University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is a private research university located in Chicago, Illinois. Renowned for its rigorous Core Curriculum, commitment to free expression, and vibrant academic environment, UChicago offers top-tier undergraduate programs across the humanities, social sciences, and STEM fields.
Acceptance rate
4.0%
Undergrad enrollment
7,519
Test policy
Test optional
Application fee
$90
Application deadlines
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early DecisionEarly Decision I | November 2, 2026 |
| Early ActionEarly Action | November 2, 2026 |
| Financial AidFinancial Aid (Early Action & Early Decision I) | November 15, 2026 |
| Early Decision IIEarly Decision II | January 4, 2027 |
| Regular DecisionRegular Decision | January 4, 2027 |
| Financial AidFinancial Aid (Early Decision II) | January 15, 2027 |
| Financial AidFinancial Aid (Regular Decision) | February 15, 2027 |
| TransferTransfer Early Decision Priority / Transfer Priority | March 1, 2027 |
| TransferTransfer Early Decision Final | March 15, 2027 |
| TransferTransfer Rolling Final Deadline | June 1, 2027 |
Supplemental essay prompts
How does the University of Chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future? Please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to UChicago.
The James Webb Space Telescope, launched in 2021, utilized origami-inspired techniques to compactly store and deploy its sunshield in space. Choose an artistic practice and use its principles to propose an elegant solution to a problem.
Sometimes metaphors get mixed up. For one reason or another, one could say, “we'll burn that bridge when we get there” or “the world is your china shop”. Make up your own mixed metaphor. Explain how it could make sense, be understood, or even applied.
The Olympics have long celebrated the pinnacle of human athletic achievement. But what if they expanded to honor the mundane? Imagine a new Olympic event built around an everyday activity like speed dishwashing or competitive grocery bagging. How is it scored, officiated, and judged? Why is it a worthy addition?
AI: Allen Iverson. NASA, or the North American Saxophone Alliance. Share a potentially confounding, comedic, or captivating example of MIA (Mistaken Identity of Acronym) and tell us its backstory.
And, as always… the classic choose your own adventure option! In the spirit of adventurous inquiry, choose one of our past prompts (or create a question of your own). Be original, creative, thought provoking. Draw on your best qualities as a writer, thinker, visionary, social critic, sage, citizen of the world, or future citizen of the University of Chicago; take a little risk, and have fun!