UChicago Advanced Scholars FAQ
Here are answers to common questions from high school and current undergraduate students interested in the Advanced Scholars Program. Learn what you need to know about eligibility, application processes, and program benefits.
Advanced Scholars FAQ
UChicago Advanced Scholars empowers talented College students to continue their intellectual journey and advance their career by securing a UChicago master’s degree. In addition to a streamlined application process, UChicago Advanced Scholars receive a guaranteed merit scholarship to support their success in their master’s program.
Yes! Dedicated 4+1 career advisers are available via individual appointments on Handshake. They can discuss how to determine a best-fit master’s program, or even review application materials like your statement of interest. If you have specific curricular or programmatic questions about an individual master’s program, their staff is also happy to assist.
All UChicago Advanced Scholars benefit from:
A facilitated admissions process to select UChicago master’s degree programs
A $5,000 scholarship toward your master’s program, directly after you have completed your bachelor’s degree
Additionally, students admitted to a 4+1 program in their second or third years are guaranteed a one-time $5,000 stipend for an unpaid summer internship or research opportunity. The stipend must be accessed the summer after your second year or summer after your third year. Please note internship funding is reserved for summer positions and cannot be used during the academic year.
You’ll receive your master’s scholarship during the academic year after you graduate from the College. It does not impact your undergraduate financial aid package.
UChicago Advanced Scholars can use their internship funding for opportunities with all types of lawful employers in any industry. The exceptions are that students may not use their funds to work with organizations that charge fees to participate in the internship or with organizations that promote specific candidates for political office.
Previous UChicago students have interned with a highly diverse lineup of organizations ranging from international Fortune 500 companies to tech startups and neighborhood nonprofits.
Career Advancement advisers are available to help you identify internships that fit your interests and goals!
If requesting your stipend for Summer 2025, the deadline to do so is May 9, 2025. You will receive communications with instructions on requesting those funds, or you can contact 4+1 Program Manager, Liz Schutz, at lizschutz@uchicago.edu.
You will hear directly from your graduate program in the coming months about next steps. Please be on the lookout for their upcoming email communications.
Your master’s program may require that you maintain a certain GPA and complete certain pre-requisite courses before matriculation. Visit the UChicago Advanced Scholars website to learn more. It is your responsibility to work with your academic adviser to ensure you remain on track. Your master’s program will review your transcript and other materials to ensure that you meet all requirements before formally matriculating into the program.
To secure your spot, you will need to pay any deposits required by your specific graduate program. The programs will be in touch with you directly with more information.
Students admitted in their fourth year are typically asked to commit by mid-April. However, certain programs may require an earlier response time to inform their enrollment targets. Please refer to the communication from your graduate program for more details.
Students admitted in their second or third years are typically asked to commit in early fall quarter of their fourth year.
No. You are being admitted to the UChicago Advanced Scholar program, which provides you with access to the master’s degree program to which you were admitted if you accept admission to the program, remain a full-time student in good standing, and satisfy the GPA and other applicable prerequisites (depending on the master’s degree) while earning your undergraduate bachelor’s degree. You will not need to take the GRE or fill out the usual master’s application.
You can view a list of world-class master’s programs open to UChicago Advanced Scholars on the program website. Program advisers will work closely with you to help you choose the program that matches best with your interests and goals. UChicago Advanced Scholars will confirm which master’s program they’re enrolling in no later than fall quarter of their third year in the College.
No. You will be an undergraduate while earning your bachelor’s degree and enrolled in the College. After you graduate from the College and matriculate into the master’s program, you will be a graduate student. Typically, a student is in the College for four years, and in the master’s degree program for one year or more.
The guaranteed $5,000 scholarship will only be available in the year immediately after you graduate from the College. You must enroll that year to receive the scholarship. If you’re interested in taking a gap year and foregoing the scholarship, please make a request in writing directly to your graduate program.
Please visit this website to learn more about additional aid options. The Office of Graduate Aid is also happy to assist you. Contact Graduate Aid at gradfinaid@uchicago.edu.
Congratulations! You are amongst a small handful of students who distinguished themselves in the application process with your commitment to pursuing advanced education. Please consult your award letter to confirm your scholarship and internship award amounts. In fall quarter of your third year, you will receive communication to confirm your program of interest and complete next steps.
Contact 4+1 Program Manager, Liz Schutz, at lizschutz@uchicago.edu.