your GPA , you grades in honors, IB, and AP classes may be weighted differently. High grades in these types of courses often raise your GPA significantly.

And frankly, if you’re looking to get into The University of Chicago, you’ll want high grades in challenging courses anyway, because they reflects your ability to excel in academically rigorous, college-level courses.

Also–and this is super important to keep in mind–it’s quite difficult to change your GPA after your sophomore year. So if you know you’re interested in The University of Chicago early on, it’s a good idea to get on that straight-A streak early!

More About The University of Chicago Admissions Rate

Historically, the acceptance rate for The University of Chicago has been around 8-10% (and was 8.7% for the class of 2021), but this year it fell to a record-low of 5.9% , following last year’s 7.3%. Like many other highly-selective colleges, The University of Chicago is seeing increasingly bigger, more competitive candidate pools, and has lowered its admissions rates as a result.

According to Dean of Admissions James Nondorf, the University received nearly 35,000 applications, roughly 3,000 applicants more than last year!

The takeaway? Getting into University of Chicago isn’t impossible, but it’s a tall feat!

The University of Chicago Freshman Profile

The most recently published University of Chicago freshman profile reflects data on the class of 2023, which gives us a good sense of the demographics and diversity of recently admitted students.

Of the class of 2023:

• 22% are Asian
• 14% are Hispanic or Latino
• 16% are international
• 10% are black or African American
• 52% are male and 48% are female

This information hasn’t been updated for 2023 yet, but For the class of 2022, The University of Chicago saw a 69% increase in students from Chicago Public Schools, and a 56% increase in full-tuition scholarships for outstanding CPS students!

So as you can see, University of Chicago remains committed to accepting the best and brightest students from highly diverse demographics and backgrounds.

Other Admissions Requirements and Information for The University of Chicago

Okay, so if you don’t need standardized test scores to get into The University of Chicago, what exactly do you need to provide in your application?

This overview of applying to The University of Chicago is super helpful in explaining the qualitative requirements for admissions. According to the school:

This admissions approach gives you an amazing opportunity to showcase who you are, especially through your own writing. So if you’re a strong writer, all the better!

Here’s a checklist of exactly what you’ll need to apply:

• An application, which can be done through the Coalition Application or Common Application
• University of Chicago supplemental essay questions (2 questions total, one of which is chosen from several prompts)
• A list of extracurricular activities you’ve participated in
• A personal statement
• And application fee or fee waiver
• A high school report with a recommendation from your school counselor
• Your high school transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation from academic teachers who have taught you and know you well. Here’s a great overview of exactly how to ask for a letter of recommendation for college , but in short, make sure to ask teachers who can really speak to your academic ability, growth, potential, and character. And make sure to ask them well enough in advance so they have plenty of time to put thought into their responses.
• Your mid-year report (with grades through first-semester of your senior year)

Additionally, you are welcome to provide the following optional submission materials:

• A financial aid application (learn more about completing a FAFSA application )
• A 2-minute introductory video about yourself
• Any supplemental materials that you feel speak to your talent academically or artistically such as artistic projects or performances
• ACT and/or SAT scores

The University of Chicago FAQs

This is an amazing list of University of Chicago FAQs that covers just about any and all admissions concerns you may have, but here are a few other common inquiries about applying to U of C:

Does the University of Chicago accept transfers?

It sure does! You can read more about transferring to The University of Chicago here. The transfer rate is historically low, by the way, around 2%–but don’t let that deter you from applying!

Is The University of Chicago need-blind?

Yes. What this means is that your need (or lack thereof) for financial assistance will not be taken into consideration while reviewing your application.

Does The University of Chicago offer interviews?

No. If you would like to add a sense of your personality to your application, you can submit a 2-minute introductory video. However, it will not be a strike against your application if you do not submit a video.

How to Get Into University of Chicago

• Get very strong letters of recommendation.
• Complete the 2-minute intro video if you’re comfortable doing so. Giving U of C a sense of your personality and voice can give you a strong edge as an applicant.
• Participate in plenty of extracurricular activities, particularly in leadership roles, if possible.
• Don’t be afraid to brag! Include any awards, honors, service work, publications, etc., that you may be proud of.

According to Lena, an expert with Transizion, the most important thing the University of Chicago admissions committee looks–above academic excellence–is originality in their students:

So you’ll definitely want to make sure your writing is outstanding and truly captures who you are as a person. Revise, revise, revise, and make sure to get plenty of feedback, ideally from teachers you trust. Here’s more information on writing a common application essay that will get you accepted!

And of course, submitting your test scores can’t hurt, providing they’re impressive. If you do plan to submit ACT or SAT scores to University of Chicago, makes sure to start preparing early! Check out this great 1-week SAT free trial and 1-week ACT free trial to get you started.

Good luck!!!

Nadyja von Ebers is one of Magoosh’s Content Creators. Nadyja holds an MA in English from DePaul University and has taught English and at the high school and college levels for twelve years. She has a decade of experience teaching preparation for the AP exams, the SAT, and the ACT, among other tests. Additionally, Nadyja has worked as an academic advisor at college level and considers herself an expert in all things related to college-prep. She’s applied her college expertise to posts such as UCLA Admissions: The SAT Scores, ACT Scores, and GPA You Need to Get in and A Family Guide to College Admissions . Nadyja loves helping students reach their maximum potential and thrives in both literal and virtual classrooms. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys reading and writing for pleasure and loves spending time in or near the ocean. You can connect with her on LinkedIn !

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2 responses to “How to Get Into The University of Chicago: SAT and ACT Scores, GPA, and More”

Thx, this is what I always want to learn about UChicago and btw this is a very good hint. Glad they cancelled to submit a effectiveness SAT/ACT score since fall 2019, and I would like to apply for UChicago in 2021. And this new policy will really boost my chance of getting into UChicago.

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How To Get Into The University Of Chicago | Requirements

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 4/26/24

Interested in the University of Chicago? This guide tells you everything you need to know about getting into UChicago. 

As you get ready to start applying to universities, you may have considered attending the University of Chicago , which was established in 1890. Located in the bustling city of Chicago, the school is consistently high-ranking and has a reputation for excellence. This guide will outline everything you need to know about getting into the University of Chicago. 

Read on for information on University of Chicago admission requirements, a breakdown of the application process, and some examples of UChicago essay prompts.

The University of Chicago Acceptance Rate: 4.77% 

UChicago’s recent acceptance rate is 4.77% , making it an extremely selective school. You’ll need to put together an exceptional application to have a good chance of getting in. 

Below is a table outlining UChicago’s acceptance rate for the past three years: 

How Hard Is It to Get Into the 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. 

The University of Chicago Admissions Statistics

For the best chance of getting into UChicago, it's beneficial to maintain a high GPA of at least 4.0. While UChicago is test-optional , submitting a test score and aiming for a high SAT and ACT score can enhance your application. 

To further strengthen your chances, consider taking challenging AP or IB courses and crafting compelling essays that showcase your passion for learning. UChicago's admissions process is flexible, allowing you to present your academic achievements in the best possible light. 

Understanding recent admissions statistics can provide a valuable benchmark for your application. UChicago's admissions are competitive, and knowing where you stand in comparison can motivate you to strive for excellence in your academic journey.

The University of Chicago Average GPA: 4.0

The GPA requirements for the University of Chicago are not specified, but UChicago’s average GPA is 4.0. So, achieving an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher in challenging classes will give you the best chance at admission.

The University of Chicago ​​Average SAT Score: 1530

College Board notes that the SAT score range of admitted applicants at UChicago is 1510-1560, making the average 1530. If you want to get admitted into UChicago, ensure that you aim for as high of an SAT score as possible. Please note that submitting an SAT or ACT score is optional and not required for admission.

The University of Chicago Average ACT Score: 34

UChicago’s recent average ACT score range was from 34 to 35. While the college has no official ACT requirements, submitting a test score is always encouraged to help boost your application. 

What is the University of Chicago Looking For In Applicants?

The University of Chicago evaluates applications by focusing on inquiry, debate, and critical thought and using these values to make impactful changes to the world. You will stand out to the UChicago admissions committee if you align with these goals and values.

