Graduate Student-at-Large Program Admissions
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Application Deadline March 3, 2026
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Next Start Date March 23, 2026
Applying to the UChicago GSAL Programs
For admission to the Graduate Student-at-Large programs, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in any discipline.
If you need help completing your application, or have any other questions about GSAL, contact an enrollment counselor.
Upcoming Application Deadlines
| Quarter | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Spring Quarter 2026 (international) | December 16, 2025 |
| Spring Quarter 2026 | March 3, 2026 |
| Summer Quarter 2026 (international) | March 3, 2026 |
| Summer Quarter 2026 | May 19, 2026 |
| Autumn Quarter 2026 (international) | June 2, 2026 |
| Autumn Quarter 2026 | September 2, 2026 |
Application Checklist
To apply to the GSAL programs, please submit the following:
- Completed Application
- Start your application with our online application form. You’ll set up an account with your email address and provide us with information about yourself.
- Current Resume or CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Applicants are required to demonstrate the motivation, academic potential, and ability to undertake work at the University of Chicago by writing a candidate statement describing their interest.
- The statement should not exceed 2 pages, typed and double spaced.
- Transcripts
- One unofficial transcript from each university attended must be uploaded within the application. Please do not mail transcripts as part of your admission application; we accept unofficial uploads only for application evaluation.
- An unofficial transcript for undergraduate coursework is still required for application evaluation even if you hold an advanced degree(s).
- If you are offered admission, one official transcript for each university attended will be required prior to the first day of the term. Via email to gradadmissions@uchicago.edu. Transcripts must be submitted by the end of the first week of classes as a GSAL, GSALB, or RS student. Failure to do so may result in the inability to register for courses and disciplinary action.
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide English translations with their applications. An official course-by-course evaluation of transcripts may be requested through an accredited NACES member. A course-by-course evaluation will translate courses, degree(s), and grades to US equivalents. Please visit the NACES website for more details.
- English Proficiency
- Applicants to the GSAL program who do not meet the English Language Proficiency criteria must submit proof of English language proficiency.
- The required proficiency standards include a score of 104 on the TOEFL (with four sub scores of 26 each), or IELTS (with sub scores of seven each).
- If you are taking the TOEFL, request the scores to be sent to the University of Chicago. Our TOEFL and College Board code is 1832. Applicants should plan on taking the TOEFL no later than two weeks prior to the application deadline in order to ensure their applications are completed in time.
- Students are required to take the Academic Reading/Writing test within IELTS, not the General Training Reading/Writing test.
- University of Chicago downloads IELTS scores that have been transmitted to our e-download account. Please contact your test center and request that your scores be sent to the following IELTS e-download account:
University of Chicago – Graduate Enrollment
970 East 58th Street, Third Floor
Chicago, IL 60637 - The University does not accept paper IELTS test report forms.
- Required Coursework
- For GSAL- Business only, students must have previously taken courses in Calculus and Statistics.
- For GSAL, the prerequisite courses can vary, depending on the desired course of study
- $75 Non-Refundable Application Fee
Frequently Asked Questions
What academic credentials must I already have in order to apply for the GSAL Program?
All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 3.0. For some international applicants, a TOEFL score of 104 is required.
What academic credentials must I already have to apply to the GSALB program?
All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Do I need to have taken certain math courses to be admitted to GSALB?
For GSAL-Business only, students must have previously taken Calculus and Statistics to aid them with the rigor of the Booth curriculum.
Do you require GRE or GMAT scores?
No.
How competitive is the GSAL program?
Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements and are unable to work with the GSAL Associate Director to find satisfactory provisional admission plans will not be granted admission to the program.
My undergraduate performance wasn’t as strong as it could have been, but I’ve been building
a good professional track record. Should I apply?
Yes, you should definitely apply. We look at each application holistically so we can best gauge each applicant’s probability of success. We invite students to interview so you can contextualize your undergraduate performance and make a cohesive plan with the director about the next steps in your academic journey.
What is the admissions process like?
Applicants may apply online during all four quarters of the academic year. Those who meet the minimum admissions requirements are invited for an in-person or telephone interview with the Director or members of her admissions team, giving applicants the opportunity to ask questions and solidify their objectives for participating in the program.
Is there an application fee?
Yes. However, applicants may be eligible for a fee waiver.
How do I request a fee waiver for my application?
Applicants requesting a fee waiver must first submit their application and then submit the fee waiver request form located on the application status page. Applicants requesting a waiver must not submit an application fee; application fees are non-refundable once paid, even if the applicant is qualified for a waiver. The fee waiver request form includes the categories eligible for a waiver.
More information on eligibility requirements can be found on the UChicagoGRAD website.
In order for an application to be considered complete, the application fee must be paid, either by the applicant or waived. If the application fee waiver request form is denied, the applicant must submit payment before their application can be considered for admission.
When will I find out if I’m admitted?
Students will be notified during the interview whether they are admitted or denied.