Application to Programs in the Divisions

This section discusses the following topics:

Addresses
Deadlines
International Students
Part-Time Study
Decisions
Students with Disabilities
Conditions of Acceptance
Application to Professional Schools

Candidates for admission to graduate programs in the divisions at the University of Chicago should address their inquiries, including requests for application forms, to the dean of students of the graduate division to which application is being made.

Contact information is found on the Admissions Contact Information page.

An applicant who holds a degree from an accredited institution is considered for admission on the basis of:

1. an undergraduate record,

2. a well-organized plan for graduate study,

3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and TOEFL scores, where required, and

4. recommendations from three college faculty members acquainted with the character, ability, potential, qualifications, and motivation of the applicant. Persons who have been away from school for several years may submit recommendations from employers, professional associates, or supervisors.

Certain departments of the University require additional credentials; details concerning these additional credentials are enclosed with the application form, or will be sent to candidates for admission after they have filed their applications.

Transcripts of all academic work should be submitted with the application if at all possible; the applicant should request each institution attended to provide an official transcript in a sealed envelope. Letters of recommendation should also be submitted with the application; each recommender should enclose the evaluation in sealed envelopes and put his or her signature across the sealed flap. Foreign records of university work may be certified copies of the original. More detailed instructions are included with the application. Every applicant is asked to study the general statement of the division he or she plans to enter and specific requirements of the proposed field of graduate study.

International Students. Students from abroad must submit, in addition to the usual credentials, proof of proficiency in English and documentation of all sources of financial support to cover their first year of expenses at the University. Only those students from abroad who hold the equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor’s Degree and whose academic record is excellent will be considered for admission.

Inquiries may be addressed to Office of International Affairs, Administration 223, 5801 Ellis Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, (773) 702-7752.

Application Deadlines

Applications for admission and for aid must be received by January 5 for the following autumn. Incomplete applications will be evaluated on the basis of materials received at the time of the regular review process.

Part-Time Study

Part-time study is more feasible in some fields than in others. The divisional dean of students can answer questions about opportunities for part-time study in particular departments. Student loans are available to students enrolled at least half-time. Applicants for part-time study are generally not eligible for scholarship assistance since priority in assigning limited University aid funds must necessarily go to full-time students.

Applicants who wish to begin their studies on a part-time basis should so indicate on their applications.

Decisions

Most admissions and aid decisions for the autumn quarter are mailed by mid-March. Students have until April 15 to accept or decline.

In agreement with the Resolution of the Council of Graduate Schools in the United States, a student who agrees to accept a scholarship, fellowship, traineeship, or graduate assistantship at the University of Chicago or at any of these schools prior to April 15 and subsequently desires to change plans may submit in writing a resignation of the appointment at any time through April 15 in order to accept another scholarship, fellowship, traineeship, or graduate assistantship, regardless of any understanding reached before then. This protects the student's right to select the offer that is most attractive.

Students with Disabilities

As soon as possible after having been admitted, students with disabilities should contact their area dean of students for the coordination of accommodations at the University. (See notice.)

Conditions of Acceptance

Acceptance of a scholarship or fellowship is conditional upon the student's agreement to devote full time to graduate study toward an advanced degree at the University of Chicago. In cases of students holding larger awards, special permission for remunerative work must be secured in advance through the divisional dean of students office.

Application to the Professional Schools

Students interested in the University's professional schools--the Graduate School of Business, the Divinity School, the Law School, the Pritzker School of Medicine, the Harris School of Public Policy Studies, or the School of Social Service Administration--should contact the admissions office of each school.

This text was last revised on 7/2/2001.