The University of Chicago admission requirements are holistic. There are no UChicago GPA requirements or minimum test scores. 

The University of Chicago Admissions Requirements 

The University of Chicago Application consists of several materials. The process includes:

• Your Common Application
• Application essays and supplemental essays
• Secondary school report and transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation
• Optional test scores
• College reports and transcripts (transfer applicants only)
• English Language Proficiency Test Scores (international applicants only)
• Application fee or fee waiver
• Mid-year report (first-year applicants only)
• Optional video profile
• Optional supplemental material

Make sure to familiarize yourself with the details and get started early! Also, UChicago accepts the Coalition App ! 

The University of Chicago Application Deadlines

It’s important to pay attention to deadlines when creating your college application timeline . Your University of Chicago application deadline will depend on which round of applications you choose: 

The UChicago decision date varies. As such, UChicago lists a general time frame rather than a specific date. The student reply due date is when you’ll have to accept or turn down the offer of admission.

The University of Chicago Regular Decision Deadline

The University of Chicago’s deadline for regular decisions is early January. Regular decision is a path that is non-binding, making it an excellent choice for students who want to take their time. You’ll have more time to complete the application and to compare offers from other schools.

The University of Chicago Early Action Deadline

The University of Chicago’s deadline for Early Action is early November. Early Action is an excellent choice for students who want to hear a decision early and take time to make their final decision. It is not binding. 

The University of Chicago Early Decision Deadline

The University of Chicago’s deadline for Early Decision I and II is early November and January. Early Decision is best for those who know that UChicago is their first choice of school. This plan is binding. You’re committing to attending UChicago if you’re accepted.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into the University of Chicago

You might feel discouraged as you analyze data and start your UChicago application. However, by understanding this school's admissions processes and philosophies, you can increase your chances of getting accepted!

Understanding the Admissions Process

According to The University of Chicago admissions site, “each application at UChicago goes through the same holistic review process.” They then outline several things that they keep in mind when analyzing applications. 

Arguably, studying and understanding these criteria thoroughly is one of the most important things you can do when preparing your application. Here’s one of the main points of focus that the University of Chicago uses in its selection process:

UChicago welcomes students from all backgrounds, so don’t be afraid to highlight the more unique aspects of yourself. Try to talk about more outside-of-the-box experiences that you may have had. Did you grow up somewhere outside of the country? Maybe you've volunteered, worked on a family farm, or had unique obstacles to overcome. What did you learn? How did you use that knowledge to further your goals?

Show a unique side of yourself, and you can truly stand out as an applicant.

Understanding What the University Values

A great tip is to understand the university’s values. Below are a couple of UChicago’s values you can think about while you complete your application. 

Changing the World for the Better

The University of Chicago pushes students to better the world around them. In your application essays, give concrete examples of steps you have taken to make the world a better place. No matter how small of a task, show the University of Chicago that you have the drive to improve people's lives and have already taken the initiative.

Also, reinforce to the admissions committee that you plan to continue helping the world. Whether your goal is to develop new life-changing medications or start your own company, make sure that you leave the admissions committee with the impression that you want to make the world a better place for all.

Critical Thinking and Inquiry

UChicago finds great value in debate, critical thought, and intensive inquiry. Be sure to highlight any instances where you embodied these values, as doing so can help you stand out in the admissions process.

The University of Chicago Essay Prompts

The UChicago supplemental essays can show an admissions committee another side to you. The essays are the place to put forward the unique aspects of your personality. You can discuss your life experiences and the things that drive you. 

To write stellar essays , pick topics that you feel passionate about. Ensure you answer all parts of the questions, avoid clichés, and use your own voice! 

The essay portion of the UChicago application is unique. There are two required essays, and both are very different from the other. For the first essay, you have one prompt to answer:

“How does the University of Chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future? Please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to UChicago.”

For the second essay, The University of Chicago presents prompts that are a lot more outside of the box. You will have to pick one to answer in the best way that you see fit. 

Here are the 2024-2025 UChicago supplemental essay prompts :

“Exponents and square roots, pencils and erasers, beta decay and electron capture. Name two things that undo each other and explain why both are necessary.”

– Inspired by Emmett Cho, Class of 2027

“‘Where have all the flowers gone?’ – Pete Seeger. Pick a question from a song title or lyric and give it your best answer.”

– Inspired by Ryan Murphy, AB’21

“‘Vlog,’ ‘Labradoodle,’ and ‘Fauxmage.’ Language is filled with portmanteaus. Create a new portmanteau and explain why those two things are a ‘patch’ (perfect match).”

– Inspired by Garrett Chalfin, Class of 2027

“A jellyfish is not a fish. Cat burglars don’t burgle cats. Rhode Island is not an island. Write an essay about some other misnomer, and either come up with and defend a new name for it or explain why its inaccurate name should be kept.”

– Inspired by Sonia Chang, Class of 2025, and Mirabella Blair, Class of 2027

"Despite their origins in the Gupta Empire of India or Ancient Egypt, games like chess or bowling remain widely enjoyed today. What modern game do you believe will withstand the test of time, and why?"

– Inspired by Adam Heiba, Class of 2027

“There are unwritten rules that everyone follows or has heard at least once in their life. But of course, some rules should be broken or updated. What is an unwritten rule that you wish didn’t exist? (Our custom is to have five new prompts each year, but this year we decided to break with tradition. Enjoy!)”

– Inspired by Maryam Abdella, Class of 2026

“And, as always… the classic choose your own adventure option! In the spirit of adventurous inquiry, choose one of our past prompts (or create a question of your own). Be original, creative, thought provoking. Draw on your best qualities as a writer, thinker, visionary, social critic, sage, citizen of the world, or future citizen of the University of Chicago; take a little risk, and have fun!”

Please note that these essays should be written in addition to the Common Application essays . Alternatively, if you apply to UChicago via the Coalition Application, you’ll have to respond to several different prompts . 

Still curious about how to get into the University of Chicago? Here are some common questions answered. 

1. Does the University of Chicago Accept Transfer Credit?

The University of Chicago does accept transfer credit for specific courses depending on the subject and the grade received. 

2. What GPA Do I Need to Get Into the University of Chicago?

The University of Chicago does not place the most emphasis on applicant GPAs , so there is no minimum GPA for admission. If you can portray your best qualities through your essays or make excellent test scores, you will be able to make up for what might feel like a low GPA. 

3. When Should I Prepare for the University of Chicago?

You should start preparing your application early. The University of Chicago admissions process can take a lot of time. You can have a more streamlined, relaxed application process by starting your application well in advance. Make sure to keep the UChicago application deadlines in mind. 

4. What Should I Do if I Get Rejected from the University of Chicago?

If you get rejected from the University of Chicago, it does not reflect your intelligence or abilities. You can try again in the next admissions cycle as a first-year student or spend a year at a different school and then apply as a transfer candidate.

5. What Is the University of Chicago Known For? 

The University of Chicago is known for its affiliation with nearly 100 Nobel Prize winners and numerous other award winners, as well as its globally recognized achievements in science and engineering. 

6. Does the University of Chicago Care About Demonstrated Interest?

No, the University of Chicago does not consider demonstrated interest as part of their admissions process.

7. Does the University of Chicago Require an Interview for Admission?

No, the University of Chicago does not require an interview, however, if you want to share more about yourself in your application, you can submit a two-minute video introduction. Your video doesn't have to be perfectly rehearsed or edited. You can record it using any platform you like. 

Final Thoughts

The University of Chicago is a diverse, prestigious school known for producing successful alumni. To give yourself the best chance of getting in, make sure to start your application early. Pay attention to the details, and don’t miss the deadlines! 

Overall, the University of Chicago is a challenging school to get into. However, with the right amount of time, energy, and preparation, you can increase your chances of attending this prestigious school. If you still think you need help getting into the University of Chicago, consider our UChicago admissions counseling services to increase your chances of admissions success .

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First-Year Requirements

• Undergraduate
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Did you know?

First-Year Applicants

First-year applicants are currently enrolled in high school, or have not attended college since graduation. If that doesn’t apply to you, select a new application type .

Application Pathways

UIC has two main pathways for first-year admission. Each pathway to admission has its own advantage. Be mindful of requirements and dates when choosing the one that’s right for you.

