Hi. My son applied to U Chicago ED2 and received an option to join in 2026 as a guaranteed transfer student (provided he maintains a 3.5 GPA and nothing below B in his college freshman year elsewhere). We heard this option was offered in prior years to some applicants. Would love to talk to anyone else who received such an option and took it, and is now at UChicago. We have many questions about how it would work, especially considering the Chicago Core.
Thank you.
Can anyone help us with some feedback? Thank you.
Transfer Students < University of Chicago Catalog says that “Students are expected to complete the entirety of their humanities, social sciences, and civilization studies general education requirements at the University of Chicago.”
The general education requirements are listed at The Curriculum < University of Chicago Catalog
Note also that University of Chicago is on the quarter system (three terms per academic year), so transfer course work from a semester system school may result in misalignment of sequenced courses (e.g. a one semester course may be equivalent to one and a half quarter courses in the same subject matter).
My son was offered that deal and then a few weeks later, offered admission but he turned it down. If your son really wants UChicago have him email the admissions counselor and tell them he will commit if offered admission this year. It could turn into an offer. edited to add that this was last year (admission for 2024)
Thank you. Sounds like your son applied RD. Mine applied ED2, so his commitment to attend was already built in, not sure if reinforcing his commitment can move the needle.
My son really wants UChicago, but finds these “games” frustrating.
There seems to be no guidance or additional information for students given this option.
I still think he could move the needle if he reiterates that he WILL commit if they offer this year.
I wonder if he could reach out to his AO to discuss? These are very valid questions. He could say that UChicago is his top choice and he wants to attend, but he wants to understand the logistics better in terms of completing the core, what classes he would take that year to ensure credit would transfer, etc. I’m pretty sure at other schools that have something similar, like Cornell and USC for example, they have counselors that support the student in choosing their classes at the institution they attend during that 1st year. Maybe UChicago does also, but this kicks in after he accepts? I would try to get more clarification.
My son got the same reply for his ED2.
Very confusing as to why they would do this. Is it a “fit” issue?
I think this is something new at UChicago.
It’s not new. They have been offering this for several years. UChicago likes a sure-thing.
I second the advice for your student to reach out to admissions and ask their questions. If he is at all interested in this offer, he should do some research. Here’s a start to the list of questions:
-Do I have to satisfy all core requirements at U Chicago?
-How do I know which courses at school 1 will transfer (and if they aren’t transferring for the core will they transfer for the major?)
-Is there someone who can pre-approve courses taken at School 1 to maximize transfer of credits?
-Will I still be able to graduate in 4 years?
-Etc.
Not a fit issue, just another way to guarantee a strong transfer pipeline. I also assume most who receive this offer are full pay, but don’t know that for sure.
Some of the University of Chicago transfer credit policies are given here: