University of Chicago

There is no minimum GPA, but UChicago admits are near the top of their class: enrolled first-years who reported a GPA averaged about 4.54 on a weighted scale, and among the roughly 32% who submitted a class rank, 97% were in the top tenth of their graduating class. The rigor of your secondary school record is weighed as a very important admission factor, while GPA itself is listed as considered.

The University of Chicago admitted about 4.5% of applicants in the most recent cycle, offering admission to roughly 2,039 of more than 45,000 applicants and enrolling about 1,786 first-year students. That makes it one of the most selective universities in the country.

No. UChicago is test-optional, so scores are considered if you submit them but are not required, and test scores are listed as only considered in admissions. Among enrolled students who did submit, the middle 50% scored between 1500 and 1560 on the SAT and 34 to 35 on the ACT.

A 1500 sits right at the bottom edge of UChicago's test-score range for enrolled students. The middle 50% scored 1500 to 1560 on the SAT (34 to 35 ACT), and nearly 97% of enrolled students who tested scored 1400 or above. Because UChicago is test-optional and rates the SAT/ACT as only considered, a strong application can still compete without a top score, but a submitted 1500 sits at the low end of the enrolled profile.

Both. UChicago offers binding Early Decision rounds alongside a non-binding, non-restrictive Early Action option. Early Decision commits you to enroll if admitted, while Early Action lets you keep your options open. The plan you choose does not change what is reviewed: rigor of record, essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, talent, and character are all weighed as very important factors.

Tuition and required fees run about $77,955 per year, with on-campus housing and food adding roughly $21,414 before books, transportation, and personal expenses. UChicago meets 100% of demonstrated financial need; about 33% of students receive aid, and the average aid package is roughly $83,276.

Very. UChicago rates the application essay as a very important factor, on the same tier as rigor of your record, recommendations, extracurriculars, talent, and character. With an admit rate near 4.5%, the essays are one of the few places a strong applicant can stand out, and interviews and demonstrated interest are not considered at all.

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The social sciences are by far the most popular area at about 37% of bachelor's degrees, reflecting UChicago's strength in economics and political science. The humanities follow at about 16%, then the sciences at 14%, mathematics and statistics at 9%, and computer science at 7%.