Learn more about application plans.

Here’s what you need to apply

All first-year applicants must meet these requirements to complete an application.

• Complete the Common Application online, including the specific questions and essays for UIC under the "My Colleges" tab. See  application tips for details.
• Submit the $60 nonrefundable application fee or fee waiver.*
• Send official high school transcripts.
• Optional: Send ACT or SAT scores (S ee our test optional FAQ ) . Please note, if you choose to submit a score ("Test Inclusive"), you must provide a score report. We do not accept self-reported scores. We will accept scores if listed on the high school transcript, or an unofficial test report with identifying information (name, test date). We do not accept "super scores." To get a copy of your SAT score, you can visit this link.

*Fee waivers are only accepted for domestic applications. We do not offer application fee waivers for international students at this time.

Learn more about credential submission.

What we review

Factors for admission.

UIC admissions counselors review your application for academic preparedness and potential contribution to the UIC community. Here’s what we’re reviewing on your application. 

• Course selection and rigor (see our recommendations below ) 
• Grade point average (see our admitted student profile below )
• Quality of writing
• Demonstration of academic interest
• Identification of any current circumstances that contributed to your high school performance
• ​ Each College within the University has its own criteria when selecting applicants for admission. For example, STEM-related fields (i.e. engineering, computer science, biological sciences, and pre-health majors) may have different expectations for performance in high school math and science while other majors may emphasize strong grades in english. If applying for a STEM major, we strongly recommend taking four years of math and science in high school.
• ​ ACT or SAT scores are not required for admission but will be reviewed if provided. 
• AP or IB scores are not required but will be reviewed if provided.

Planning pays off

Plan your high school coursework.

While not required for admission, completed coursework in the subject areas listed below can make prospective first-year applicants more competitive. 

Additional Tips

• Take advantage of honors, AP, or IB and other college preparatory courses offered at your high school. When reviewing course rigor, our review team takes into consideration the coursework available at your high school.  
• Submit letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or extracurricular activity supervisors.
• Submit the Common Application mid-year report when your first semester grades from senior year become available.

Admitted Student Profile

Middle 50 percent of the admitted fall 2023 first-year class.

The values listed below represent the middle 50 percent of students who were admitted to UIC last year. They are not cut-offs for admission. In fact, 25 percent of admitted students fell below these ranges and 25 percent above. 

• We offer a test-optional pathway for admission and about two-thirds of applicants chose to be reviewed without a test score. We have split the profile into a test-optional profile and a test-inclusive profile.
• We know that numbers don't tell us the whole story. Remember while reviewing these charts that we conduct a holistic review of your application based on multiple factors not represented in these charts. 

Test Optional Profile

Test inclusive profile, other requirements, additional requirements may apply:.

• An essay for each program submitted with the application.
• Two recommendations submitted through the Common Application or via mail.
• International applicants . Must meet the core first-year requirements as well as display evidence of English competency and financial certifications. See  Undergraduate International Admissions Requirements  for details. 
• a list of all subjects/courses attempted by year.
• grades and/or examination results received (both passing and failing).
• maximum and minimum grades obtainable.
• number of units earned.
• High school graduates who have never attended another college or university must submit evidence of graduation from an accredited high school or submit passing scores on the General Educational Development (GED) test.
• Applicants to performance programs.  An audition is required for admission to all performance degree applicants. For audition requirements for theatre programs, please visit the Theatre Department's Auditions webpage , for Music programs, please visit the Music Department's Auditions webpage . 

Related Resources

• Summer Session
• Honors College
• UIC Academic Calendar

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF THE UIC ANNUAL SECURITY AND FIRE SAFETY REPORT

The University of Illinois Chicago is pleased to share the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report with all prospective students. The report contains information regarding campus security and personal safety including topics such as: crime prevention, public safety authority, crime reporting policies, fire safety, disciplinary procedures, and fire statistics in UIC residential facilities and crime statistics for the three previous calendar years. The full text of this report is available online at ready.uic.edu . If you would like to receive a copy on paper, visit the Office of Preparedness & Response, located at 1140 South Paulina Street, Suite 109, Chicago, IL 60612.

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University of Chicago

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High School Diploma

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6% (10% early)

1510 - 1580, gpa requirements.

The University of Chicago does not have a strict minimum GPA requirement for undergraduate admissions. However, admitted students typically have very high GPAs, ranging from 3.8 to 4.0, with an average GPA of 3.95.

Average High School GPA

25th-7th Percentile

SAT Requirements

SAT scores are optional for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 application cycles, they are still considered in the admissions process.

University of Chicago's SAT scores for admitted students range from 1510 to 1580, with an average score of 1545.

Although SAT scores are optional, we recommend that students aim for a good SAT score of at least 1545 to be competitive in the admissions process at University of Chicago.

Average SAT

25th-75th Percentile

Students submitting SAT scores

ACT Requirements

ACT scores are optional for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 application cycles; they are still considered in the admissions process.

University of Chicago's ACT scores for admitted students range from 33 to 35, with an average score of 34.

A good ACT score will still boost your application above the competition and help get you into your dream school. It will allow admissions officers to quickly and objectively compare you to the rest of the applicant pool.

Average ACT

Students submitting ACT scores

Other Requirements

Besides academic grades, University of Chicago has some additional requirements based on the program of study you apply for.

Extracurriculars

Make sure you have extracurriculars relating to your area of study and those that show your dedication over time.

Recommendation Letters

University of Chicago requires two teacher recommendations.

If you feel as though mastery of the English language is already represented throughout your application, you are not required to submit formal exam scores to the University of Chicago.

You have the option to submit a two-minute video introduction instead of the traditional college interview, which is not part of the application process.

Helpful Resources

How to Get Good Grades in School: 8 Expert Tips from Ivy League Graduates

How To Study For The SAT: Tips and Strategies for Success

What Is A Good ACT Score and How Do I Get It?

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Undergraduate Admissions

Deadline Update: We want to ensure anyone applying for federal financial aid has enough time to make an informed decision regarding their college choice! For this reason, we're extending our enrollment decision deadline to May 15.

Requirements for First-Year Applicants

As you prepare, we want you to know the things we expect from our applicants. You may also want to take a look at our application process and how we review .

Course Rigor

Taking advanced classes can increase your chance of being accepted to UIUC, as tougher coursework proves you like a challenge and are willing to work hard. Taking rigorous coursework in subject areas related to your future major also demonstrates an interest and strong foundation in your future academic track. We want you to challenge yourself given what’s available at your school, provided you can still be successful inside and outside of the classroom.

Coursework & Grades

Following are the kinds of courses you need to take while in high school and the number of years you need to take them. You should work to consistently make strong grades in these courses.

• English : 4 years required
• Math : 3 or 3.5 years required, 4 years recommended
• Social sciences : 2 years required, 4 years recommended
• Lab sciences : 2 years required, 4 years recommended
• Language other than English : 2 years required, 4 years recommended
• Flexible academic units : 2 years required, 4+ years recommended

View acceptable courses

Extracurriculars

When we review your application, we want to know what’s important to you. The quality of your involvement outside the classroom is much more important than quantity. Take part in the activities you're passionate about and enjoy. We take notice when you demonstrate leadership skills and show long-term commitment to the things you love.

Related Experiences

If you know what major you want to pursue at UIUC, seek out experiences and opportunities related to it now. Doing so will not only show your passion and motivation, but it will also help you get a feel for your potential field. If you don't know what you want to do yet, don't stress! This is your chance to explore any areas of interest you might have.

Test Scores

Act/sat (if provided).

We accept either the ACT or SAT, and we don’t prefer one over the other. If you provide your scores, they will be used in our decision-making process, as well as for course placement and academic advising. They may also be a factor when it comes to scholarship and aid decisions. For the middle 50% score range, view our class profile .

• ACT test dates
• SAT test dates

TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo English Test

A TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score may be required or strongly recommended to demonstrate a command of the English language.

Want more info?

Undergraduate admission

• Explore Loyola

​Requirements

Your previous education.

