Discover endless chances at the University of Chicago! Find out about our special programs, exciting campus activities, and famous teachers. Become part of a varied group of learners and thinkers from all over the world. Begin your path to great learning and cultural experiences with our process for admitting international students today! This post shall guide you through International Students Admission to University of Chicago.
An Overview of University of Chicago
The University of Chicago, often called UChicago or Chicago, is a private research university in Chicago, Illinois. Its main campus is in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago.
The university has different parts: an undergraduate college and four divisions for graduate research. These divisions also have all the graduate programs and groups that study different subjects together. It also has eight professional schools, including the Law School, Booth School of Business, and Pritzker School of Medicine. Additionally, it has campuses and centers in London, Paris, Beijing, Delhi, Hong Kong, as well as downtown Chicago.
Professors as well as students from the University of Chicago have been very important in creating new ideas in many subjects like economics, law, math, and sociology. The university’s Metallurgical Laboratory did the first human-made nuclear reaction in Chicago Pile-1. They also helped develop the carbon-14 dating method. The university manages places like Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory as well as the Argonne National Laboratory.
A lot of famous people have been part of the University of Chicago community. It has had 99 Nobel laureates, 10 Fields Medalists, 4 Turing Award winners, and many more.
See also: International Students Admission to Duke University
International Students Admission to University of Chicago
At UChicago, students from over 100 countries make up 24% of the student body, bringing diversity and valuable perspectives to campus discussions. If you’re an international student applying, your application process is the same as any other first-year applicant. The university also looks at your application based on where you went to high school, no matter your citizenship. For financial aid, if you’re not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you’re considered an international applicant, regardless of where you live or go to school.
First Year Applicant for International Students Admission to University of Chicago
All first-year students, including QuestBridge applicants, home-schooled applicants, and veterans, need to submit the following application materials. International students applying as first-years can check the international applicants page for a list of required materials specific to them. Except for prospective students-at-large, applicants can only apply for entry in the Autumn Quarter. We shall now talk about some major requirements from International First Year Applicant;
See also: International Students Admission to Brown University
Application for Admission and Supplement Essays
To apply to the University of Chicago, you’ll need to choose between two application platforms: Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir, or the Common Application. Both include the University of Chicago Supplement. You’ll also need to create a UChicago Account, where you can submit information and check your admissions decision.
Extracurricular Activities
List all the activities you do outside of class, whether it’s a club, hobby, part-time job, or family responsibility. Colleges want to see what’s meaningful to you, so there’s no specific expectation. You don’t need certificates to prove participation. If you need more space to list activities, you can provide further details in the Additional Information section.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement is your chance to share your ideas and present yourself. Make sure it’s suitable for all the schools you’re applying to, as it will be sent to all of them through the Common or Coalition Application. Proofread your essay and have someone you trust review it before submitting.
See also: International Students Admission to Carleton College
UChicago Supplement
For the UChicago Supplement, you’ll write one extended essay from a list of prompts and a short essay on why you want to attend the University of Chicago. You can find the Supplement on Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir, or the Common Application.
Your UChicago Account
You can create a UChicago Account before or after starting your application through the Coalition or Common Application. If you start with either of those, you’ll receive instructions via email on setting up your UChicago Account. With your UChicago Account, you can update your profile, apply for financial aid, upload materials, and check your admissions decision.
See also: International Students Admission to Oregon State University
Application Fee and Waiver
If you’re applying for need-based financial aid at the University of Chicago, there’s no application fee. However, for those not seeking financial aid, there’s a $75 fee. You can also pay this fee online through Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir, or the Common Application using a credit card.
If you prefer to pay by check or money order, make sure to also include a note with your full name and address. Mail the payment to the College Admissions Office at the address below before the application deadline:
The Office of College Admissions
Attn. Matt Cowell
1101 E. 58th St.
Rosenwald 005
Chicago, IL 60637
See also: International Students Admission to University of Kansas
Secondary school Report and Transcripts
To complete your application to the University of Chicago, you’ll need your secondary school counselor or a teacher/administrator to submit the Secondary School Report along with an official transcript. If you don’t have a counselor, someone else from your school can submit these documents, or you can even do it yourself.
