University of Chicago Acceptance Rate 2023, Admission, SAT/ACT, GPA, Tuition

What is the acceptance rate at the University of Chicago? What are the admission requirements at UChicago and the cost of attendance for undergraduates?

If you have been searching for answers to these questions above, here is a guide for the right answers.

The University of Chicago is one of America’s finest private institutions, one of the most selective in terms of acceptance rate.

The admission statistics show that the University of Chicago receives thousands of applications and only admits a few thousand.

Who gets into UChicago after each application is reviewed thoroughly? what does it take to join the community at UChicago and should I apply via Early Decision to increase my chances?

Stay with us as we discuss UChicago’s acceptance rate and application process for first-year applicants.

About the University of Chicago

Established in 1890, the University of Chicago is a private research institute located in Chicago, Illinois. The institution’s main campus sits on 217 acres, with an enrollment of over 18,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The University of Chicago is regarded as one of the best universities not just in the United States, but the world entirely. The Chicago-based University is also the most selective institution in the state of Illinois.

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Currently, the university offers many of its programs through an undergraduate college and four research divisions for graduate programs.

The University of Chicago also has eight professional schools which incorporate the Booth School of Business, the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, the Harris School of Public Policy, the Divinity School, the Law School, the Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies, and the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering.

The University of Chicago has expanded beyond the borders of the United to own global campuses and centres in Beijing, Delhi, London, Hong Kong, and Paris.

Also Read: University of Illinois at Chicago, UIC Student Portal Login: my.uic.edu

University of Chicago Acceptance Rate

The University of Chicago is among the most selective institutions in the United States. With an acceptance rate in the single digits, gaining admission at the university will be competitive.

The acceptance rate at the University of Chicago was 7.3% for the fall term of 2020.

For the class of 2026, the University of Chicago received a total of 37,522 applications and only 2,014 of those applications were accepted. The 2,014 students accepted at UChicago hail from all 50 states of the U.S. and several countries.

Based on the admission statistics announced by the University of Chicago, the acceptance rate is a selective 5.36%.

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University of Chicago GPA Requirement

The admission process at the University of Chicago is extremely selective making it one of the hardest universities to get into. Regarding the average GPA at the University of Chicago, the standard is 4.48.

The average GPA required by the university demands extra effort in academics from high school students. If you want to become the next freshman at the University of Chicago, then your best shots are dependent on good grades.

SAT Requirement

The University of Chicago is yet to name a policy regarding SAT/ACT requirements. However, applicants who think they have a better chance of getting admitted into the university can submit their SAT and ACT scores.

The University of Chicago’s average SAT score is 1520 on the 1600 SAT scale.

Here is a holistic statistics of the New SAT scores by section

Section	Average	25^th Percentile	75^th Percentile
Composite	1520	1470	1570

ACT Requirement

The average ACT score at the University of Chicago stands at 34.

Statistics for ACT scores at UChicago.

Percentile	25^th	75^th
ACT Score	33	35

How to Improve Your Chances of Admission into The University of Chicago

The acceptance rate at the University of Chicago is highly selective and getting into the university is very difficult. However, you can improve your chances of getting into the university by making these smart and achieving the best result.

Apply Via Early Decision

You stand a better chance to gain admission into the University of Chicago when you apply via the Early Decision.

The University of Chicago acknowledges your commitment by applying via the Early Decision, and the institution currently offers Early Action 1, Early Decision 1, Early Decision 2, and Regular Decision.

Applying via Early Decision increases your chances of getting into the University of Chicago, as the university does not release the acceptance rate for Early Decision.

Application for Early Decision begins in November. Always visit the university’s official website for updated information regarding the application deadline.

Procure an Average GPA of 4.0 While Taking the Hardest Classes in Your School

The University of Chicago’s acceptance rate is as selective as its GPA requirements.

To increase your chances of getting into UChicago, you will need to attain a GPA of 4.0 or above.

In other to achieve the highest GPA, you can take AP or IB courses available in your school and also obtain the best grades.

Get an SAT score of 1570 and an ACT of 35

One-quarter of the newly admitted students at the University of Chicago had an SAT score between 1510 and 1560 and an ACT between 34 and 35.

Aim for an SAT score of 1510 in the 75th percentile and an ACT score of 35.

Application Requirements for First-Year Students

Below are some of the application requirements for fresh students intending to attend the University of Chicago. if you are a prospective student of this school you should pay attention to these details.

Application for Admission and Supplementary Essays

You can submit your details for application via the Common Application or the Coalition Application. As an applicant, you will also need to create a UChicago Account. With the UChicago Account, you will be able to submit your personal information.

Many online application platforms are available and they are often used by colleges and universities. However, submitting your information via these online application platforms exposes your details to be shared among various colleges.

