Admissions FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

• I applied to one of your doctoral programs last year; can I re-use or re-activate my application for next year?
  Applicants to our programs from the previous year can no longer re-activate their earlier application or use materials such as transcripts from their application files. We keep the files only until the end of summer. If you want to be considered for one of our programs again, you should create a new account, fill out a new online application, and submit all supplemental materials again. The exceptions to this policy are applicants to MAPH in the previous year who were admitted. They should contact Joan Wellman, Associate Director of MAPH, if they wish to re-activate.
• How do I submit applications to multiple divisions?
  If you would like to apply to more than one graduate program in two different divisions, please create two login identities by registering twice, using two different login names. For example, you may create one identity named JOHN DOE for your application to the Division of the Humanities, and another identity named JOHN2 DOE for your application to the Division of the Biological Sciences. For security purposes, you may only be logged in to one application at a time. If you would like to switch applications, just log off of the first application (via the header menu) and log in to the second application using the appropriate identity. Please note that you will need to submit two copies of all your supplementary materials as the Office of Admissions cannot photocopy your materials.
• How do I submit applications to multiple programs/departments?
  If you are applying to two different departments in the Humanities Division (e.g., the Philosophy Department and the Department of Classics), please create two login identities by registering twice, using two different login names. For example, you may create one identity named JOHN DOE for your application to Philosophy, and another identity named JOHN2 DOE for your application to Classics. For security purposes, you may only be logged in to one application at a time. If you would like to switch applications, just log off of the first application (via the header menu) and log in to the second application using the appropriate login identity. Please note that you will need to submit two copies of all your supplemental materials as the Office of Admissions cannot photocopy your materials. We request that you submit all your supplemental materials for both applications in one envelope along with a letter explaining to the Admissions Office that you are applying to two different departments. This will help avoid any confusion when sorting your supplemental materials and printing your online applications.
• What if I don't want to use the online application?
  The office of admissions no longer prints or sends out paper applications, which means the only option for applying is to submit an online application.
• Can I apply to start in the Winter Quarter or Spring Quarter?
  No, it is not possible to apply to start a Ph.D. or M.A. program in the Winter or Spring quarters, since most programs, particularly those with intensive language requirements, are designed to start in the Autumn quarter. The admissions selection committee for each department reviews all the applications submitted by the deadline during January and February. At this time, the departments allocate all available financial aid and places available for the following year.
• Is it possible to apply for a joint Ph.D. program?
  It is not possible for incoming students to apply for a joint Ph.D. Students seeking a joint Ph.D. may only petition to be admitted into a second department after completing their first year in one Ph.D. program.
• Are applications accepted on a rolling basis?
  No, the Division of the Humanities does not have a rolling deadline for admissions. Applications and all supporting materials must be received in the Office of Admissions no later than December 28 for Latin American Studies and Middle Eastern Studies and no later than December 15 for all other programs We cannot guarantee that applications received after the deadline will be considered.
• I already have a Master's degree or have attended graduate school. Do I still need to take the GRE test?
  Applicants are required to submit their GRE scores regardless of their previous degrees, education, or professional background. The only exception is for applications to the Department of Visual Arts (DOVA), which does not require GREs of its applicants. When ordering an official score report from the Educational Testing Service (ETS), please note that the University of Chicago's institution code number is 1832; this is the only code that is needed for your scores to be directed to the proper place. We urge you to take the GRE no later than October. November scores often do not reach us until January, which would put your application at a disadvantage. Please include a photocopy of your GRE score report with your "Supplemental Materials Packet" so that your application may still be reviewed while we await the official ETS report.
• What is the average GRE score and GPA of incoming students? Is there a GRE cut-off?
  The Graduate Division of the Humanities does not collect data or give out information on the average GRE scores or GPA's of incoming students. We also do not have a minimum GRE score, or minimum GPA that an applicant must have in order to be considered for admission. Applicants are evaluated based on their whole application of which the GRE and GPA are only a part.
• Does the University of Chicago application process require an interview?
  An interview is not part of the application process for the Division of the Humanities, but applicants are welcome to visit the University of Chicago campus at anytime and should contact their department if they are interested in learning more about the program or meeting any faculty or current graduate students. No formal tours are offered through the Graduate Office of Admissions in the Humanities. Tours are offered daily at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm through the Office of College Admissions, which you may contact at 773-702-8650 or visit on the web at http://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/level3.asp?id=382.
• I don't think I will be able to pay the $55 application fee. How do I apply for a fee waiver?
  U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and refugees who can demonstrate substantial financial hardship may request a fee waiver if the undergraduate financial aid office verifies their financial difficulties. The request deadline is December 1st. You would need a letter confirming that, given your current financial situation, you do not have adequate funds to readily pay the $55 application fee. Foreign applicants are not eligible for fee waivers. There are no exceptions to this policy.
• Can I transfer credits from other Masters/PhD courses to the University of Chicago?
  Students with previous Master's degrees or credits are not automatically exempt from any of their graduate program requirements. You will need to make arrangements with your departmental advisor for which credits will transfer.
• Where can I find the cover letter for my letters of recommendation?
  You can find the Recommendation Form in your online application. When you sign into the application, the first page displays a list of sections that need to be completed. Click on the RECOMMENDATIONS section. This will send you to a page explaining how to submit a recommendation. (This page will not appear if you have not filled out the PROPOSED EDUCATION section.) At the end of item number five, click on "Recommendation Form". The form will come up in PDF version and from there you can print off as many copies as you need. If you have already submitted your application, you can access the recommendation form by simply logging back into your application. Under the heading "Supplemental Materials Packet" you will find a link that says "Recommendation Form". This link will send you to the PDF version where you can then print out the forms.

