Transferring To University Of Chicago: What You Need To Know

The University of Chicago does accept transfer students, and they play an integral role in the life of the college. The university offers two application plans for transfer applicants: Transfer Early Decision and Transfer Rolling Decision. The application requirements include a completed Common App for Transfer, final high school and college transcripts, SAT or ACT scores (optional), two letters of recommendation, and a UChicago College Transfer Report. The acceptance rate for transfer applicants is highly competitive, with a rate of 13.6% for the fall of 2021.

Transfer application requirements

The University of Chicago offers two application plans for transfer students: Transfer Early Decision (TED) and Transfer Rolling Decision (TR). The TED application is a binding commitment for students who have identified UChicago as their absolute first choice for transferring and know they would choose to attend UChicago immediately if admitted. The TR application is for students who want to compare admissions offers, transfer credit estimates, or financial aid packages from multiple colleges before making a final decision.

Transfer Early Decision (TED)

The application deadline for TED is March 1. Applicants will find out whether they have been accepted by late March.

Transfer Rolling Decision (TR)

The priority application deadline for TR is March 1, but applications are accepted until June 1. Decisions are released on a rolling basis starting in early May.

Application Requirements

The application requirements for both TED and TR are the same:

• Completed Common App for Transfer
• Final high school transcript
• Official college transcripts
• SAT or ACT scores (optional)
• UChicago College Transfer Report
• Two letters of recommendation (college instructors preferred)
• Optional Video Profile
• Supplemental materials, if applicable (e.g. creative writing projects, research projects, etc.)

Transfer acceptance rates

The University of Chicago offers two application plans for transfer students: Transfer Early Decision (TED) and Transfer Rolling Decision (TR). TED is a binding commitment for students who have identified UChicago as their first choice for transferring and are willing to commit to attending if admitted. TR is a non-binding commitment for students who want to compare admissions offers, transfer credit estimates, or financial aid packages from multiple colleges before making a final decision.

The acceptance rate for transfer students at the University of Chicago is highly competitive. For the fall of 2021, the overall transfer acceptance rate was 13.6% (14.0% for male applicants and 13.0% for female applicants). Out of 1,065 transfer applicants, 145 individuals were accepted. In the recent past, the transfer admit rate was approximately 5%.

The University of Chicago does not publicly disclose a minimum GPA requirement for transfer applicants. However, applicants are expected to have completed at least one term of college credits and earned exceptional grades in their first year at a community college or four-year university. Additionally, transfer applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation, preferably from college instructors, along with their application.

Transfer application deadlines

The University of Chicago offers two application plans for transfer students: Transfer Early Decision (TED) and Transfer Rolling Decision (TR). The application deadline for TED is 11:59 pm on March 1 (or the first business day of March) in the applicant's local time. The priority application deadline for TR is also March 1, but applications are accepted until June 1. Decisions for TED applicants are released by late March, while TR applicants will be informed on a rolling basis starting in early May.

TED is a binding commitment best suited for students who have identified the University of Chicago as their absolute first choice for transferring. If admitted, TED applicants agree to withdraw outstanding transfer applications from any other school and not apply to transfer to any additional colleges. TR, on the other hand, is recommended for applicants who wish to compare admissions offers, transfer credit estimates, or financial aid packages from multiple colleges before making a final decision.

Transfer application recommendations

The University of Chicago welcomes transfer students, recognising the meaningful role they play in the life of the college. The university offers two application plans for transfer applicants: Transfer Early Decision and Transfer Rolling Decision. Here are some recommendations for transfer applicants to the University of Chicago:

Application Plan

Choose the application plan that suits you best. The Transfer Early Decision (TED) plan is best for students who have identified the University of Chicago as their absolute first choice and are willing to commit to attending if admitted. This plan is binding, meaning that applicants agree to withdraw outstanding transfer applications from other schools and not apply to transfer to any additional colleges. The Transfer Rolling Decision (TR) plan, on the other hand, allows students to compare admissions offers, transfer credit estimates, and financial aid packages from multiple colleges before making a decision.

Application Materials

The University of Chicago requires applicants to submit their choice of the Apply Coalition or the Common Application, both of which include the University of Chicago Supplement. The Common Application will indicate that the personal statement is optional, while the Apply Coalition will state that it is required; however, applicants can write "N/A" if they choose not to submit one. Additionally, applicants will need to create a UChicago Account, where they can submit information and view their admissions decision.