To apply to Loyola University Chicago, you'll need the following:

Submit your application.  The application is your chance to tell us more about yourself and your extracurricular activities. You may complete either the co-curricular activities section of your chosen application or by sumbitting a resume after you've completed the application. You can fill out the application for Loyola in the following ways:

• Using our free  online application - This application is Loyola specific and recommended for students who are not applying to other schools, or cannot access other systems.
• Using the  Common App - Recommended for students who are who are applying to several Common App schools.

There is no preference or advantage gained by using any particular application type.

Official transcripts.  All freshman applicants are required to submit an official transcript from their secondary school. We are able to receive documents through all major electronic transcript delivery systems, and this will be the fastest method to send your records. Transcripts may be sent electronically by school officials via  [email protected] . In the event you must send paper records, please have your transcripts sent directly to:

Loyola University Chicago Undergraduate Admission Office 1032 W. Sheridan Road Sullivan Center, Room 150 Chicago, IL 60660 If you were homeschooled at any point during high school please complete  this form  in addition to sending any traditional transcript you may have.

• Submit at least one letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor.  You may send an e-mail request from our online application, or you can download a  Counselor Recommendation Form .
• Test scores.  Loyola has a test optional admission policy. Students may still choose to submit SAT and/or ACT scores as part of their application for admission. Students who do not submit scores will not be penalized, and may still qualify for merit scholarships. Loyola does superscore results, meaning the admission office is reviewing the highest subscore from each section of the exams. If a student does choose to submit scores, we recommend sharing all test results.

Optional items:

• An essay on the topic of your choice, or the Common Application options
• A resume of your achievements and extracurricular activities at school or in your community

If you are an international student, you may also be required to submit the following:

• TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson Test of English, Duolingo English Test scores
• The International Conditional Admission Program (ICAP) is available for students who have demonstrated sufficient academic ability but who need additional English language preparation. Applicants who qualify will be referred to the program based on the strength of their application

For admission consideration, it's recommended that freshman applicants complete the following high school courses:

• English courses : 4 years
• Math courses : 3 years
• Science courses : 3 years
• Social science courses : 3 years
• Foreign language courses : 2 years

*Students interested in applying into Engineering Science should have completed 4 units of mathematics, including 1 of pre-calculus by their high school graduation.

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The Four Year Plan

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, uchicago requirements.

Hey guys! I'm really interested in applying to the University of Chicago next year. However, I'm a bit lost when it comes to their admission requirements. Could someone kindly breakdown what they look for in a student, like GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, etc.? Thanks so much!

Sure, I'd be happy to break down the University of Chicago's admission requirements for you!

1. GPA: While UChicago doesn't have a minimum GPA requirement, the incoming class typically has an unweighted GPA between 3.8 and 4.0 (on a 4.0 scale), demonstrating strong academic performance and course rigor. Keep in mind, colleges use weighted GPAs as well, so take challenging coursework like AP, IB, and honors classes when possible.

2. Test Scores: UChicago went test-optional in 2018, so submitting test scores like SAT or ACT is not required but can be beneficial if you have strong scores. Successful applicants typically have SAT scores in the range of 1510-1560 (though there are plenty of students admitted outside of that range) or ACT scores between 33 and 35.

3. Extracurriculars: UChicago looks for well-rounded students who are passionate about their interests and demonstrate involvement in various activities. Quality is more important than quantity, and having a "spike" or area of specialization can be advantageous. Aim for 8-10 extracurriculars with a focus on leadership, impact, and achievement. These can include clubs, volunteer work, internships, research, or sports.

4. Essays: UChicago places significant importance on the essays, which offer insight into the student's personality, interests, and aspirations. Their prompts are known for their creativity and allow students to showcase their intellectual curiosity and writing skills. Make sure to spend time brainstorming and crafting your essays to ensure they are unique, engaging, and well-written.

5. Letters of Recommendation: Two teacher recommendations and one counselor recommendation are required. Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your academic and personal strengths.

6. Other factors: UChicago's holistic admissions process also takes into account factors like demonstrated interest, intellectual curiosity, and personal context (e.g., family background, challenges faced).

Keep in mind that UChicago's admission process is highly selective, with an acceptance rate below 5%. Focus on building a strong application by maintaining a high GPA, engaging in a variety of meaningful extracurricular activities, showcasing your intellectual curiosity, and crafting exceptional essays. Best of luck!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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University of Illinois at Chicago Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are University of Illinois at Chicago's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into University of Illinois at Chicago and build a strong application.

School location: Chicago, IL

This school is also known as: UIC

Admissions Rate: 78.7%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at University of Illinois at Chicago is 78.7% . For every 100 applicants, 79 are admitted.

This means the school is lightly selective . The school will have their expected requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores. If you meet their requirements, you're almost certain to get an offer of admission. But if you don't meet University of Illinois at Chicago's requirements, you'll be one of the unlucky few people who gets rejected.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

University of Illinois at Chicago GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.47

The average GPA at University of Illinois at Chicago is 3.47 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.47, University of Illinois at Chicago requires you to be around average in your high school class. You'll need a mix of A's and B's, and very few C's. If you have a lower GPA, you can compensate with harder courses like AP or IB classes. This will help boost your weighted GPA and show your ability to take college classes.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.47, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

University of Illinois at Chicago hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to University of Illinois at Chicago will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

University of Illinois at Chicago SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1120

The average SAT score composite at University of Illinois at Chicago is a 1120 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes University of Illinois at Chicago Competitive for SAT test scores.

University of Illinois at Chicago SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1120, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1320. In other words, a 1120 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1320 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

University of Illinois at Chicago has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, University of Illinois at Chicago will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and University of Illinois at Chicago forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1120, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

University of Illinois at Chicago ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, University of Illinois at Chicago likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 24

The average ACT score at University of Illinois at Chicago is 24. This score makes University of Illinois at Chicago Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 24, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 30.

Even though University of Illinois at Chicago likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 24 or below, you'll have a harder time getting in, unless you have something else impressive in your application.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 24 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to University of Illinois at Chicago, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 24.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

University of Illinois at Chicago considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is lightly selective, you have a great shot at getting in, as long as you don't fall well below average . Aim for a 1120 SAT or a 24 ACT or higher, and you'll almost certainly get an offer of admission. As long as you meet the rest of the application requirements below, you'll be a shoo-in.

But if you score below our recommended target score, you may be one of the very few unlucky people to get rejected.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of University of Illinois at Chicago here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $60
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes Audition for music and theater majors, portfolio for art majors required for freshmen

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office February 1

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 2
• Social Studies 3

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes February 1 December 1
• Yes November 1 December 1

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 1200 Chicago, IL 60607
• Phone: (312) 996-4350 x4350
• Fax: (312) 413-7628
• Email: [email protected]

Our Expert's Notes

We did more detailed research into this school's admissions process and found the following information:

You will apply to one of the following colleges: College of Applied Health Sciences College of Architecture, Design and the Arts College of Business Administration College of Education College of Engineering College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

To look at majors and minors within each school to help with your decision, see here. For the Honors College, there is an additional application you can fill out from the Common App, which you can learn more about here. Scholarship consideration is automatic.

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in University of Illinois at Chicago, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to University of Illinois at Chicago.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than University of Illinois at Chicago. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for University of Illinois at Chicago, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for University of Illinois at Chicago, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If University of Illinois at Chicago is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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Transfer Applicants

Transfer students play a meaningful role in the life of the College. Your experiences at other institutions contribute to the diversity of our student body and provide valuable perspective to all kinds of interactions on campus, from classroom conversations to coffee chats on the quad. We are committed to assembling a community of talented scholars from a wide range of backgrounds, and this includes transfer students.

If you have already completed at least one term as a full-time student in a bachelor's degree-seeking program at another college or university, you should apply as a transfer student. All others, to include high school students who have taken college-level courses, should apply as  first-year applicants .

The University of Chicago offers transfer applicants a choice of two application plans. Your application will go through the same careful review process no matter which of these plans you choose, so you should pick the one that suits you best. In picking the UChicago application plan that's right for you, you'll want to consider when you will be ready to apply and whether you are prepared to make a binding commitment to UChicago.

2023-2024 Timelines

*11:59 p.m. applicant's local time on March 1 or first business day of March.

