Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about master's admissions at the University of Chicago:
Eligibility
Prospective students who will have graduated from an accredited college or university prior to their enrollment are eligible to apply to participating programs for entry in 2027.
College juniors who will graduate with a bachelor's degree between December 2027 and August 2028 are eligible to apply for entry in 2028 through the Advanced Scholars process.
You can view participating programs here.
UChicago offers many graduate programs beyond those available through the central master's application. Please visit your program's admissions page for more information about applying.
Absolutely! UChicago 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 either a personal statement or supplement specific to your program. Please see the How to Apply section for more information.
All applicants may self-submit academic transcripts and will be required to submit an official transcript for each institution attended only if they are admitted and choose to enroll. All applicants who choose to submit standardized test scores may share either official or self-reported scores. These students 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.
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 master's application portal, candidates will be able to access and complete any program supplements via their application 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.
We practice 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 admissions application portal after submitting your application.
If the application fee would pose a barrier to applying, prospective students can reach out to mastersadmissions@uchicago.edu to request a fee waiver.
Admissions
Yes! Applicants can apply to multiple participating master's programs at once.
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. We strongly encourage applicants 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 are welcome to reapply to the same program in future admissions cycles or to submit an application to a different participating program in the same admissions cycle.
Decisions are typically made within about six 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 students enrolling in 2027 and 2028.
2027 Enrollment Terms
Round 1 Deadline: November 2, 2026
Decision Date: Mid-December
Reply Date: January 15, 2027Round 2 Deadline: February 1, 2027
Decision Date: Mid-March
Reply Date: April 15, 2027Round 3 Deadline: May 3, 2027
Decision Date: Late May
Reply Date: June 15, 20272028 Enrollment Terms (Open to College Juniors)
Priority Round: February 1, 2027
Regular Round: May 3, 2027
Reply Date (Both Rounds): October 15, 2027
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 most master's programs begin in Autumn or Summer quarter. Some master's programs may have bootcamps or required orientation sessions prior to the start of classes. You'll receive more information upon confirming your spot in the program.
Limited merit-based aid is available for extraordinary candidates, with very few full tuition scholarships available. Applicants will be automatically considered for merit-based aid. No additional materials are required.
Other Questions?
We are here to help! Please contact us at mastersadmissions@uchicago.edu.