A New Path to Admissions
The college search process and applying to the nation’s top colleges can be daunting for those currently serving or having recently left military service. UChicago has developed key partnerships and a streamlined pathway for Veterans to find a list of the best schools that are a fit for them as well as a better process of applying to the University of Chicago:
- Our partner programs include Warrior Scholar Project and Service to School.
- Learn more about our dedicated admission process and Veterans Application.
- We dedicate an admissions representative to assist you through the process and support your interests in higher education, whether that is at UChicago or another University.
Transition Program
The transition from military service to the campus environment can be a difficult one. UChicago has created a pre-orientation program offering academic preparation designed to maximize individual potential. The program also connects our Veteran Scholars to VA services, offers an introduction to career programming coupled with professional development opportunities, and builds relationships between students.
- Providing an academic focus rooted in calculus and methods/ writing curriculum that offers the UChicago level of rigor without the impact of permanent grades.
- Connecting students with VA Support; professionals in healthcare enrollment, claims processes, and benefits ahead of classes beginning.
- Building relationships among scholars (through social opportunities and various workshops)
A Unique Housing Experience
Living in community with the University campus is an important part of the UChicago experience. Often student veterans are forced to decide between adopting a commuter student lifestyle, or living in traditional residence halls that represent their experiences in the barracks a bit too closely. UChicago has developed a third option that affords student veterans and their families the opportunity to live together enjoying great apartments in community with the campus and other veterans while retaining independence.
- Offering a campus community location
- Apartment style living (studio through 2 bed/2bath options)
- Inclusive of family and pets
- Featuring UChicago House and Hall Affiliation
- Veteran community support
What I really like about UChicago’s academic environment is that inquiry doesn’t stop at 'I’ve given you this problem, solve it my way.' It actually opens the field up to 'Here’s a number of ways you can tackle it, I want to see what your creativity and your intellectual rigor produces.-Alex KilbourneArmy Veteran, UChicago Veteran Scholar, Class of 2023
Social Programming
Community and social programs remain just as important out of the military as they were in. UChicago affords opportunities designed to strengthen bonds and promote the success of our Veteran Scholars, while providing an environment for engagement by campus partners, other students, and families.
- Opportunities to have fun and build community with other veterans and their families
- Building relationships with students/staff/faculty community
- Esprit de Corps and Morale
Dedicated Academic Advisor
The path to graduation can be overwhelming at times. Decisions regarding class selection, declaring majors/minors – and associating career and graduate school paths with those decisions are common. UChicago includes academic advising for our Veteran Scholars designed to draw from individual backgrounds and interests, while offering an intersection of services that provides a one-stop-shop to support their success.
- Support/identify your academic goals
- Faculty outreach
- Dedicated no cost tutoring
Career Advising
Building on incredible systems of pre-professional programs, experiential education, and employer relations, we support our Veteran Scholars with internships, career preparation, and employment opportunities along with tailored advising in conjunction with our one-stop-shop approach with Academic Advising.
- Customized career events/ workshops/ Treks
- Employer engagement
- Translating military experience into civilian experience
- Funded internships and research opportunities
Interested in Applying as a UChicago Veteran Scholar?
Our pioneering admission process is designed to support veteran applicants by building a relationship between you and the University. This includes tailored individual guidance, opportunities to interview, and multiple routes to success such as rolling admissions opportunities along with scheduled notification options (Fall, Winter, and Spring). The application itself is set into a 4-step process designed to offer flexible options that acknowledge your service-transition timeline … all the while supporting you with advisor access.
Every veteran and service member who engages in this application will be offered support throughout the application process Each veteran applicant is provided feedback to strengthen their applications, along with recommendations on specific courses that can further demonstrate academic performance leading to a competitive application. along with college counseling UChicago empowers the veteran or soon-to-be veteran to find the best fit for them, whether that is at UChicago or another academic institution. This model isn't designed to recruit and enroll as many veterans as possible, but rather to match veterans with the schools that are best suited to their needs, interests, and academic abilities in order to streamline their transition into higher education. Your dreams of higher education are important to us! If UChicago is not the right fit for you, we are happy to connect you with Coalition partners and universities that support your academic and career ambitions. We want you to succeed! that extends beyond UChicago.
