Starting fall 2024, students who complete any of our UChicago Pre-College Summer Session Programs may apply through our binding early notification option in their final year of high school. For more information on this option and the application process, please review our FAQ.
What is the UChicago Summer Student Early Notification Option?
Students who have completed a UChicago residential or online Summer Session program are eligible to apply to UChicago through our UChicago Summer Student Early Notification option in addition to our four standard application plan options for first-year applicants, including Early Decision I, Early Action, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision. This option is available to any student who is entering their final year of high school and participated in a UChicago Summer Session program during any of their high school summers.
Why did UChicago create the Summer Student Early Notification?
Our summer students over the years have shared with us at the end of their program how impactful their time on campus was for them both intellectually and as part of their college search process (and for many, it confirmed for them and their parents that UChicago was a fit for them). Beginning in fall 2024, students who have completed any of our residential or online UChicago Pre-College Summer Session Programs are eligible to apply to UChicago through our UChicago Summer Student Early Notification option. We hope this will reduce the stress of waiting, provide earlier financial aid awards for assurance of affordability, and will make their senior year of high school more enjoyable too!
How do students find out about this option?
Summer students will be informed of the new option while on campus, and the parents of our summer students are invited to end-of-summer “Zooms with the Dean” so the parents will be fully informed and can ask questions as well. From September 1 to October 15, any high school senior who has completed a UChicago Pre-College Summer Session Program can participate in this application option, and they will receive an admissions decision three weeks after completing their full application during this time frame.
Who is this option for?
This Summer Student Early Notification option is best for students who have identified UChicago as their absolute first choice and who will enroll if offered admission. Students should not rush their decisions for college and many summer students will still be exploring their college opportunities. For those students who have fully explored the broad range of excellent colleges and universities available and made the decision that UChicago is the place for them, we are offering this new application option.
Are there any advantages to applying with this option?
Students applying SSEN receive their decision from UChicago within three weeks after completing their full application. Students may only apply Early Decision to one college at a time. Applying SSEN allows you to apply to UChicago under an Early Decision plan but receive a decision prior to the EDI deadline at other institutions.
Will applying through the SSEN option increase my chances of admission to UChicago?
This application option is best for students who, after spending time at UChicago, have identified UChicago as their absolute first choice and who will enroll if offered admission. UChicago reviews every application within the context of a student’s school, environment, and opportunities. The admissions committee considers a candidate’s entire application – academic and extracurricular records, essays, letters of recommendation, and optional testing – before an admissions decision is made. There’s no one piece of information that alone determines whether you would be a good fit for the College.
How do students start the application process?
Students should create a UChicago Account and select “Early Decision I (ED1)” as their plan. Students should also create their Common App or Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir application to UChicago. Students applying under SSEN should submit the Student Early Decision Agreement within the "Forms" section of their UChicago Account rather than using the ED agreement within the Common App portal or Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir portal.
Students will follow most of the standard first-year application instructions to complete their application, submitting their completed application from September 1 through October 15.
One key exception will be offered with counselor and teacher recommendations:
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Given the early timeline (and that we have met students), UChicago will be able to review these applications without a school counselor letter if one has not already been written for the student.
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Teacher recommendations submitted as part of the student’s Pre-College Summer application will automatically be added to their first-year application.
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For students who participated in a Pre-College program prior to their final year of high school, the teacher recommendation requirement will be waived.
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For students who participated in the programs earlier in their high school career, only one teacher recommendation will be required.
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When can eligible students apply SSEN?
Between September 1 and October 15, 2024.
Will students admitted under SSEN be awarded financial aid?
UChicago is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. Students seeking financial support from UChicago are encouraged to apply for our need-based financial aid. All students applying for need-based financial aid must submit their completed need-based aid application at the same time they apply to the College.
If a student is enthusiastic about applying to UChicago early but would like to compare admissions offers and financial aid packages from multiple colleges before making a decision, you should consider applying through the Early Action plan.