Secondary School Report
This report gives us an overview of your high school academic record. Counselors can submit it online through Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir, or the Common Application. They can also print and submit it on paper, even if you apply online.
High School Transcript
Your official transcript should detail all your coursework and grades throughout high school. It’s like a roadmap of your academic journey. We’ll be looking at your performance over all four years, focusing on your course selection and how well you did in those courses. We understand that opportunities vary between schools, so don’t worry if you didn’t have access to certain classes or programs.
See also: International Students Admission to Colby College
If you’ve taken courses at a different school or college, make sure to have those grades sent too, either on your current transcript or separately.
Transcripts in languages other than English should come with a certified translation and grading scale.
Self-Submitted Transcripts
You can use self-submitted or official transcripts for your application. There’s no need to submit official transcripts unless you’re admitted and decide to enroll. If you have a copy of your transcript, you can fax, mail, or upload it through your UChicago Account. We understand that ordering transcripts can be costly, so we’re flexible in accepting self-submitted ones.
Letters of Recommendation
To complete your application to the University of Chicago, you’ll need two recommendations from teachers who have taught you in academic subjects. For first-year applicants, these should be high school teachers, and for transfer applicants, they should be college instructors.
See also: International Student Admission to Indiana University Bloomington
Academic subjects include math, social studies, history, science, English or literature, foreign language, or any class involving substantial reading, writing, or class discussion. If you’re unsure about a particular course, you can contact your regional Admissions Counselor for clarification.
Choose teachers who know you well and can talk positively about your classroom contributions, academic interests, and interactions with classmates. It’s not necessarily about the teacher who gave you the best grades, but rather who knows your academic personality best and thinks highly of you. Consider having a brief conversation with your recommender to provide context on your educational plans, which can help them write a more detailed letter.
Remember, teachers often write these letters on their own time without pay, so it’s a good idea to write them a thank-you note.
See also: International Students Admission to Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Submitting Letters of Recommendation
Teachers and counselors can submit their letters online through Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir, or the Common Application. They can also print and submit them on paper. Letters must come directly from the recommender and should not be sent by the applicant. They can be added to your application after the deadline.
If your recommender prefers to write in a language other than English, they can do so, but they should include a translation.
Supplemental Recommendations
If you feel like one additional letter would provide a fuller picture of who you are, you can submit it from another teacher, employer, role model, youth leader, or friend. However, this isn’t expected, and it’s important to consider the time commitment for the recommender before asking.
See also: International Students Admission to Haverford College
Financial Aid for International Students Admission to University of Chicago
For U.S. citizens and permanent residents applying to the College, submitting an application for financial aid isn’t required for admission consideration. However, if you plan to apply for need-based financial aid, it’s recommended to do so at the same time as your admission application. This also allows you to factor your financial aid package into your college decision process.
Once admitted, regardless of nationality, UChicago pledges to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need throughout your four years with a grant-based financial aid package. These packages don’t also include loans.
See also: International Students Admission to University of Maryland
Domestic Financial Aid Application Materials
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Prior-prior year’s tax returns (including schedules and W-2 forms)
- UChicago-Specific Financial Aid Worksheet (can substitute College Board’s CSS Profile)
International Applicants
UChicago commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated need for international students. They also undergo the same contextual review as domestic applicants, but international students must submit a financial aid application before admission if they anticipate needing aid while enrolled.
See also: International Students Admission to University of Wisconsin-Madison
International Financial Aid Application Materials
- The International Financial Aid Worksheet
- Supporting documentation of family income and assets
Transfer Applicants
For transfer students, financial aid availability impacts admissions decisions. Transfer applications are reviewed holistically, and need-based aid applications are considered at the end of the process. International transfer applicants aren’t eligible for need-based aid.
See also: International Students Admission to Colorado College
Conclusion
At the University of Chicago, we love having lots of different people and ideas from all over the world. We’re here to help you as you start your learning adventure. We have amazing teachers, great tools, and a lively community, so your time here will really change you for the better. Come join us at the University of Chicago and be part of a friendly and diverse place where you can do anything you set your mind to.
See also: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-chicago-1774