Frequently Asked Questions

Source: https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/contact/uchicago-admissions-faq/

Have questions about applying to UChicago? Our Frequently Asked Questions cover academics and financial aid to essays, recommendations, and special circumstances. Whether you're a first-year, gap year, or transfer applicant—or planning a campus visit—you should find answers to common questions here.

Academics and Standardized Testing

• What is your minimum GPA or required SAT or ACT score?

• What if my school does not report class rank or GPA?

• What does no harm testing mean?

• I was unable to take the SAT or ACT due to a test date cancellation. Can I still apply to UChicago?

• I've taken the SAT or ACT more than once. Should I send all my test scores?

• Is there a score cut off at which I should opt out of submitting my ACT or SAT?

• If I had SAT or ACT scores sent before applying, can my application be reviewed without considering these scores?

• If UChicago practices a no harm testing policy, in what situation would I ever apply as a test-optional applicant?

• Does UChicago not see a value in standardized testing?

• Will you consider the new digital SAT differently than past SATs?

• Can I self-report my test scores or my transcript?

• Do you grant credit for AP and IB scores? For college-level classes taken in high school?

Essays, Recommendations, and Supplemental Materials

• What types of supplemental materials can I submit?

• What counts as an academic achievement of note in considering what to include in my application?

• Does UChicago require a counselor letter of recommendation?

• Can I submit supplemental letters of recommendation?

• Is there a word limit or suggested word limit for the supplemental essays?

• How do I make sure that UChicago has received all of my required application documents?

• Can I participate in an interview as part of my application?

• Is the video profile required?

• Does my video need to be produced/edited/scripted?

Financial Aid and Scholarships

• Do you offer financial aid?

• Do you offer merit awards or special scholarships?

Special Circumstances

• I had bad grades or a special circumstance that affected my performance in high school. Does this mean I won’t get in?

• I am taking the November SAT or October ACT as an Early Action or Early Decision I applicant, or the January SAT or February ACT as a Regular Decision or Early Decision II applicant. Will you consider these scores?

• I am interested in participating in a varsity sport. How can I contact a coach?

• Does the University of Chicago grant second bachelor’s degrees?

• Can I apply to UChicago for entry in the Winter or Spring Quarters?

• My school experience was disrupted or changed significantly during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Will this negatively impact my application to UChicago?

• I am not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, but have been living in the United States for some time or am in the process of obtaining a green card but have not yet received one. Am I considered an international student?

Visiting Campus

• Can I tour campus?

• Can I attend a class while visiting campus?

• I’m unable to travel to Chicago. How can I learn more about UChicago without a physical visit to campus?

Gap Years

• Can I choose to take a gap year after I’ve been admitted to UChicago?

Transfer Applications

• Am I eligible to apply as a transfer student?

• When do transfer students start at UChicago?

• Can I apply as a student-at-large, and apply as a transfer student later after taking some courses?

• What classes should I take now that will transfer to UChicago?

• Can you tell me which of my classes will transfer to UChicago?

• Is housing required for transfer students?

• I am having trouble getting in contact with former teachers. Who can I ask for letters of recommendation?

• I will have earned more than two years of college credit by the time I apply to UChicago. Can I still apply as a transfer?

• Can I double major as a transfer student?

• How much time will I have to complete my degree?

• What does UChicago offer for adult learners?

• What is the Mid-Term Report, and how do I submit it? What if I don’t yet have grades available for my current college coursework?

• What is the College/Transfer Report, and when and how do I submit it?

• My school has a policy against completing the College/Transfer Report. What should I do?

• UChicago asks for a written evaluation from an instructor for any coursework that was taken pass/fail. What does this entail? And how should this be submitted?