**Late afternoon Chicago local time on the last business day in March.

Transfer Application Plans

Transfer early decision.

Our Transfer Early Decision (TED) application is best for students who have identified UChicago as their absolute first choice for transferring and know they would choose to attend UChicago immediately if admitted. This admission plan is binding, meaning that if admitted, you commit to attending UChicago, withdrawing outstanding transfer applications from any other school, and agreeing not to apply to transfer to any additional colleges. If you apply Early Decision, you will need to download, complete, and submit a Transfer Early Decision Agreement by uploading it in your UChicago Account.

If you are enthusiastic about applying to UChicago but would like to compare admissions offers, transfer credit estimates, or financial aid packages from multiple colleges before making a final decision, you should consider applying through the Rolling Decision plan.

Transfer Early Decision applicants will receive an admissions decision of admit, deny, or waitlist.

Transfer Rolling Decision

In our Transfer Rolling Decision (TR) application plan, students are strongly encouraged to submit their application by the March 1 priority deadline. We will continue to review applications until June 1 and we will release decisions on a rolling basis starting in early May. Applying as a Rolling Decision applicant does not constitute a binding commitment to attend if admitted, and you will have until June 5 to reply to your offer if admitted.

Transfer Rolling Decision applicants will receive an admissions decision of admit, deny, or waitlist.

Required Application Materials

Transfer application for admission and supplement essays.

Applicants should submit their choice of Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir or the Common Application *, both of which include the University of Chicago Supplement . Applicants will also be prompted to create a UChicago Account , where they can submit information and view their admissions decision.

Select One of Two Applications

There are several online application platforms accepted by many colleges and universities. Through the online application platform, you submit basic information about your background, academic profile, and extracurricular activities, as well as a brief personal statement; all of this information can be easily shared with multiple colleges you decide to apply to. If you apply to the University of Chicago, you will also submit several supplemental essays, which will not be seen by other institutions.

UChicago accepts Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir or the Common Application for transfer applicants. We treat both equally in the admissions process. You'll want to pick a single application platform to use, whichever you feel works best for you.

Questions about technical matters related to using one of these consortium applications should be directed, respectively, to the folks at Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir or the Common Application . Questions about our own requirements should be directed to us .

Extracurricular Activities

In your list of extracurricular activities, you should include whatever it is that you have spent your time doing outside of class during high school and college. This could be an official club, team, or competition; a hobby you pursue on your own; a part-time job; a family responsibility; or anything else you do with your time outside of class. Colleges ask for this information not because they have any specific expectation or preference for how you spend your time, but to see what's meaningful, worthwhile, or interesting to you. We do not require certificates proving participation in activities. If the space provided on the application to list all extracurricular and work experiences is not sufficient, you may share further details through the "Additional Information" section or in your UChicago Account.

Application Essay

The personal statement is your chance to present yourself and your ideas in your own words. Through Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir or the Common Application, your essay will be sent to the schools you are applying to, and should not be specific to any one school. Your essay should be appropriate for a wide array of audiences and should put your best foot forward.

The personal statement is not required for the transfer application. You have the option to submit one if you like. If applying through Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir, the application will say that the Coalition Essay is required. You may submit a personal statement, or you may write “N/A”. If applying through the Common Application, the personal statement will appear as optional.

UChicago Supplement

The University of Chicago Supplement requires one extended essay of your choice from our list of several prompts and one short essay on why you would like to attend the University of Chicago as a transfer student. For this second essay, transfer students will be asked to answer the following prompt (in approximately 500 words):

• Please tell us why you are planning to leave (or have already left) your current college or university, and how the University of Chicago will satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future. Please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to UChicago.

The Supplement essays should be submitted through Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir or the Common Application .

Your UChicago Account

Students may create a UChicago Account before or after starting their application on the Common Application or Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir. To create a UChicago Account before you begin working on your application, please visit getstarted.uchicago.edu .

If you begin by working on the application, you will receive an email with instructions on how to set up your UChicago Account. When you sign in to your UChicago Account , you will be able to complete and update your profile, apply for financial aid, upload supplementary materials if you wish, and eventually view your admissions decision.

If you previously applied to UChicago as a first-year, transfer, or Summer Session student, you already have a UChicago Account in your name and will not receive emailed instructions. If you forgot your password from your previous account, please use the “forgot password” function with the email address you used in your Common Application or Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir application to access your account.

Application Fee or Automatic Waiver

The University of Chicago does not charge an application fee for students applying for need-based financial aid. For students not applying for need-based financial aid, our application fee is $75 and can be submitted through the Common Application or Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir.

Credit Card

Please follow the instructions on the application for submitting the application fee online.

Check or Money Order

Please include a note with the check or money order with the applicant's full name and address and mail it to the College Admissions Office by the application deadline. Checks should be made payable to the University of Chicago.

The Office of College Admissions Attn. Matt Cowell 1101 E. 58th St. Rosenwald 005 Chicago, IL 60637

High School and College Transcripts

Transfer students are required to submit both a final high school transcript and college transcripts for every post-secondary school attended. You are welcome to submit either official copies or unofficial copies; official copies are only required for admitted students who choose to enroll. If applying with unofficial copies, each transcript must show your full name and school name. Unofficial copies can be uploaded in the documents section of the Common Application , in the Coalition Application Supplement if applying through Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir , or in your UChicago Account. We prefer electronic submission instead of physical mail for official transcripts.

Final High School Transcript

We require a transcript detailing your coursework and grades over your entire high school career. If you graduated, the transcript should list your graduation date. In reading your application, your transcript will serve as a roadmap of your academic path in high school. We will be looking at your academic record across all four years of high school, primarily to see that you have challenged yourself productively in your course selection and done well in those courses.

Your transcript is considered in the context of your high school. Course offerings and opportunities can look very different from one high school to the next, and we want to see how you took advantage of what was available to you at your high school. You would never be at a disadvantage in the admissions process for not having pursued an opportunity that was not available to you. A School Profile is usually included with your transcript that tells us about the environment at your school, course offerings, curriculum, and educational outcomes. We do not require complete syllabi.

If you have taken courses during high school at institutions other than your final high school, such as a previous high school or a local college, please be sure to submit transcripts for these grades if they are not included in your final high school transcript.

College Transcripts

Please make sure to include transcripts from every post-secondary school you have attended after high school. If you received pass/fail marks for college or university courses instead of grades, please request that your instructors submit a short, written evaluation of your work to the admissions office separately.

Current College Coursework

If using Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir, please include any in-progress or future college coursework through the end of the current academic year in the College Coursework section of your application profile. If using the Common Application, you should include any in-progress college coursework in the Mid-Term report. If you are not currently enrolled in courses, you do not need to complete the College Coursework section or the Mid-Term report.

Transcripts written in a language other than English

Transcripts written in a language other than English should be accompanied by a certified translation and a grading scale.

Two Teacher Evaluations

We require two recommendations from teachers who have taught you in an academic subject. Academic subjects, as defined for the purposes of letters of recommendation, include mathematics, social studies, history, science, English or literature, foreign language, and other courses in which you are doing substantial amounts of reading, writing, or class discussion.

If you feel that you have not had satisfactory contact with professors at your college or university, you may ask a teaching assistant or lab instructor who may have had more experience working with you to provide a recommendation. A recommendation from a recent high school teacher is also acceptable for those who are just in their first year of college, though we recommend at least one of your recommendations come from someone who has worked with you in an academic context in college. If you have questions about whether a particular course is a good choice, feel free to contact your regional Admissions Counselor .

Ask for recommendations from teachers who know you well and can speak specifically and positively about your contributions in the classroom, academic interest, and interactions with classmates. This does not necessarily need to be the teacher who gave you the best grades, but instead someone who best knows your academic personality and thinks highly of you. Plan to have a brief conversation with your recommender to give them context on your educational plans, as this can be helpful in writing a more detailed letter.

As teachers are often writing letters of recommendation on their own time and are therefore not getting paid to do it, we also strongly encourage students to write their recommenders a thank you note.