High School and College Transcripts

Transfer students are required to submit both a final high school transcript and college transcripts for every post-secondary school attended. Official copies of transcripts are only required for admitted students who choose to enrol. If applying with unofficial copies, ensure that each transcript includes your full name and school name.

Teacher Evaluations/Recommendations

The University of Chicago requires two recommendations from teachers who have taught you in an academic subject. These should be instructors who know you well and can speak positively about your contributions in the classroom, academic interest, and interactions with classmates. If you are in your first year of college, a recommendation from a recent high school teacher is also acceptable, although it is recommended that at least one recommendation comes from a college instructor.

Supplemental Recommendations

If you feel that two recommendations are not sufficient to provide a full picture of who you are, you may submit one additional letter of recommendation from another teacher, an employer, role model, youth leader, or friend. However, be considerate of the significant time commitment involved in writing a recommendation before making such a request.

College/Transfer Report

Transfer students are required to submit a College/Transfer Report indicating their academic standing at their current or most recently attended college or university. This report should be completed by a dean, registrar, or academic advisor and sent directly to the Office of College Admissions.

Financial Aid Application

Transfer students who are US citizens or permanent residents and wish to receive financial aid must apply for funding during the admissions process. The University of Chicago is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated need with a loan-free financial aid award. International transfer applicants are not eligible for financial aid.

Supplemental Materials

Students may submit supplemental materials representing their significant talents, passions, or achievements through their UChicago Account. These may include creative writing projects, music/dance/visual art/theatre performances, research projects, business plans, or other notable work. Additionally, students may submit results of AP exams, SAT Subject Tests, IB courses, or A-Level courses on an optional and self-reported basis.

Transfer Credit Evaluation

Although not mandatory, it is recommended that transfer applicants submit their transfer credit materials during the application process to receive a timely evaluation. These materials include the Transfer of Credit form and syllabi for each course they wish to be evaluated.

Video Introduction

Instead of a traditional college interview, applicants have the option to submit a two-minute video introduction. This video does not need to be extensively rehearsed or polished, and it can be recorded using the platform of your choice. Focus on sharing your unique ideas and perspective on your specific potential contribution to the University of Chicago.

Application Fee

The University of Chicago does not charge an application fee for students applying for need-based financial aid. For students not applying for need-based financial aid, the application fee is $75.

Transfer credit evaluation

The University of Chicago does accept transfer students, and they play an integral role in the life of the college. The university offers two application plans for transfer applicants: Transfer Early Decision and Transfer Rolling Decision.

The Dean of Students in the College will evaluate the prior coursework of all incoming transfer students for transfer credit. A final evaluation cannot be completed before a student has accepted an offer of admission. The Office of College Admissions provides information on how to submit the materials necessary for an evaluation of previous college coursework. These materials include:

• Final transcripts from all institutions attended
• The completed Transfer of Credit Form identifying the courses submitted for evaluation
• Syllabi for all such courses

If a syllabus is not available, alternative documentation such as reading lists or exams can be sent, but the potential for credit may be affected. Students must also arrange for their previous institution to send a final, official transcript to College Admissions.

The initial evaluation is tentative and will focus on general credit only. A final evaluation later in the summer will depend on the receipt of the official final college transcript(s) and will include more information on specific approval for major or Core credit. All materials required for the final evaluation must be received by the university within a week of the admissions offer if the student wants to receive an initial credit evaluation by their reply deadline.

Transfer Credit Policies

The following guidelines must be met for courses to be eligible for transfer credit:

• Taken at an accredited institution that grants bachelor's degrees, subject to review by the Office of the Dean of Students in the College
• Sufficiently similar to those offered at the University of Chicago
• Confer at least three semester hours or four quarter hours of credit
• Completed with a grade of C or above (not C- or P). Students in science majors must earn at least a B in science courses
• Do not duplicate credit that students will earn or have already earned for college-level coursework

Additionally, students are expected to complete their humanities, social sciences, and civilization studies general education requirements at the University of Chicago. Science, language, and chemistry coursework must also follow specific guidelines.

Frequently asked questions