Once you apply to the University of Chicago, you will submit two supplementary essays. The Common Application and Coalition Application are accepted by the University of Chicago.

Also Read: 25 Cheapest Universities in USA for International Students

Application Fee or Automatic Fee Waiver

There is no application fee for students applying for need-based financial aid. The University of Chicago has an application fee of $75 for students not applying for need-based financial aid.

The application fee is paid with a credit card via the Common Application or Coalition Application.

Secondary School Report and Transcripts

For Secondary School reports and transcripts, they must be completed and sent by your secondary school counsellor. In the absence of a school counsellor, a teacher, or a school administrator can submit the documents.

Two Teachers Evaluations

Have two teachers in your school write letters of recommendation. The teacher must have lectured you on an academic subject or must have shared a close relationship with you and can also speak very well of you.

Mid Year Report

Have your secondary school counsellor submit a mid-year report or transcripts for your first semester. The reason for demanding a mid-year report is that most of the results in the senior year are unavailable during the application process.

Test-Optional

Applicants who choose to submit standardized test (SAT/ACT) scores can either share self-reported scores or official ones. You can self-report test scores via the Common Application or Coalition Application.

Application Requirements for International Students

Timelines

The application deadline at the University of Chicago is the same for all first applicants.

Application Materials

The application requirements for international applicants are the same as the application requirements for domestic applicants except for the English proficiency testing.

English Proficiency Testing

Despite the acceptance rate at the University of Chicago, many International applicants apply to the school each year.

International students admitted to the University of Chicago are only those who have shown to be fluent and competent in English. If you have an English proficiency exam score that you think is good enough to show your ability in the English language, you can submit it to the university.

Financial Aid

The need-based and merit-based aid is available to all international applicants.

If you want to know more about this financial aid and how you can apply. Kindly visit the university’s official website.

For application guidelines, date and deadline, kindly visit the university’s official website.

The University of Chicago Timeline

Early Action	Early Decision I	Early Decision II	Regular Decision
Application Due Date	November 1	November 1	January 4	January 4
Admission Decision Release Date	Mid-December	Mid-December	Mid-February	Late March
Student Reply Due Date	May 2	Mid-January	Early March	May 2

Source: https://www.uchicago.edu/

Tuition and Fees at the University of Chicago

Here is the total estimated cost of attendance at the University of Chicago

Fee	Cost
Tuition	$57,642
Books and Supplies	$1,800
Other Fees	$2,910
Room and Board	$17,004
Other Expenses Budget	$2,175

The University of Chicago Rankings

The University of Chicago is among the highly-ranked institutions in the United States. Its prestige and uniqueness have seen the university occupy notable rankings over the years.

#6 in National Universities (U.S. News & World Report)
- #12 in Best Value Schools
- #32 in Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects
- #2 in Best Colleges for Veterans
#11 on QS World University Rankings
#13 on world university rankings (Times Higher Education)

Is It Hard to Get Into The University of Chicago?

The University of Chicago is extremely selective in its admission process with an acceptance rate of 5.36%.

The University of Chicago is not an easy institute to get into. However, you can increase your chances of becoming the next freshman by applying via Early Decision. Visit the university’s official website to get more information regarding the Early Decision/ Early Action application date and deadline.

University of Chicago Contact Address

School Address: 5801 S ELLIS AVE CHICAGO, IL 60637
Phone: 773.702.1234

Visit the official website of the University of Chicago for more on academics, research, and upcoming events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the questions people ask about the admission process at the University of Chicago. We tried to provide answers to these questions in a bid to make this article as comprehensive as possible.

What is the acceptance rate at the University of Chicago?

The acceptance rate at the University of Chicago is 5.36% which is extremely selective.

What GPA do you need to get into the University of Chicago?

The average GPA required by UChicago is 4.48 or above. However, if your GPA is below the required standard at the University of Chicago, you can submit a high standardized test (SAT/ACT) score to atone for your low GPA.

What is the lowest GPA University of Chicago will accept?

Presently, there is no required minimum GPA suitable for an application to UChicago. To stand a chance of getting into the University of Chicago, you must have a GPA of 4.0 or above.

If your GPA is below 3.75, your chances of getting into UChicago are slim.

Conclusion

The University of Chicago is the most selective institution in the state of Illinois. The Chicago-based university provides degree programs at all levels.

With a highly selective acceptance rate, getting into the University of Chicago requires extra academic effort.

You can take hard courses available in your school to increase your chances of gaining admission.

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References

U.S. News & World Report: University of Chicago
TopUniversities: University of Chicago
Times Higher Education: University of Chicago
Collegeadmission.uchicago: CLASS OF 2026 PROFILE