Submitting Letters of Recommendation

All teachers have the option of submitting letters of recommendation and school forms online via  Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir or the Common Application. They should follow the instructions on the application for submitting these forms. Teachers may print out and submit these forms on paper even if you submit your application online. Letters of recommendation must come directly from the recommender and should not be sent by the applicant. Letters of recommendation can be added to your application after the application deadline, so you do not need to ask your recommender to submit their letter before or at the same time as you have submitted your application.

If your recommenders are most comfortable writing in a language other than English, they may do so. Have them submit the original letter accompanied by a translation.

Supplemental Recommendations

If you feel that we won't be able get a full picture of who you are without a third letter of recommendation from another teacher, an employer, role model, youth leader, or friend, you may submit one additional letter. Submitting a supplemental letter of recommendation is not an expectation, and please be considerate of the significant time commitment writing a good letter of recommendation takes before asking a potential recommender. 

No Harm Testing Policy

Submitting an SAT or ACT is optional and not required for admission. In addition to being test-optional, UChicago practices a “No Harm” policy for application review when considering SAT or ACT scores. Any SAT or ACT score submitted will only be used in review if it will positively affect an applicant’s chance of admission. Test scores that may negatively impact an admission decision will not be considered in review. All applicants, including domestic students, international students, and transfer students will be reviewed under this policy.

Reporting Scores

Students submitting SAT or ACT scores may share either official or self-reported scores. Students sharing self-reported scores will not be required to submit official score reports unless they are admitted and choose to enroll. You are able to self-report test scores through Coalition, Powered by Scoir or the Common Application . You will not need to superscore your own results or recalculate your scores in any way; send your scores exactly as you receive them. To be considered official, scores can be sent by a school official, listed on a transcript, or sent to the University of Chicago directly from the testing agency. UChicago’s SAT code is 1832; the ACT code is 1152.

Testing Deadlines

While we would, of course, like to receive your scores before the appropriate deadline, we will accept the February ACT for Transfer Early Decision and Transfer Rolling Decision and the March SAT for Transfer Rolling Decision.

College/Transfer Report

Transfer students are required to submit a College/Transfer Report indicating their academic standing at their current or most recently attended college or university. The report should be completed by a dean, registrar, or academic adviser who has access to your disciplinary and academic records and sent directly to the Office of College Admissions. If using the Common Application, you can download the College/Transfer Report in the “Supporting Documents” section in the Common Application. If using Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir, you may use the University of Chicago College/Transfer Report.

If a college or university cannot provide an official report, don’t panic!  We will still be able to review your application in its entirety without any penalty.

Optional Components

Financial aid application.

While funding is limited for transfer students, we are committed to meeting 100% of your demonstrated need with a loan-free financial aid award for all U.S. citizens and permanent residents if you are admitted and applied for funding. Transfer students are eligible for financial aid only if they apply for funding during the admissions process and will not be eligible for financial aid after receiving their admissions decision or during their four years in the College. If you think you will need financial aid at any point during your four years at UChicago, you should apply for financial aid when you apply for admission.

The number of quarters for which you receive financial aid will depend on your transfer credit evaluation, which you will receive after you are offered admission. Learn more about  applying for financial aid .

If you are neither a citizen of the United States nor a permanent resident, then we consider you to be an  international transfer applicant , even if you are currently studying at a U.S. college or university. International transfer applicants are not eligible for financial aid.

Recommended Video Profile

If you would like to add your voice to your application, you have the option to submit a two-minute video introduction instead of the traditional college interview, which is not part of our application process. Your recording does not need to be extensively rehearsed or polished, and the video does not need to be edited.

You may record your video introduction using the platform of your choice, and then upload a file to your UChicago Account. You may upload your video to your UChicago Account at any time, but we recommend uploading by March 6 th for Transfer Early Decision and within a week of submitting your application for Transfer Rolling Decision.

We hope students find creative ways to share their voice and ideas, so we focus on content rather than filming quality when reviewing recommended video profiles. For the purposes of our review, it is still impressive if a student is sharing important ideas and perspective on their specific potential for contribution to UChicago even if that video was filmed “selfie-style” on a phone. It is much less helpful if the video is professionally lit and edited, but contains little to no unique information about the student or their specific candidacy for UChicago. We encourage students to film in a quiet space that limits outside distractions (background noise, music, pet or sibling interference, etc). While it’s ok to rehearse your message a bit so that you feel confident and ready, it’s helpful for us to hear these spoken in your normal, conversational voice—memorizing a “script” or reading from prepared sheets/notecards may come appear as a less engaged and conversational experience. If there is any important information relevant to your candidacy you were unable to address elsewhere in the application, please share that information here.

Supplemental Materials: Optional Art, Creative, Research, or Other Supplements

Students may submit supplemental material representing a significant talent, passion, or achievement by uploading it through their UChicago Account. These materials include, but are not limited to, creative writing projects, highlights from music/dance/visual art/theater performance, school capstone projects such as AP Capstone or the equivalent, research projects, business plans, or other work of note.

Students may also elect to submit results of AP exams, SAT Subject Tests, IB courses, or A-Level courses on an optional and self-reported basis.

Transfer Credit

If admitted, the Dean of Students office will provide you with an initial evaluation of your transfer credits. We recommend you submit your transfer credit materials when you apply for admission in order to receive an initial credit evaluation in a timely manner. These materials include the Transfer of Credit form and syllabi for each course you would like to receive a credit evaluation, all of which can be submitted in your UChicago Account. Learn more about how UChicago considers transfer credit and how to submit your coursework for evaluation.

Academic Requirements

Transfer students must attend the University of Chicago for at least two academic years (six quarters) and complete the Core curriculum , along with more than half of their major requirements bearing UChicago course numbers. Certain College-sponsored study abroad programs (chiefly the Civilizations study abroad programs) may be used to meet these requirements.

Starting the summer before matriculation in the College, transfer students may not earn additional credits from schools other than the University of Chicago, except through direct-enrollment study abroad programs sponsored by UChicago. However, these courses will not count toward the residency or course requirements. Most transfer students can complete their studies with no more than one extra quarter beyond the usual four college years, although this may depend on how coursework completed elsewhere fits into the structure of a UChicago degree program.

If you would like to visit the University to study for one year or less before returning to another institution, you should apply as a student-at-large . Students who already have a bachelor’s degree are not eligible to apply to the undergraduate College at the University of Chicago, as the College does not grant second bachelor’s degrees. However, you are welcome to pursue a  graduate degree  or apply as a  graduate-student-at-large  through the  Graham School of General Studies.

Academic Opportunities for Incoming Transfer Students

Incoming transfer students are invited to take classes during the summer before matriculation through Summer Quarter and/or September Term, and will receive information about how to register for these courses in late Spring. Learn more online about Summer Quarter and September Term course offerings.

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Opinion Guest Essay

This Is Peak College Admissions Insanity

Credit... Illustrations by Pete Gamlen

Supported by

By Daniel Currell

Mr. Currell, a lawyer and consultant, was a deputy under secretary and senior adviser at the Department of Education from 2018 to 2021. He is a trustee of Gustavus Adolphus College.

• May 1, 2024

Selective college admissions have been a vortex of anxiety and stress for what seems like forever, inducing panic in more top high school seniors each year. But the 2023-24 admissions season was not just an incremental increase in the frantic posturing and high-pressure guesswork that make this annual ritual seem like academic Hunger Games. This year was different. A number of factors — some widely discussed, some little noticed — combined to push the process into a new realm in which the old rules didn’t apply and even the gatekeepers seemed not to know what the new rules were.

It happened, as these things often do, first gradually and then all at once.

It started with a precipitous rise in the number of people clamoring to get in. The so-called Ivy-Plus schools — the eight members of the Ivy League plus M.I.T., Duke, Chicago and Stanford — collectively received about 175,000 applications in 2002. In 2022, the most recent year for which totals are available, they got more than 590,000, with only a few thousand more available spots.

The quality of the applicants has risen also. In 2002, the nation produced 134 perfect ACT scores ; in 2023 there were 2,542 . Over the same period, the United States — and beyond it, the world — welcomed a great many more families into the ranks of the wealthy, who are by far the most likely to attend an elite college. Something had to give.

