Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the application deadline?
- How do I apply to the Harris School?
- Can I apply for either spring or fall admission?
- What is the application fee? Is it possible to get an application fee waiver?
- When can I expect to receive an admission decision?
- How much scholarship money does the Harris School provide students?
- How do I apply for scholarships or financial aid?
- How many applications do you receive?
- What does a typical class look like?
- Is an interview required?
- Is work experience required for admission to the Harris School?
- Can I defer my admission?
- What is the average GRE test score needed for admission to the Harris School?
- What is the average GPA needed for admission to the Harris School?
- What is the Harris School English language requirement?
When is the application deadline?
Applications for Fall admission and scholarship consideration for Master’s programs are due by January 3rd, and PhD programs should be submitted by December 3rd.
How do I apply to Chicago Harris?
Applications must be submitted through the University’s online system. You can save your application and work on it at your convenience. Apply online.
Can I apply for either spring or fall admission?
No, students at Chicago Harris matriculate in the fall. Your first year of classes consists of seven core classes that are taught sequentially. If you miss the fall classes, you will not be prepared for the winter quarter classes.
What is the application fee? Is it possible to get an application fee waiver?
The application fee is $50 and non-refundable. Yes, application fee waivers are available. You must provide proof of financial need, such as a letter or copy of your award from the financial aid office at your undergraduate institution.
When can I expect to receive an admission decision?
Decision letters, including information about scholarship
awards, are released mid-March.
How much scholarship money does Chicago Harris provide students?
Awards range from one-third of tuition costs to full tuition plus a stipend. Each year 30 to 50 percent of entering students are awarded some form of scholarship from the School.
How do I apply for scholarships or financial aid?
To be considered for Chicago Harris merit-based scholarships, you must indicate on your application that you would like to be considered for scholarship. For all other forms of financial aid, you should complete a FAFSA form and contact the Student Loan Administration Office at the University of Chicago.
How many applications do you receive?
For the class entering in fall 2011, we received approximately 1000 applications for the master’s program and approximately 200 for the PhD program.
What does a typical class look like?
We anticipate the class entering in Fall 2011 will consists of approximately 135 master’s and 12 PhD students. The average student is typically around 27 or 28 years old. The entering class of 2011 is 53 percent female; 19 percent American minorities; and 45 percent international students, representing 18 countries.
Is an interview required?
No, but we suggest you visit while school is in session. You
can attend a class and meet with current students. Visits can be arranged through the Office of Admission.
Is work experience required for admission to Chicago Harris?
No, but it is preferred. We admit less than 10 percent of
students directly from undergraduate programs. Our students
have diverse backgrounds and at least two to four years of
work experience, from corporate and nonprofit organizations
as well as all levels of government.
Can I defer my admission?
Deferrals are considered on a case-by-case basis. We strongly encourage you to apply to Chicago Harris when you are ready to attend.
What is the average GRE test score needed for admission to Chicago Harris?
In general, the incoming class of 2011 presented test scores
in the 70th percentile or higher. Because applications are
reviewed on an individual basis, the GRE score is used in conjunction with the other components of your application and does not solely determine admissibility to Chicago Harris.
What is the average GPA needed for admission to Chicago Harris?
The average GPA for this year’s incoming class is 3.5. Similar to our GRE requirements, GPA scores are assessed with all elements of the application. If you feel your GPA does not reflect your skills and abilities, we welcome students to include a personal explanatory statement.
What is the Chicago Harris English language requirement?
Applicants may submit either the Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language
Testing System (IELTS) to meet the English language requirement
set by the University. Test scores must be sent directly to
Chicago Harris using code 1849 (a separate department code
is not necessary). The minimum score requirements for each
exam are as follows:
TOEFL:
IBT – overall score of 104 with a minimum of 26 in each subsection
IELTS - overall score of 7 with minimum of 7 in each subsection.
Scores are only valid for two calendar years from the test date. For additional information on the English language requirement for the University of Chicago, please visit the Office of International Affairs.
Contact Information
Office of Admission
Rhonda Roseboro, Admission Coordinator
E-mail: roseboro@uchicago.edu
Phone: 773-702-84016
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