• Can I send any of my supplemental materials by fax?
  The Office of Admissions is not able to accept any supplemental materials by fax.
• Can I submit any supplemental materials by email?
  The Office of Admissions is not able to accept any supplemental materials sent by email or as email attachments.
• Where do I mail my supplemental application materials?
  All materials must be sent to the Office of Admissions at the following address: University of Chicago Office of Admissions Division of the Humanities 1115 E 58th St Walker 111 Chicago, IL 60637 To expedite the processing of your application, you should send all supplemental application materials together at one time rather than in separate mailings. Do not send any materials directly to the departments, as this will seriously delay the processing of your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• My university does not provide official grades or a GPA for my transcript. What should I do?
  It is not necessary that your transcript or marksheet contain grades or GPA, as long as it is validated by a school administrative officer, such as the registrar, and specifically states your degree and graduation date. If you are still completing your degree, the Office of Admissions will require official final transcripts if you are offered admission and accept the offer. If your school does not provide grades or an overall GPA, you should also ask your references to comment in more detail on your academic performance in their courses and, if relevant, grades you received on papers or presentations.
• What if I attended a foreign university and am having trouble getting an official transcript?
  Most institutions will provide transcripts or some documentation of your studies upon request. If your University does not have a formal process for requesting your transcripts/marksheets, you may have to specifically request copies of your exam records, diploma, or a letter from your institution expressly stating your student status and your intended graduation date. If you are absolutely unable to obtain official copies of your documents from your institution, you may submit photocopies of your own original documents along with a note explaining your difficulties accessing official documentation. The University reserves the right to require you to send official copies as long as we know that it is possible for your school to issue them.
• What are your English proficiency requirements and how do I fulfill them?
  If you are a native of or studied in full-time status for at least one academic year within the last five years in the U.S., the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or English medium universities in Canada or South Africa, you are considered to have fulfilled the. Having studied in English in other countries -- for example, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Singapore - would not make you exempt from the English language requirement. If you have not fulfilled the requirement by the means noted above, you must take the TOEFL or IELTS exam. In order to be issued a visa, you must score at least 104 overall, with sub scores of 26 each, on the internet-based TOEFL; at least 250 overall, with sub scores of 25 or better on the computer-based TOEFL, or at least 600, with sub scores of 60 or better, on the paper-based TOEFL. The TOEFL is valid for two years. If you take the IELTS, you must take the Academic Reading/Writing test and score at least 7 overall with no sub score lower than 7.
• How do I know if my transcript is considered "final" or "official"?
  Your transcript is considered final only when it specifically states what degree you have received and the date it was conferred. If transcripts from your institution do not specifically state degrees conferred, you will need to submit a copy of your diploma. An official transcript is a transcript which has been supplied from a school administrative officer and which bears an institutional seal or stamp. Students who have attended U.S. or Canadian colleges or universities should request transcripts from their Registrar's Offices and must submit them to the University of Chicago in signed-and-sealed envelopes. The Office of Admissions reserves the right to determine whether a transcript has been tampered with.
• I studied abroad for a term and my undergraduate transcript lists the grades from my study abroad program. Do I still need a separate transcript from the foreign institution where I studied?
  It's not necessary to submit a separate transcript from the foreign institution where you studied provided all your grades are recorded on the transcript you submit from your home institution. However, if you received a degree or diploma (separate from the degree granted at your home university) while studying abroad, then you must submit an official transcript/marksheet and copy of your diploma.
• What if my transcripts aren't in English?
  Credentials written in a language other than English must be accompanied by an official translation. This should be prepared or verified by someone whose position requires knowledge of both English and the other language --- for example, a professor of English at a French university. Translations must bear the signature and stamp of the translator. Please include the original transcript along with the translations.
• Is it all right for me to use my school's recommendation letter service when applying to your graduate program, or do I need to have my recommenders give me copies of their letters directly?
  We do accept letters of recommendation that are submitted by your professors to your school, and then sent from the school to the Humanities Division Admissions Office, as long as the letters are kept confidential. You will have your school send your letters to the same address as you will send your supplemental materials packet.