The first cracks appeared around the rules that had long governed the process and kept it civilized, obligating colleges to operate on the same calendar and to give students time to consider all offers before committing. A legal challenge swept the rules away, freeing the most powerful schools to do pretty much whatever they wanted.

One clear result was a drastic escalation in the formerly niche admissions practice known as early decision.

Then Covid swept through, forcing colleges to let students apply without standardized test scores — which, as the university consultant Ben Kennedy says, “tripled the number of kids who said to themselves, ‘Hey, I’ve got a shot at admission there.’” More applications, more market power for the schools and, for the students, an ever smaller chance of getting in.

Last year, the Supreme Court’s historic decision ending race-based affirmative action left colleges scrambling for new ways to preserve diversity and students groping in the dark to figure out what schools wanted.

Finally, this year the whole financial aid system exploded into spectacular disarray. Now, a month after most schools sent out the final round of acceptances, many students still don’t have the information they need to determine if they can afford college. Some will delay attending, and some will forgo it entirely, an outcome that will have lasting implications for them and, down the line, for the economy as a whole.

These disparate changes had one crucial thing in common: Almost all of them strengthened the hand of highly selective colleges, allowing them to push applicants into more constricted choices with less information and less leverage. The result is that elite admissions offices, which have always tried to reduce the uncertainty in each new year’s decisions, are now using their market power to all but eliminate it. This means taking no chances in pursuit of a high yield, the status-bestowing percentage of admitted students who enroll. But low uncertainty for elite colleges means the opposite for applicants — especially if they can’t pay the full tuition rate.

Canh Oxelson, the executive director of college counseling at the Horace Mann School in New York, says: “This is as much uncertainty as we’ve ever seen. Affirmative action, the FAFSA debacle, test-optionality — it has shown itself in this one particular year. Colleges want certainty, and they are getting more. Families want certainty and they are getting less.”

In 2024, the only applicants who could be certain of an advantage were those whose parents had taken the wise precaution of being rich.

The Early Bird Gets the Dorm

For Ivy Wydler, an elite college seemed like an obvious destination, and many of her classmates at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School in Washington, D.C., were headed along the same trajectory. After her sophomore year of high school, she took the ACT and got a perfect score — on her first try, a true rarity. Her grades were stellar. So she set her sights high, favoring “medium to big schools, and not too cold.”

Touring campuses, she was dazzled by how great and exciting it all seemed. Then she visited Duke, and something clicked. She applied in the binding early decision round.

It’s a consequential choice. Students can do so at only one college, and they have to promise to attend if accepted, before knowing what the school’s financial aid offer will be. That means there is at least a chance an applicant will be on the hook for the full cost, which at Duke is $86,886 for the 2024-25 year. Students couldn’t be legally compelled to attend if they couldn’t afford it, but by the time they got the news, they would have already had to withdraw their other applications.

If full tuition isn’t a deal killer, as it wouldn’t be for Ivy’s family, the rewards are considerable. This year, just over 54,000 high school seniors vied to be one of only 1,750 members of Duke’s incoming class. The 6,000 who applied in the early decision round were three times as likely to get in as the 48,000 who applied later.

Until recently, early decision was a narrow pathway — an outlier governed, like the rest of this annual academic mating season, by a set of mandatory practices laid out by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, which is made up of college admissions officers and high school counselors. Those rules said, for example, that colleges couldn’t recruit a student who was already committed to another school or actively encourage someone to transfer. Crucially, the rules said that colleges needed to give students until May 1 to decide among offers (noting early decision, which begins and ends in the fall, as a “recognized exception”).

The Justice Department thought those rules ran afoul of the Sherman Antitrust Act, which bars powerful industries from colluding to restrain competition. At the end of 2019, NACAC agreed to a settlement mandating that the organization “promptly abolish” several of the rules and downgrade the rest to voluntary guidelines. Now, if they chose to, colleges had license to lure students with special offers or benefits, to aggressively poach students at other schools and to tear up the traditional admissions calendar.

At that point, nothing restrained colleges from going all in on early decision, a strategy that allows them to lock in students early without making any particular commitments about financial aid. Of the 735 first-year students that Middlebury College enrolled last year, for example, 516 were admitted via binding early decision. Some schools have a second round of early decision, and even what amounts to an unofficial third round — along with an array of other application pathways, each with its own terms and conditions.

With the rules now abandoned, colleges got a whole new bag of tricks. For example, a school might call — at any time in the process — with a one-time offer of admission if you can commit on the spot to attend and let go of all other prospects. Hesitate and it’s gone, along with your chances in subsequent rounds. “We hear about colleges that are putting pressure on high school seniors to send in a deposit sooner to get better courses or housing options,” says Sara Harberson, the founder of Application Nation, a college advising service.

To inform these maneuvers, colleges lean on consultants who analyze applicant demographics, qualifications, financial status and more, using econometric models. High school seniors think this is checkers, but the schools know it’s chess. This has all become terrifying for students, who are first-time players in a game their opponents invented.

Application season can be particularly intimidating for students who, unlike Ivy, did not grow up on the elite college conveyor belt. When Rania Khan, a senior in Gorton High School in Yonkers, N.Y., was in middle school, she and her mother spent two years in a shelter near Times Square. Since then she and her younger brother have been in the foster system. Despite these challenges, she has been a superb student. In ninth grade, Rania got an internship at Google and joined a research team at Regeneron, a biotechnology company. She won a national award for her study of how sewage treatment chemicals affect river ecosystems. Looking at colleges, she saw that her scores and credentials matched with those of students at the very top schools in the country.

One of the schools she was most drawn to was Barnard. “I like that it’s both a small college and” — because it’s part of Columbia — “a big university. There are a lot of resources, and it’s a positive environment for women,” she said. And it would keep her close to her little brother.

Barnard now fills around 60 percent of its incoming class in the early decision round, giving those students a massive admissions advantage. It would have been an obvious option for Rania, but she can’t take any chances financially. She applied via the general decision pool, when instead of having a one in three chance, her odds were one in 20.

Officially, anyone can apply for early decision. In practice it’s priority boarding for first-class passengers.

Unstandardized Testing

When selective colleges suspended the requirement for standardized testing, it didn’t really seem like a choice; because of the pandemic, a great many students simply couldn’t take the tests. The implications, however, went far beyond mere plague-year logistics.

The SAT was rolled out in 1926 as an objective measure of students’ ability, absent the cultural biases that had so strongly informed college admissions before then. It’s been the subject of debate almost ever since. In 1980, Ralph Nader published a study alleging that the standardized testing regimen actually reinforced racial and gender bias and favored people who could afford expensive test prep. Many educators have come back around to regarding the tests as a good predictor of academic success, but the matter is far from settled.

Remarkably, students still take the exams in the same numbers as before the pandemic, but far fewer disclose what they got. Cindy Zarzuela, an adviser with the nonprofit Yonkers Partners in Education who works with Rania and about 90 other students, said all her students took the SAT this year. None of them sent their scores to colleges.

These days, Cornell, for example, admits roughly 40 percent of its incoming class without a test score. At schools like the University of Wisconsin or the University of Connecticut , the percentage is even higher. In California, schools rarely accept scores at all, being in many cases not only test-optional, but also “test-blind.”

The high-water mark of test-optionality, however, was also its undoing.

Applicants tended to submit their scores only if they were above the school’s reported median, a pattern that causes that median to be recalibrated higher and higher each year. When Cornell went test-optional, its 25th percentile score on the math SAT jumped from 720 to 750. Then it went to 760. The ceiling is 800, so standardized tests had begun to morph from a system of gradients into a yes/no question: Did you get a perfect score? If not, don’t mention it.

The irony, however, was that in the search for a diverse student body, many elite colleges view strong-but-not-stellar test scores as proof that a student from an underprivileged background could do well despite lacking the advantages of the kids from big suburban high schools and fancy prep schools. Without those scores, it might be harder to make the case .

Multiply that across the board, and the result was that test-optional policies made admission to an elite school less likely for some diverse or disadvantaged applicants. Georgetown and M.I.T. were first to reinstate test score requirements, and so far this year Harvard, Yale, Brown, Caltech, Dartmouth and Cornell have announced that they will follow. There may be more to come.

