The United World College (UWC) Global Academy brings together top students studying across the UWC’s 18 schools and colleges the opportunity to get an early taste of an exceptional college experience in a cohort-based model.
Selected students will have the opportunity to participate in a week-long enrichment program featuring interdisciplinary model classes with leading faculty, tours of UChicago’s cutting-edge research facilities, and college application workshops. Students will also be exposed to the kinds of opportunities available in a large urban center for academic work and professional development through activities that showcase the city of Chicago. In the past, students have been able to attend improv shows, baseball games, architecture boat tours, and eat at some of Chicago’s most notable restaurants.
Program Contact: All questions should be directed to Alexandria Waters at awaters@uchicago.edu.
Application Requirements
Eligibility: Students who are currently in their first year of the IBDP, are at least 14 years old, and enrolled at a UWC are invited to apply.
Applications will be accepted online beginning January 3, 2023. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2023. All application decisions for this program will be released at the same time in mid-April. There is no application fee to apply.
Applicants must complete the Summer Session Application, and all the related requirements which can be reviewed in the How To Apply section.
Application materials include:
- Online application
- Transcript (official or unofficial)
- Supplement & essays
- At least one teacher recommendation
- At least one parent confirmation email received
Applicants will be asked to respond to the following essay questions in the application:
- Why did you choose the particular program/courses for which you have applied? How are they related to your current interests and future plans? Please be as specific as possible, and make sure your response covers each of the courses you elected. (Limit: 500 words)
- “Since its founding, the University has been committed to the idea that a culture of rigorous inquiry requires an environment where diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas inform and stimulate intellectual exchange, challenge, and engagement.” -UChicago Office of the Provost. How does your perspective, experience or background contribute to this culture of inquiry in this program? What do you hope to gain or learn by engaging with peers from all over the U.S. or from different parts of the world? (Limit: 300 words)
Review the Application Overview pages for more detailed information.
English Proficiency Requirements
The University of Chicago Summer Session only admits students who have demonstrated a superior level of English language competence. Admission to our scholarship programs is highly competitive. UChicago does not offer an ESL program for summer students. All students participating in this program are expected to be fluent in academic English, and there is no ESL support provided as part of this program.
- Applicants are invited to submit scores from any English proficiency examination they believe represents their English language ability. Applicants who choose to submit English proficiency scores may share either official or self-reported scores. Any applicant who provides self-reported scores may be required to submit official score reports if they are admitted and choose to enroll in the program.
- If an applicant feels as though mastery of the English language is already represented throughout the application, then they are not required to submit formal exam scores for this particular program. For the application, if you do not have any test scores to report, then please enter 555 for the section that requests Duolingo test scores and today’s date under "Test Scores" in order to submit the application.
Tuition & Fees
Costs for the program, inclusive of program activities and room and board, are completely covered. If you require financial assistance to cover roundtrip travel, please complete the financial aid application, which is part of the Summer Session Application.
Course Dates
July 9 – July 14
First session: July 10
Final session: July 14
Arrive on-campus: July 9
Closing session and move-out: July 14