2 Week Experience
These programs combine academic and practical learning in activities led by faculty, university professionals, and industry leaders, all designed to help students plot their future pathways in college and beyond.
Programs | Current Grade | Area of interest |
|---|---|---|
Career Insight: Business and Entrepreneurship - Session 1a | 9th, 10th, or 11th | Explore possible career paths in economics, finance, consulting, or entrepreneurship |
Career Insight: Healthcare and Biological Sciences - Session 1a | 9th, 10th, or 11th | Explore possible career paths in public health, medicine, or research |
Career Insight: Law and Social Impact - Session 1a | 9th, 10th, or 11th | Explore possible career paths in law or public policy |
Career Insight: Technology and Innovation - Session 1a | 9th, 10th, or 11th | Explore possible career paths in molecular engineering, computer science, or the physical sciences |
Leadership, Engagement, and Discourse (UChicago LEAD) - Session 1b | 9th, 10th, or 11th | Learn to ask better questions, analyze public problems, and engage constructively across differences as you prepare for civic leadership |
Details
Current high school students in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade are eligible. Students must be at least 14 years old.
2 week Experience programs take place on the UChicago campus. All participants live in residence, in campus housing. Students must attend class in-person. There is no hybrid or remote option. Students who live in the Chicagoland area may be eligible to commute to campus.
Participants will be in class Monday through Friday, from 9am - 3pm CST (with a lunch break).
Experience programs are 2 weeks in length; students earn a certificate if they successfully complete the requirements of the program.
Participants have access to the activities and resources available to UChicago College students and meet other pre-college students from across the country and around the world.
These 2-week programs are non-credit (participants are not registered students of the university and do not earn grades.
How to Apply
Applicants should review Application Instructions before starting an application.
Pre-College students must complete and submit the Summer Session application, include the email of a teacher who will write a recommendation letter for you, upload a complete high school transcript, and submit a short essay.
Financial aid (covering some or all of the program fee) is available for students who qualify. Please refer to our Costs & Aid page for more information.
There are two deadlines: Priority (February 11) and Regular (March 12).
Program Contact: Email your questions to summersession@uchicago.edu
Application and Registration
Once you've reviewed the deadlines, checklist, instructions, and enrollment steps below you're ready to begin!

Program Dates
2 Week Experience
Session 1a
Arrival Date: 06/13/2026
Departure Date: 06/26/2026
Program Start Date: 06/15/2026
Program End Date: 06/25/2026
Session 1b
Arrival Date: 06/27/2026
Departure Date: 07/11/2026
Program Start Date: 06/29/2026
Program End Date: 07/10/2026