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University of Chicago Admissions Requirements?

Hi folks! I'm a junior and the University of Chicago is on my list of schools to apply to. I'd love to know more about their admission requirements and what types of students they accept. Any advice or experiences are more than welcome!

9 months ago

Hello! The University of Chicago is a highly selective institution, and understanding the admissions requirements is an essential part of crafting a successful application. Here's a general overview of what they look for in applicants:

1. Academics: UChicago values students with strong academic records, which means they'll pay attention to your GPA, transcript, and the rigor of your high school coursework. They want to see that you've challenged yourself with advanced courses such as AP, IB, or dual enrollment classes.

2. Standardized Tests: For the 2024-2025 application cycle, University of Chicago remains test-optional, which means you are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, at such a selective school, you generally want to showcase your strengths in as many ways as possible, so including a test score with your application could still be wise. For detailed guidance on how to navigate test-optional policies, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional

3. Letters of Recommendation: UChicago requires two letters of recommendation from teachers in different core academic subjects. You'll also want to request a Counselor Recommendation, which speaks to your overall growth and accomplishments, and provides context about your achievements within your high school.

4. Essays: UChicago is known for its creative and thought-provoking essay prompts. They require a personal statement and a supplemental essay. These essays are your chance to showcase your personality, critical thinking skills, and writing abilities. Make sure to take your time crafting unique and engaging responses. CollegeVine's blog contains detailed breakdowns of how to tackle both the personal statement and UChicago's school-specific supplements:

- Personal statement: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-common-application-essays

- Supplements: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-uchicago-essays-2023-2024 (note that the prompts change from year to year - CollegeVine will release a post breaking down the new prompts when they are released in August, but last year's breakdown will give you a general sense of what the supplements are typically like)

5. Extracurricular Activities: UChicago looks for well-rounded students with a "spike" or demonstrated passion in a particular field that sets them apart from even other qualified applicants. They want to see involvement in extracurriculars that highlight your interests and show your leadership potential. Quality of involvement is more important than quantity.

6. Demonstrating Interest: While demonstrated interest is unlikely to be the deciding factor for your application, UChicago does consider it, so you'll want to connect with the admissions office, attend virtual events, or visit the campus if possible. Beyond demonstrating interest, these steps can provide valuable insight for your essays, which will allow you to build a stronger connection between yourself and the school.

UChicago aims to build a diverse class of students who excel academically, are intellectually curious, and possess unique talents and experiences. While there's no exact formula for gaining admission to such a selective school, being aware of these requirements and focusing on showcasing your best self through each piece of your application should help you maximize your chances.

Best of luck with your application process!

9 months ago

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.