How to Apply to the University of Chicago Division of the Social Sciences

Updated

Prospective students apply through the Division of the Social Sciences admissions pages, which separate doctoral, masters, joint/dual, and undergraduate pathways. The application itself is built from a defined set of materials — transcripts, letters of recommendation, a candidate statement, a writing sample, and (for some programs) GRE General Test scores — with English proficiency requirements for international applicants and an application fee. Deadlines and decision timelines are published under "Deadlines & Decisions," and the division offers webinars, on-the-road events, and student ambassadors for prospective applicants who want to connect before applying.

First, identify which program you are applying to

The division's Programs of Study section is organized by degree type, and your application requirements depend on which one applies to you:

  • Doctoral Programs — including Joint/Dual Doctoral Programs and MA/PhD Certificates
  • Masters Programs — including Joint/Dual Masters Programs and MA and PhD Certificates
  • Joint BA/MA Degrees — with a dedicated FAQ page and a Joint BA/MA Policies page
  • Undergraduate Programs — Majors, Minors, and Additional Opportunities
  • Non-Degree — Visiting Students and Exchange Programs, and Student at Large

If you are a current UChicago undergraduate considering the joint BA/MA route, the BA/MA FAQ and Joint BA/MA Policies pages are the relevant starting points rather than the general admissions pages.

Application materials

The admissions section lists the following materials. Confirm the exact set for your specific program, since requirements can differ between doctoral, masters, and joint/dual tracks.

Material Notes
Transcripts Required
Letters of Recommendation Required
Candidate Statement Required
Writing Sample Required
GRE General Test Listed among application materials — check whether your program requires it
English Proficiency Requirements Applies to applicants who need to demonstrate English proficiency
Application Fee Required; see the admissions pages for current details

BA/MA applicants have their own listing under "BA MA Applicants," so do not assume the standard graduate checklist applies.

Deadlines and decisions

The division publishes Deadlines & Decisions as a distinct page under Admissions. Because deadlines vary by program and cycle, use that page as the authoritative source rather than relying on a general date. Plan your recommenders and writing sample well before the deadline, since those two items typically take the longest to finalize.

Funding and cost

Two separate pages cover this:

  • Funding and Financing
  • Estimated Cost of Attendance

Doctoral funding, masters funding, and BA/MA costs are handled differently, so read the page that matches your program level. The division also lists MA Funding separately under its student resources.

Connecting with admissions before you apply

The division provides several ways to get information or ask questions before submitting:

  • Request More Information — an inquiry form
  • Admissions Webinars — scheduled online sessions
  • On the Road — recruitment events away from campus
  • Student Ambassadors — current students you can hear from directly
  • Connect with Us — the general admissions contact point

For questions about a specific field of study, the Faculty Directory, Departments, and Committees pages let you identify faculty and units relevant to your research interests before you write your candidate statement.

Common sticking points

  • Assuming one checklist fits all programs. Doctoral, masters, joint/dual, BA/MA, and non-degree applicants are listed separately. Start from your own program page.
  • Skipping the writing sample. It is listed as a required material, not an optional supplement.
  • Overlooking English proficiency. This is a separate requirement from the GRE and has its own page.
  • Missing the fee. An application fee is listed; check the admissions pages for the current amount and any applicable process.
  • Waiting on recommenders. Letters of recommendation are required, so request them early enough to meet the published deadline.

Where to go next

Begin at the division's Admissions section and select the pathway that matches your degree level. From there, work through How to Apply, then Deadlines & Decisions, then Application Materials. If cost is a deciding factor, read Funding and Financing and Estimated Cost of Attendance before the deadline rather than after. If you want to talk to someone first, use Request More Information, attend an Admissions Webinar, or reach out through Connect with Us.