Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about the Advanced Scholars program at the University of Chicago:
Eligibility
The 2026 Advanced Scholars application is open to students who will have graduated from an accredited college or university prior to their enrollment.
College juniors who will graduate with a bachelor's degree between December 2026 and August 2027 are eligible to apply for entry in Fall 2027.
The Advanced Scholars Program is just one pathway to apply to select UChicago graduate programs. We encourage all interested students to get in touch with their program of interest to learn more about applying directly if they are not eligible to apply within the Advanced Scholars Program.
You can view participating programs here.
UChicago offers dozens of graduate programs beyond those in Advanced Scholars. Please visit your program's admissions page for more information about applying.
Absolutely! The Advanced Scholars Program values a diversity of backgrounds and recognizes that students may be interested in pursuing a master's program unrelated to their bachelor's degree. Master's programs are a great opportunity to gain technical knowledge and pivot into a new field. Due to the fast-paced nature of the master's programs, many will operate on some level of assumed knowledge or provide supplemental resources in the summer before matriculation.
Application Materials
The application requires an unofficial transcript, resume, two letters of recommendation, and a program supplement. Please see the How to Apply section for more information.
If the application fee would pose a barrier to applying, prospective students can reach out to advancedscholars@uchicago.edu to request a fee waiver.
The application will require you digitally upload self-reported, unofficial transcripts. Please do not mail transcripts as part of your admission application; we only require unofficial uploads for application evaluation. If you are offered admission, one official transcript for each college or university you attended will be required upon graduating from your undergraduate institution.
Some programs require a unique supplement, such as a video profile, statement of interest, course syllabi, or other materials. After submitting the main application via the Advanced Scholars Application Portal, prospective students will be able to access and complete any program supplements via their status page, if required.
Test scores are required for the programs listed below. For all other programs, students are welcome to submit a GMAT or GRE score, but will not be penalized for not doing so. Students who self-report GMAT or GRE scores in the application process will be required to submit official scores if admitted.
Master in Finance: All applicants are required to submit a valid GMAT or GRE test score. Chicago Booth does not hold a preference for one exam over another. Both are equally acceptable for the review committee.
Master in Management: Applicants with a 3.40 GPA or lower must submit a valid GMAT or GRE test score. Chicago Booth does not hold a preference for one exam over another. Both are equally acceptable for the review committee.
The University of Chicago only admits students who have demonstrated a superior level of English language competence. Students are invited to submit scores from any English proficiency examination they believe represents their English language ability. If you feel as though mastery of the English language is already represented throughout your application, you are not required to submit formal exam scores.
Students who choose to submit English proficiency scores may share either official or self-reported scores. Students sharing self-reported scores will not be required to submit official score reports unless they are admitted and choose to enroll.
All applicants must submit two letters of recommendation. At least one recommender must have taught you in an undergraduate course. We suggest asking recommenders who know you well and can speak specifically and positively about your contributions in the classroom and academic interests.
The Advanced Scholars program practices a contextual review process and will consider all components of the application when evaluating candidates for admission. While more is not always better, we are happy to receive additional materials you feel provide additional insight or information. You can share these through your Advanced Scholars application portal after submitting your application.
Admissions
Yes! Applicants can apply to multiple participating master's programs at once via the Advanced Scholars application.
Based on the fast-paced nature and rigor of UChicago's master's programs, faculty have found students have the most success if they come in with a strong academic foundation. This is captured by the listed GPA and coursework criteria. You are strongly encouraged to have completed coursework equivalent to what's listed before matriculation into the master's program. However, admissions decisions are made holistically and within your individual context.
Students who are not admitted through Advanced Scholars are welcome to reapply in future admissions cycles.
The application fee is $90 to apply. Students can apply to additional programs at a reduced rate of $60 per application.
Decisions are typically made within 6-8 weeks of the application deadline. View the deadlines and notification dates for this cycle here.
No. After admission, you'll have several months to learn more about your master's program and campus through info sessions and virtual coffee chats before making a decision.
After Admission
Application deadlines, decision dates, and reply dates are listed below for each round for both 2026 and 2027 Advanced Scholars.
2026 Advanced Scholars
Round 1 Deadline: November 3, 2025
Decision Date: Mid-December
Reply Date: January 16, 2026Round 2 Deadline: January 12, 2026
Decision Date: Mid-February
Reply Date: April 15, 2026Round 3 Deadline: April 13, 2026
Decision Date: Early May
Reply Date: May 29, 2026Round 4 Deadline: May 29, 2026
Decision Date: Late June
Reply Date: Within two weeks of admissions decision2027 Advanced Scholars
Round 1 Deadline: January 12, 2026
Round 2 Deadline: April 13, 2026
Round 3 Deadline: May 29, 2026
Reply Date (all rounds): September 1, 2026
Admitted students' offer letters will outline expectations for matriculating into the master's program. In general, students are expected to maintain the academic standard portrayed in their initial application and to complete any coursework pre-requisites laid out by the master's program, if required. If you submitted unofficial transcripts or test scores, you will be required to submit official copies after you receive an offer of admission.
Admitted students will be invited to info sessions, virtual coffee chats, and on-campus programming to learn more about their future academic home.
Participating master's programs vary in length from nine months to two years.
UChicago is on the quarter system and fall classes typically begin in late September. Some master's programs may have bootcamps or required orientation sessions in the summer. You'll receive more information upon confirming your spot in the program.
Limited merit-based aid is available for extraordinary candidates. No full tuition scholarships are available. Applicants will be automatically considered for merit-based aid. No additional materials are required.
Other Questions?
General questions about the Advanced Scholars Program? Please contact us at advancedscholars@uchicago.edu.
Questions about a specific program? Please reach out to their admission team directly.