Application
When is the application deadline?
Applications for Fall admission for PhD programs should be submitted by December 3, 2012. Applications for Fall admission and scholarship consideration for Master’s programs should be submitted by January 3, 2013. Late deadline applications should be submitted by April 15, 2013, and are not eligible for scholarship consideration.
How do I apply to Chicago Harris?
Applications must be submitted through the University’s online system. You can save your application and work on it at your convenience. Chicago Harris only accepts electronic applications.
Can I apply for either spring or fall admission?
No, students at Chicago Harris must matriculate in the Fall quarter. Your first year of classes consists of seven core classes that are taught sequentially. If you miss the Fall classes, you will not be prepared for the Winter quarter classes.
What is the application fee? Is it possible to get an
application fee waiver?
The application fee is $50 and non-refundable. You may pay the fee electronically, or in the form of a personal check, traveler's check, or money order, made payable to the University of Chicago. Application fee waivers are available. You must provide proof of financial need, such as a letter or copy of your award from the financial aid office at your undergraduate institution.
Is an interview required for Chicago Harris?
Interviews are not required. However, some international students may be asked to participate in a brief phone interview. We suggest you visit Chicago Harris while school is in session. You can attend a class, meet with current students and admission staff. Visits can be arranged through the Office of Admission. Please contact our office to make arrangements.
How long should my personal statement be?
We prefer that your personal statement does not exceed 800 words. Learn more.
Can I submit more than three letters of recommendation?
We strongly encourage you to submit only three letters of recommendation. Learn more.
Should transcripts be sent directly to Chicago Harris from the institution, or can they come by way of the applicant?
Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded via the electronic application. Most institutions have the ability to send electronic official transcripts. If your institution is unable to do so, please request they send hard copy versions to our office. All applicants who are offered admission will be required to submit official transcripts.
Do I need to submit transcripts from study abroad or from institutions where I did not pursue a degree?
Chicago Harris only requires transripts from institutions where you obtained a degree; however, we strongly recommend you submit all transcripts from all institutions attended.
My transcripts are not in English, must they be translated?
Yes. All foreign language transcripts must be submitted with an official English translation.
Can you tell me if you have successfully received my application materials?
After you submit your materials electronically, you will have the ability to check the status of your application online. Please do not send inquiries to the Admissions office requesting status of your application - if your application is incomplete, you will be notified directly.
What do I do if my current contact information changes after submitting my application?
We ask that you notify us immediately if your email, phone, and physical address changes. Please send an email to roseboro@uchicago.edu with your name and 'CHANGE OF ADDRESS" in the subject line.
Test Scores
What is the average GRE test score needed for
admission to Chicago Harris?
We do not have a minimum GRE score requirement. Admitted student scores are generally in the 75th percentile or higher. Learn more about our 2012 class.
What is the last date I can take the GRE?
The results of computer-based tests taken by the middle of November should arrive prior to our deadlines. If you take the test after December 3rd, be sure to inform us in your application.
Do you accept GMAT or LSAT in lieu of the GRE?
We will accept the GRE or the GMAT score. For those applicants who are currently enrolled in a joint-degree program with Law, we will consider your LSAT scores.
What is the average GPA needed for admission to
Chicago Harris?
The average GPA for the 2012 class is 3.6. Similar to our GRE requirements, GPA scores are assessed with all elements of the application. If you feel your GPA does not reflect your skills and abilities, you are welcome to include a personal explanatory statement.
What is Chicago Harris’s English language requirement?
Applicants may submit either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to meet the English language requirement set by the University. Test scores must be sent directly to Chicago Harris using code 1849 (a separate department code is not necessary). The minimum score requirements for each exam are as follows:
TOEFL: overall score of 104 with a minimum of 26 in each subsection
IELTS - overall score of 7 with minimum of 7 in each subsection.
Scores are only valid for two calendar years from the test date. For additional information on the English language requirement for the University of Chicago, please visit the Office of International Affairs.
Financial Aid
How are scholarships awarded?
Awards range from 25% of tuition costs to full tuition plus a stipend. Each year, 30-40% of entering students are awarded some form of scholarship from Chicago Harris.
How do I apply for scholarships or financial aid?
To be considered for Chicago Harris merit-based scholarships, you must indicate on your application that you would like to be considered for scholarship. For all other forms of financial aid, you should complete a FAFSA form and the University of Chicago Application for Graduate Loans & Federal Assistance. Contact the Student Loan Administration Office at the University of Chicago for more information.
Class Profile
What does a typical class look like?
You can find our 2012 Class Profile here.
Miscellaneous
What is an MPP degree?
The Masters of Public Policy (MPP) degree emphasizes analyzing and evaluating information to solve complex policy problems. As analysts, managers, and leaders, MPP graduates work with quantitative and qualitative data to develop, assess, and evaluate alternative approaches to current and emerging issues. Their careers are in variety of public service fields and in all levels of government (federal, state, and local), in nonprofits, international organizations, consulting firms, and in the private sector. [source: NASPAA]
What's the difference between an MPA and an MPP degree?
MPA and MPP programs have blended and converged as complements to one another, with courses and specializations often overlapping. Some schools combine the degrees and name them differently. The training and skill sets differ as well. MPA students typically excel in management and technical implementation of policy, whereas MPP students are trained to analyze and recommend sound institutional policies.
Why an MPP instead of an MBA degree?
Both MPP and MBA degrees offer advanced analysis courses as part of their core curriculum. An MBA degree, while still flexible enough to apply to the public sector, is a degree focused for a career in the private sector, specifically in management, entrepreurship, and organizational leadership. If you wish to pursue a career in a government agency, a nonprofit, or other public service institution, an MPP degree is ideal.
Is a graduate degree a worthwhile investment?
Deciding whether to pursue a graduate degree may be one of the most important decisions of your professional life. Research shows that graduates of master's program do, in general, earn more than those with only a bachelor's degree. As you compare short-term costs with long-term benefits, useful data to complement your research is helpful. Updated salary data for recent MPP graduates can be found here. [source: NASPAA]
What types of jobs do MPP graduates have?
Since the degree programs offer so many different specializations and class options, assembling a comprehensive list of jobs that graduates may have is difficult. Approximately 33% of Chicago Harris graduates enter the public sector, 33% the private sector, and 33% in the nonprofit sector. Common starting jobs for graduates include policy analysts, program managers, grant writers, researchers, and budget analysts. As their experience grows, many graduates rise to upper-level positions in government, nonprofit, and even business organizations. The MPP degree program will help you to ascend the ladder. See more on the NASPAA salary page. [source: NASPAA]
When can I expect to receive an admission decision?
Decision letters, including information about scholarship awards, will be released mid-March.
Is work experience required for admission to
Chicago Harris?
No, but it is strongly preferred. We admit less than 20% of students directly from undergraduate programs. Our students have diverse backgrounds and at least two to four years of work experience, from corporate and nonprofit organizations as well as all levels of government.
Can I defer my admission?
Deferrals are considered on a case-by-case basis. We understand that unexpected things happen. We strongly encourage you to apply to Chicago Harris when you are ready to attend. Learn more.