• What happens if some of my application materials arrive after the receipt deadline?
  All application materials received in the Office of Admissions after the deadline will be date-stamped with the date they are received. Late materials will be processed only after all materials received by the deadline have been processed. Individual departments and selection committees may decide whether or not to consider application materials processed after the deadline.
• I recently submitted my supplemental materials; why doesn't the online application show that you've received anything?
  Generally speaking, complete applications received before December 1 will be processed within a day or two and you will be able to see what has and has not been received in the Status Check section of the online application. However, after December 1, the volume of materials we receive prevents us from updating the receipt of materials on a daily basis. All application materials received by the deadline will be updated online by January 5, 2008. Please do not call the Admissions Office about the status of your materials during this busy period, as we will be unable to fulfill individual requests during this time. If you have questions about materials you have sent, contact the department to which you have applied after January 15.
• Who do I contact if my contact information (mailing address, email address, telephone number) changes?
  If any of your contact information changes after you have submitted your application, you should contact the Office of Admissions by email at humanitiesadmissions@uchicago.edu. Your current mailing address will be the primary means of contact from the University so it is important that you maintain an up-to-date address with the Office of Admissions. Students participating in study abroad programs are encouraged to provide a U.S. mailing address, if at all possible, since many study abroad programs end by the time decision and admission mailings are sent.

• I was admitted to a program in the Humanities Division. Is it possible for me to appeal my award decision?
  No, it is not possible to appeal a financial award decision. At the time of the admission decisions, applicants who request financial aid are considered for all aid and fellowships for which they qualify. Nor further funds become available after that time, and the University cannot reconsider an applicant's aid package after s/he has been admitted. Admitted students may need to find outside sources (external grants or scholarships, loans, etc.) to cover any tuition and living expenses not covered by a University award. If you need to subsidize your graduate studies through loans, you will need to complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for student loans.
• Whom do I contact with questions regarding financial aid?
  For information on fellowships and grants for financing your education as of your second year in a program you can consult Sarah Tuohey, Assistant Dean of Students for Admissions and Fellowships (stuohey@uchicago.edu). For information on applying for student loans, you can visit the Student Loan Administration website at http://www.uchicago.edu/student/loans/index.html to download loan forms, search their Frequently Asked Questions, and contact a Loan Officer with any additional concerns.

• When will I be notified of the decision about my application?
  All admission decisions are sent by mail from the Office of the Dean of Students the first week in March. Absolutely no decisions will be provided by email or telephone.
• The department contacted me about an admission decision. Should I consider that an official offer of admission?
  The department to which you applied may contact you regarding your admission decision or to request additional application materials during January and February. However, only the decision letters sent directly from the Dean of Students Office in March are considered official and final notification of admission and aid.
• Another school is pressuring me for my decision now. Is there any way to find out my admission decision early?
  Without exception, there is no way to find out your admission decision before the decision letters are mailed in early March. Furthermore, admitted students are under no obligation to notify their graduate schools of their decisions prior to April 15. All member institutions of the Council of Graduate Schools have agreed to the "Resolution Regarding Graduate Scholars, Fellows, Trainees, and Assistants." Under this Resolution, member universities and colleges recognize that applicants often consider multiple admission awards and allow admitted students until April 15 to return their decision. More information regarding the Council of Graduate Schools and this Resolution are available online at www.cgsnet.org.
• I am not accepting my offer of admission. Should I still return the front page of the multi-sheet contract form?
  Yes, we ask that you return the "Admission Reply Form", even if you are not accepting your offer of admission from the University of Chicago. This is the case even if you have already contacted the department with your decision.
• I have been accepted into one of your programs. Can I defer this acceptance and begin the program next year?
  No, you may not defer your acceptance. Applicants who have been admitted to the MAPH program may "reactivate" their applications one year later -- without paying the application fee again -- by informing the MAPH Associate Director and sending in a new statement of purpose and writing sample. All other applicants must fill out a new application, pay the application fee again, and resubmit all supplemental materials to be considered for admission for any subsequent year.
• Is it possible to receive my admission decision by phone or email?
  No admission decision will be provided by phone or email. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the Office of Admissions has a current mailing address as this will be the means for sending admission decision letters in March. General Questions Please e-mail humanitiesadmissions@uchicago.edu.