The University of Chicago seeks candidates with the academic preparation, intellectual ability, experience, and motivation to undertake a rigorous program in public policy studies. While no specific experience is required, students with a strong liberal arts background and sound quantitative and analytical skills will be best prepared for the program. The Committee on Admission and Aid evaluates all official transcripts of academic work, personal essays, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities and community service, performance on standardized tests, and special factors brought to its attention. The Committee considers each application on the basis of all materials submitted and does not automatically eliminate applications based on grade point averages or test scores.
Application Requirements
The following documents are required for admission:
- Online Graduate Application
Application is closed. (reopening September 2013) - Resume (submitted with online application)
Upload a current resume, reflecting your work experience, education, community service, professional honors, and any other relevant information. - Personal Statement (submitted with online application)
Describe how your personal background and experiences inform your decision to pursue graduate studies, and how these experiences uniquely qualify you for the program. Describe your motivations, areas of interest, and the influence you ultimately want to have in the world of public policy, and specifically how Chicago Harris best prepares you to do so. Most importantly, be authentic. You are welcome to include any information you feel will help the Committee better understand your candidacy. - Transcripts (submitted with online application)
You will be allowed to submit unofficial transcripts through the electronic application process; however, official transcripts will be required upon admission. Please submit transcripts for all prior academic work from any institution of higher education. - Three (3) Letters of Recommendation (submitted online)
We prefer to have at least one reference from a previous professor who can speak to your academic background and preparedness for graduate studies. Recommenders should submit letters through the electronic application - hard copy letters will be accepted but are not preferred. - GRE Scores
The Chicago Harris institution code is 1849. Please make your reservations with ETS directly: http://www.ets.org/gre
Official scores are required for all applicants. Please contact the Admissions Office if you have questions regarding other standardized tests. - TOEFL Scores (international students only)
The Chicago Harris institution code is 1849. Please make your reservations with ETS directly: http://www.ets.org/toefl
Official scores are required for all international applicants whose native language is not English and who have not received their undergraduate education in a U.S. college or university. We encourage all international applicants to submit their scores for consideration. - Application Fee (submitted with online application)
A $50.00 non-refundable application fee is required when you apply. If you have an application fee waiver code, or have been given a waiver from the Director of Admissions, please be sure to indicate in the application.
Application Requirements for Reapplicants
In addition to the above application requirements, please include a brief description of how you spent your time since you last applied, and update us on any new motivations, areas of interest or goals and objectives you may have developed. We encourage you to submit an updated resume, new test scores, and transcripts for any coursework you have completed since you last applied.
Application Requirements for Deferred Applicants
If you were offered admission in the previous admission cycle and elected to defer your enrollment, you must contact the Admissions Office directly to inform us of your intent to enroll. You must do so before the application deadline of January 3rd. You are encouraged to submit any updated materials in support of your application for scholarship consideration; including new GRE scores, updated resume, and any other relevant information.
The Committee on Admission and Aid will not review your application until all of the required materials are received. Chicago Harris currently accepts only electronic applications. We highly recommend that you submit all documents at once to avoid delays in processing your application.
Application Deadlines
Master's candidates | January 3, 2013
Priority Deadline. All application materials for admission and scholarship consideration must be submitted by January 3rd. We will announce admission and scholarship decisions by mid-March.
Late Deadline. Provided the class limit has not been reached, we will consider completed applications submitted by April 15th for admission only - applications will not be eligible for scholarship consideration.
Ph.D. candidates | December 3, 2012
All application materials for admission must be submitted by December 3rd. We will announce admission decisions by mid-March.
Pre-Doctoral Fellowships in Educational Research | January 3, 2012
The University of Chicago is seeking applicants for five pre-doctoral fellowships in educational research. A fellowship applicant must be a US citizen or permanent resident who is applying to a PhD Program in the Division of Social Sciences, the University of Chicago Harris School, or the School of Social Service Administration for 2012 – 2013 academic year.
To apply for the Fellowship, you will need: (1) a letter of interest, explaining how the candidates’ background and current interest fit the purpose of the training program; (2) a curriculum vita; (3) three letters of reference from individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s scholarly work; (4) to complete the Institute of Education (IES) application; and complete an application for admission to the Chicago Harris Ph.D. program.
