Undoubtedly, the University of Chicago has earned its reputation as one of the most prestigious colleges in the nation and the world.
Since its founding in 1890, this university has pushed the boundaries of expectations, leading to a fruitful history of excellence.
Though it boasts eight separate professional schools, this university as a whole strives to show every student the value of learning simply for curiosity’s sake.
Their motto– “let knowledge grow from more to more; and so be human life enriched” – is only one aspect of their dedication to higher learning.
For over one hundred years, the University of Chicago has taken a global approach to education, partnering with researchers worldwide to produce significant research.
Today, that outreach has spread to 48 nations, covering every continent globally.
This dedication to education has paid off; as of today, nine different faculty members have been awarded Nobel prizes, including three of whom are teaching there today!
With a record of producing some of the world’s most famous business people, politicians, and overall leaders, this university has a major draw, pulling potential students from all over the world.
Naturally, this worldwide reputation does come with some drawbacks for potential students. Due to the massive number of applications this university receives, it is one of the most selective in the nation.
For those anxious to know how early action or early decision may affect their chances, look no further! Read on to learn all this university offers in terms of early action and decision.
University of Chicago Early Action & Early Decision Acceptance Rate
Unfortunately, this university is firm in its decision not to release any information regarding specific acceptance rate statistics by application style. However, we can take a guess based on other competitive universities’ admissions stats that it is about twice their normal acceptance rate, meaning the number EA/ED number would be about 10%.
Keep in mind this is a simple estimation, and no one but the people at the University of Chicago knows the real answer.
You can see some examples below:
While Harvard’s normal admissions rate is 4%, its early action acceptance rate is almost 8%, almost twice that of regular action.
And, while Cornell’s acceptance rate is about 10%, its ED acceptance rate is a whopping 23%.
Many schools tend to accept about twice their normal acceptance rate for early action & early decision.
On average, the University of Chicago maintains an overall acceptance rate of around six or seven percent. This makes it the sixth most selective university in the nation.
As global and national recognition for this university continues to grow, it only becomes even more selective every year. In 2022, the University of Chicago received well over 38,000 applications, leading to an acceptance rate of around just five percent.
Though this school is strong in its “test-optional” approach to application, this massive wave of interest allows them to choose only the most impressive applicants from the lot.
Ninety-nine percent of accepted applications scored between 1400 and 1600 on their SATs, with a stunning combination of AP test scores.
It is impossible to get around the fact that the University of Chicago is one of the most challenging colleges to receive acceptance into, but this is for a good reason. For decades, it has been rated one of the best universities in the nation.
As well as being the number one college for veterans, the University of Chicago is currently ranked the sixth best university in the nation.
Their dedication to creative insight has also placed them among the most innovative universities in America, with additional rankings as one of the “best values” in the world of education.
Though this university may be difficult to enter, prospective students should not be dissuaded solely due to the low acceptance rate.
This university’s commitment to excellence and history of academic success makes it more than worth the effort!
University of Chicago EA & ED Decision Date
For early decision I & early action, University of Chicago alerts students of their decision by Mid-December.
For early decision II, students find out the decision by Mid-February.
Rather than having only one avenue by which to receive an early decision, this university breaks the process down into several different levels.
In addition to having different application deadlines, these waves of early decision dates come with various benefits and disadvantages.
By mid-December, these applicants will receive word of their answers, allowing them to make better decisions about their education going forward.
Understandably, not every potential applicant will know their budget and goals that early into the year.
For this reason, the University of Chicago offers early decision II. To participate in this wave of early decisions, applicants can expect to hear back in mid-February.
Likewise, regular applications are also due on January 4th, but applicants should not expect a response until late March under this route.
Though this process may seem complicated, it does serve a very real purpose.
By undergoing the early decision process, the potential applicant shows their heightened interest in the school, showcasing a deeper level of dedication to their potential education.
Because early decision I occurs so far in advance, it shows the university’s acceptance team that this potential enrollment is more than an impulse; it is a dream.
This sends forth the message this applicant has likely already spent time researching and looking forward to possible life on this campus.
The University of Chicago does not release information regarding acceptance rates per stage, but all other research points to this message being critical in improving a student’s chances of acceptance.
According to other major universities, the acceptance rate for early admission can be two to three times higher than regular admission, making this extra step well worth the effort!
University of Chicago Early Action & Early Application Deadline
Early action & early decision I students should apply by November 1st.
Early decision II students should apply by January 4th.
Students who hope to take advantage of all that early decision I has to offer should have applications fully completed by November first, as should any early action applicants.
Students who take the chance on the second early decision route have a later deadline of January 4th, along with all regular applicants.
Unfortunately, this is where the only true disadvantage of an early decision I application lies. With such an early decision deadline, students have little time to consider all their educational and financial options seriously.
Every student naturally hopes to get the most education they can out of their investment.
To do so, potential students often might spend weeks pouring over comparisons of financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered by different institutions.
With only a few weeks between acceptance and decision day, students may not have time to complete all the financial investigations they might have otherwise.
On this front, there is good news: the University of Chicago is dedicated to helping students from all financial backgrounds gain the education they deserve.
The median family income of a student at the University of Chicago is around $134,500.
Though this is still relatively high by most American standards, it is still among the lowest of all Ivy League schools in the nation.
Additionally, this university is among the highest high-quality universities in acceptance of students from the bottom twenty percent of the financial sector.
This is primarily due to the generous financial aid and scholarship options available.
After graduation, these students can look forward to a successful future.
Once they received their education from the University of Chicago, twelve percent of the average graduating class went on to move two full income brackets higher.
Though the early decision process has been criticized for disadvantaging students from lower-income families, in the case of this university, that criticism proves empty.
As long as a student is aware of what they hope to achieve in their future, an early decision can empower them to make the clearest, most beneficial decisions possible.
How to Apply to the University of Chicago for Early Action & Early Decision
The University of Chicago makes application easy, with the same process for early action and early decision as it has for all traditional routes.
Regardless of which of the four application plans a student selects, they go through the same application process, as well as the same review.
Above all, the application team at the University of Chicago wants to be sure that students select whichever route most benefits them and the university at large.
While early decision I and II are both ideal options for students hoping to quickly and confidently declare their enrollment in this university, early action provides a bit more flexibility.
Though this round of applications is submitted just as early as the first wave of early decisions, students are not required to make a firm commitment until May 2, allowing them more time to be confident in their choice.
The only major difference between regular applications and early decisions is the application deadline and a single additional form.
Because early decision qualifies as a legal agreement between the student and their potential school, they must complete the early decision agreement.
This form simply agrees that, if accepted, the student agrees to stop all other applications and commit to this university.
Though the idea of signing this document may feel daunting, students should rest easy. If history has proven anything, it is the strong effects of a quality education received from the University of Chicago!
