UChicago Promise: Moving Online, Virtually Empowered, Unlimited Potential (MOVE UP)
UChicago Promise MOVE UP, an expansion of UChicago Promise, was designed to support local students and families through the virtual college engagement, application, admissions, and financial aid process. UChicago does this work in partnership with the City Colleges of Chicago and Coalition for College member schools to ensure that all local students who aspire to go to college can find a school that fits their postsecondary goals.
Local students have the unique opportunity to receive virtual advising from UChicago staff in addition to earlier notification of their admissions decision for those who are ready to commit to attending UChicago under the Early Decision I (EDI) application option.
We know that our local students will find success in their college endeavors, and we are committed to helping students achieve their educational dreams every step of the way.
Who is eligible?
Eligible students include all first-year applicants who attend Chicago Public Schools (CPS) or qualifying charter high schools in the city of Chicago. Click here to see if your school is a qualifying CPS or charter high school. Transfer students do not currently qualify.
How do students complete and submit an official application to UChicago?
Students will follow the standard first-year application instructions and deadlines based on the application plan they select (Early Action, Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision for first-year applicants).
CPS Early Notification Option
From September 1 to October 15, any first-year applicant from qualifying Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and charter high schools who applies to UChicago under our Early Decision I (EDI) application option will receive an admissions decision three weeks after completing their full application. This binding option is best for students who, after fully researching the broad range of excellent colleges and universities available to them, have identified UChicago as their absolute first choice and intend to enroll at UChicago if offered admission.
Students pursuing this CPS Early Notification option should create a UChicago Account and select “Early Decision I (ED1)” as their plan. Students should also create their Common App or Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir application to UChicago. Students applying under CPS Early Notification should submit an Early Decision (ED) agreement form by uploading it to the “Forms” section of their UChicago Account rather than using the ED agreement within the Common App portal or Apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir portal.
Dedicated merit scholarships
In addition to the merit scholarships available to all first-year applicants, UChicago offers special scholarships to students from the Chicago area. Please note that all merit scholarship candidates are also encouraged to apply for our need-based financial aid.
Advising to all students
Regardless of whether or not they apply to UChicago, all Chicago Public Schools and charter students have access to additional advising and support during virtual office hour sessions.
Questions?
Students, parents and guardians, and high school counselors can direct questions to promise@uchicago.edu.