The Power of No

On Dec. 14, Ivy got an answer from Duke: She was rejected.

She was in extremely good company. It’s been a while since top students could assume they’d get into top schools, but today they get rejected more often than not. It even happens at places like Northeastern, a school now ranked 53rd in the nation by U.S. News & World Report — and not long ago, more than 100 slots lower than that. It spends less per student on instruction than the Boston public schools .

“There’s no target school anymore and no safety school,” says Stef Mauler , a private admissions coach in Texas. “You have to have a strategy for every school you apply to.”

Northeastern was one of the 18 other schools Ivy applied to, carefully sifting through various deadlines and conditions, mapping out her strategy. With Duke out of the picture, her thoughts kept returning to one of them in particular: Dartmouth, her father’s alma mater. “My mom said, ‘Ivy, you love New Hampshire. Look at Dartmouth.’ She was right.” She had wanted to go someplace warm, but the idea of cold weather seemed to be bothering her less and less.

Meanwhile Rania watched as early decision day came and went, and thousands of high school seniors across the country got the best news of their lives. For Rania, it was just another Friday.

A Free Market in Financial Aid

In 2003, a consortium of about 20 elite colleges agreed to follow a shared formula for financial aid, to ensure that they were competing for students on the merits, not on mere dollars and cents. It sounds civilized, but pricing agreements are generally illegal for commercial ventures. (Imagine if car companies agreed not to underbid each other.) The colleges believed they were exempt from that prohibition, however, because they practiced “ need-blind ” admissions, meaning they don’t discriminate based on a student’s ability to pay.

In 2022, nine current and former students from an array of prestigious colleges filed a class-action antitrust lawsuit — later backed by the Justice Department — arguing that the consortium’s gentlemanly agreement was depriving applicants of the benefits of a free market. And to defang the defense, they produced a brilliant argument: No, these wealthy colleges didn’t discriminate against students who were poor, but they sure did discriminate in favor of students who were rich. They favored the children of alumni and devoted whole development offices to luring the kinds of ultrarich families that affix their names to shiny new buildings. It worked: Early this year, Brown, Columbia, Duke, Emory and Yale joined the University of Chicago in conceding , and paying out a nine-figure settlement. (They deny any wrongdoing.) Several other schools are playing on, but the consortium and its rules have evaporated.

This set schools free to undercut one another on price in order to get their preferred students. It also gave the schools a further incentive to push for early decision, when students don’t have the ability to compare offers.

For almost anyone seeking financial aid, from the most sought-after first-round pick to the kid who just slid under the wire, the first step remained the same: They had to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, or FAFSA.

As anyone knows who’s been through it — or looked into the glassy eyes of someone else who has — applying for financial aid can be torture at the best of times. This year was the worst of times, because FAFSA was broken. The form, used by the government to determine who qualifies for federal grants or student loans, and by many colleges to determine their in-house financial aid, had gotten a much-needed overhaul. But the new version didn’t work , causing endless frustration for many families, and convincing many others not even to bother. At mid-April, finished FAFSA applications were down 29 percent compared with last year.

“The FAFSA catastrophe is bigger than people realize,” says Casey Sacks , a former U.S. Department of Education official and now the president of BridgeValley Community and Technical College in West Virginia, where 70 percent of students receive federal funds.

Abigail Garcia , Rania’s classmate and the 2024 valedictorian of their school, applied to in-state public colleges as well as Ivies. She couldn’t complete the FAFSA, however, because it rejected her parents’ information, the most common glitch. She has financial aid offers from elite schools, all of which use a private alternative to the government form, but she can’t weigh them against the public institutions, because they are so severely delayed.

For most students, 2024’s FAFSA crisis looks set to take the uncertainty that began last fall and drag it into the summer or beyond. “That’s going to reduce the work force in two to four years.” Ms. Sacks says. “FAFSA completions are a pretty good leading indicator of how many people will be able to start doing the kinds of jobs that are in highest demand — registered nurses, manufacturing engineers, those kinds of jobs.”

As the FAFSA problem rolls on, it could be that for the system as a whole, the worst is still to come.

Can Any of This Be Fixed?

On the numbers, elite college applicants’ problems are a footnote to the story of college access. The Ivy-Plus schools enroll less than 1 percent of America’s roughly 15 million undergraduates . If you expand the pool to include all colleges that are selective enough to accept less than a quarter of applicants, we’re still talking about only 6 percent of undergraduates. The easiest way to alleviate the traffic jam at the top is to shift our cultural focus toward the hundreds of schools that offer an excellent education but are not luxury brands.

Luxury brand schools, however, have real power. In 2023, 15 of 32 Rhodes scholars came from the Ivies, nine from Harvard alone. Twenty of this year’s 38 Supreme Court clerks came from Harvard or Yale. If elite colleges’ selection process is broken, what should we do to fix it?

Here’s what we can’t do: Let them go off and agree on their own solution. Antitrust law exists to prevent dominant players from setting their own rules to the detriment of consumers and competitors.

Here’s what we won’t do: Legislate national rules that govern admissions. Our systems are decentralized and it would take a miracle for Congress not to make things worse.

But here’s what we can do: Hold the schools accountable for their processes and their decisions.

Institutions that receive federal funds — which include all elite colleges — should be required to clearly state their admissions criteria. Admissions as currently practiced are designed to let schools whose budgets run on billions of taxpayers dollars do whatever they want. Consider Stanford’s guidance to applicants: “In a holistic review, we seek to understand how you, as a whole person, would grow, contribute and thrive at Stanford, and how Stanford would, in turn, be changed by you.” This perfectly encapsulates the current system, because it is meaningless.

Colleges should also not be allowed to make anyone decide whether to attend without knowing what it will actually cost, and they should not be allowed to offer better odds to those who forgo that information. They should not offer admissions pathways tilted to favor the rich, any more than they should offer pathways favoring people who are white.

It just shouldn’t be this hard. Really.

The Envelope Please …

Ivy has the highest academic qualifications available inside the conventional system, and her family can pay full tuition. Once upon a time, she would have had her pick of top colleges. Not this year.

Over the course of the whole crazy admissions season, the school she had come to care about most was Dartmouth.

Along with the other seven Ivies, Dartmouth released this year’s admissions decisions online on March 28, at 7 p.m. Eastern. Ivy was traveling that day, and as the moment approached, she said, “I was on the bed in my hotel room, just repeating, ‘People love me for who I am, not what I do. People love me for who I am, not what I do.’”

She was rejected by Duke, Vanderbilt, Stanford, Columbia and the University of Southern California, where Operation Varsity Blues shenanigans could once guarantee acceptance but, as Ivy discovered, a perfect score on the ACT will not. She landed on the wait list at Northeastern. She was accepted by Michigan and Johns Hopkins. And Ivy was accepted at both her parents’ alma maters: the University of Virginia and Dartmouth, where she will start in September.

For Rania, the star student with an extraordinary story of personal resilience, the news was not so good. At Barnard, she was remanded to the wait list. Last year only 4 percent of students in that position were eventually let in. N.Y.U. and the City University of New York’s medical college put her on the wait list, too.

A spot on a wait list tells applicants that they were good enough to get in. By the time Rania applied to these schools, there just wasn’t any room. “It was definitely a shock,” she said. “What was I missing? They just ran out of space — there are so many people trying to get into these places. It took two weeks to adjust to it.”

She did get lots of other good news, a sheaf of acceptances from schools like Fordham and the University at Albany. But then came the hardest question of all: How to pay for them? Some offered her a financial aid package that would leave her on the hook for more money than undergraduates are allowed to take out in federal student loans. Even now, some colleges haven’t been able to provide her with financial aid information at all.

Rania had all but settled on Hunter College, part of the City University system. It’s an excellent school, but a world away from the elite colleges she was thinking about when she started her search. Then at almost the last moment, Wesleyan came through with a full ride and even threw in some extra for expenses. Rania accepted, gratefully.

For Rania, the whole painful roller coaster of a year was over. For so many other high school seniors, the year of broken college admissions continues.

Daniel Currell, a lawyer and consultant, was a deputy under secretary and senior adviser at the Department of Education from 2018 to 2021. He is a trustee of Gustavus Adolphus College.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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