University of Chicago

Entire fields of study such as ecology and sociology were established by the University of Chicago, so it’s hardly surprising that the College is home to some of the most venerated academic programs in the world.

 Focused on careful reading, analytical writing, and critical thinking, UChicago’s Core Curriculum is the perfect foundation for any major and all future endeavors. The university grants Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in 52 academic majors and 46 minors. These are divided into five academic divisions: The Biological Sciences Collegiate Division, the Physical Sciences Collegiate Division, the Social Sciences Collegiate Division, the Humanities Collegiate Division, and the New Collegiate Division.

 Undergraduates can choose to study anything from astrophysics to molecular engineering, as well as a range of liberal arts, social sciences, anthropology, music, and language-focused degrees. Students choose electives from more than 3,000 courses offered in the College each year, and over 40% study abroad through nearly 60 faculty-designed and taught programs. UChicago also sponsors a wealth of undergraduate research opportunities in programs ranging from economics and psychology to astrophysics and sociology. More than 160 institutes and centers provide a home for true innovation.

 About 60 per cent of undergraduate students live on campus, in one of seven residence halls. These are divided into Harry Potter-esque “houses”, communities of affiliated faculty, staff, and students who all live, eat, debate, and play together. In total, there are 39 houses with a maximum of 105 students in each one. Each house also has its own unique traditions and customs, something which the university says is intended to encourage residents to feel pride in where they live.

 Undergraduate accommodation and the communities within it are intended to provide important social and intellectual outlets where spontaneous conversation and structured programming enrich the academic pursuits of students and faculty.

 As is to be expected with a top school, UChicago is highly selective, with only eight percent of applicants accepted. Candidates apply to the undergraduate College, which includes all majors, minors, and programs of study. UChicago accepts the Coalition or Common Application. Both ask for basic information about your background, academic profile, extracurricular activities, as well as a brief personal statement. You will also need to submit a secondary school report and transcript; two teacher evaluations; standardized test scores; and an application fee of US$75. UChicago also offers a test optional method of application and does not charge an application fee for students applying for need-based financial aid, veterans, or veteran dependents.

 On top of this, you must also tackle the supplementary essay, which contains questions that are designed to be provocative and thought-provoking. International candidates must also submit English language proficiency test scores. Fees and tuition for all applicants for the 2020-2021 academic year is US$57,642.

 Fortunately, the University of Chicago offers financial aid that can contribute up to 100 per cent of a family’s demonstrated need, as well as merit scholarships. Thanks to the university’s three scholarship and access initiative programs—UChicago Stand Together, No Barriers, and UChicago Empower—most students graduate debt-free, no matter their chosen major or background prior to enrollment.

Graduate research and professional training have been part of the University of Chicago's history from its inception. It has more than 100 graduate programs in four graduate divisions (biological sciences, humanities, physical sciences, and the social sciences) as well as eight professional and continuing education schools such as the Pritzker School of Medicine, the Booth School of Business, the University of Chicago Law School, and the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering.

 Chicago is one of the world’s premier research universities, and graduate students gain access to some of the world’s most innovative scholars and facilities, such as the three major affiliated laboratories, the Argonne National Library, Fermi National Accelerator Library, and the Marine Biological Laboratory.

 As well as a wide range of doctoral programs there are also master’s degrees that either terminate after one or two years or lead students towards further doctoral study.

 Each school and division of the University of Chicago has its own form of application, and since study is so specialized at graduate level most programs have their own way of deciding which applicants they wish to admit.

 Generally, an application to UChicago graduate school will mean completing an online application form and submitting university transcripts, GRE and subject test scores, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, an up-to-date resume, and any additional material (e.g. essays) that may be required.

 International students may also have to submit the results of standardized English language tests. The progress of an application can be tracked online, and the university advises students to apply as early as possible.

 UChicago helps graduate and professional school students pay for their education in manifold ways. The cost of programs varies, but in the humanities division work out at around $11,000 per quarter for the first four years, and $3,500 per quarter for years five to 12. Most PhD students receive a full, five-year package, however, which includes tuition and a generous stipend.

 Master’s programs cost around $3,759 per quarter per course. Funding arrangements differ, from the doctoral level, with many master’s programs offering merit-based aid awards and a few offering need-based funding aid.