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What it takes to get into University of Chicago

The numbers admitted students had, and the parts of an application University of Chicagoreports it weighs. Both come from the college’s own reporting.

Acceptance rate

4.5%

Admitted GPA

~4.97

weighted, as the college reports it

SAT middle 50%

1510–1580

median 1545

ACT middle 50%

34–35

median 34

Testing

optional

52% submitted an SAT

Top 10% of class

96%

of admitted students

Reported by the college

What University of Chicago weighs

Requirements tell you what to submit. This tells you what happens to it once you do, which is the more useful of the two and the part almost nobody looks up.

  • Very important

    The parts of an application this school weighs most heavily.

    • Course rigor
    • Essay
    • Recommendations
    • Extracurriculars
    • Talent or ability
    • Character and personal qualities

  • Considered

    Looked at, but not decisive on its own.

    • Grades
    • Class rank
    • Test scores
    • First-generation status
    • Legacy
    • State residency
    • Where you live
    • Volunteer work
    • Work experience
    • Religious affiliation

  • Not considered

    Reported as playing no part in the decision.

    • Interview
    • Demonstrated interest

From University of Chicago’s Common Data Set, 2024, section C7, where colleges report how heavily they weigh each part of an application.

Where you stand

Run your own numbers

These are the numbers admitted students had. The next question is where yours land inside them, and what to do about the gap.

Your chances at University of ChicagoUniversity of Chicago essay prompts (7)

Common questions

University of Chicago requirements, answered

What matters most for University of Chicago admissions?

University of Chicago reports that it treats course rigor, essay, recommendations, extracurriculars as very important. Those are where the work pays off, and the college is the source, not a guess.

What does University of Chicago not consider?

University of Chicago reports that interview, demonstrated interest play no part in its decision. This is worth knowing because effort spent on any of them does not count here, whatever it does elsewhere.

What GPA do you need to get into University of Chicago?

Admitted students average around a 4.97 (weighted, as the college reports it), and 96% were in the top 10% of their high school class. There is no minimum, and grades are read alongside course rigor.

Does University of Chicago require the SAT or ACT?

No, University of Chicago is test-optional. About 52% of the enrolled class submitted an SAT, so applying without one is common here.

What Spike does with this

Build toward what University of Chicago actually reads.

Spike takes the factors a college weighs and works them into your courses, testing, essays, and activities over time.