- Start the process with a quick app – fill out an information form and begin your UChicago journey
- You will receive a reply from us with guidance on continuing the application process along with setting up an appointment to connect with us and begin the relationship!
- No application fee!
- Start your application
- Continue the process – share your academic and military experience
- Academic Performance – Upload transcripts or self-report your most recent coursework (college, online, high school). You are also welcome to submit your test scores (optional).
- Military Performance – Share your military experience with us and how it leads you to pursue a UChicago education.
- Complete your application – Submit your letters of recommendation, transcripts, and essays
- Notification – Select a timeline that works best for you and accommodates your transition from service in the armed forces
- Rolling Admission – A flexible year-round timeline that offers an admission decision within weeks of submission. If admitted through this option you commit yourself to attendance at UChicago.
- Scheduled Decision Dates – Offers access to a more traditional timeline with admissions decisions occurring during three scheduled notification periods.
- Fall Notification: Application Deadline November 1st and Notification in Mid-December
- Winter Notification: Application Deadline January 15th and Notification in Early March
- Spring Notification: Application Deadline March 1st and Notification in Early May
Programs and Support
Veteran Scholars Program
Being a Veteran Scholar at UChicago means access to a dedicated one-stop-shop of services and programming that enables the student veteran throughout their College experience.
- Social Programming to strengthen relationships among student veterans as well as with the campus community
- Career Programming providing customized events, workshops, and engagements for student veterans and employers
- Academic Advising tailored to the individual student veteran's academic goals and desired career outcome while providing access to tutoring and support
- Professional Development opportunities including a speaker series and opportunities for engagement
- Supporting Financial Needs to include support with tuition and fees, cost of living, healthcare and identifying gaps with VA education benefits to provide seamless support
"The Veteran Scholars program brings together veterans from different backgrounds, branches, and job occupations and instantly provides us a network of people who believe veterans can succeed at elite institutions such as the University of Chicago."—Jason Guba, Marine Corps Veteran, UChicago Veteran Scholar, Class of 2023
UChicago ROTC
Army ROTC is a registered student organization offered on campus at the University of Chicago. Students participate in physical training, classes, and leadership labs on campus. The training a student receives in Army ROTC provides leadership development, military skills and career training. In addition to joining a growing community, there are opportunities for scholarships which include tuition and a stipend. Upon completion of the program, an Army ROTC graduate is commissioned as an officer in the Army.
More information is available at UChicago Army ROTC
"I love UChicago ROTC because when I can start my day surrounded by a group of people who care about me and build me both physically and mentally, my college experience is inevitably phenomenal."—Cadet Jonathan Merrill '23
Financial Aid and Support
UChicago is committed to supporting our Veteran Scholars. The College participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. In addition to VA benefits, UChicago’s generous need-based financial aid program may supplement your benefits toward overall cost of attendance.
We are also happy to waive your application fee.
"The University of Chicago Veteran Scholars program is one of the top Ivy/ Ivy plus programs for veterans. From financial aid and on-campus resources to personalized academic and career advising for veterans, UChicago has proven that it not only wants high-performing veterans on campus, but that it is well-prepared to fully support them. I am beyond grateful to be a student and veteran at UChicago."—Kaedy Puckett, Navy Veteran, UChicago Veteran Scholar, Class of 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UChicago have any student groups or alumni groups for veterans?
Yes, in addition to a Student Veterans of America chapter, our non-military affiliated students and veteran students created the Maroon Veterans Alliance. Additional veterans groups exist within graduate programs and a dedicated military affinity group supports our alumni.
Does UChicago accept transfer credit from classes I took during my military service?
Admitted Veteran Scholars are welcome to submit a petition to have courses reviewed for transfer credit.
I have not taken the SAT or ACT recently; do I need to retake these?
No, the ACT and SAT are not required for an application to UChicago. If you feel confident that your scores can strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them, but their absence will not limit you in any way. We would be happy to discuss what scores would be competitive along with your application.
Should I apply as a first year or transfer student?
Neither! UChicago has created an exciting new application process for veterans and service members that will take all of your academic history into consideration. Once a student is admitted they are welcome to have their college-level courses reviewed for transfer credit.
Is UChicago a Yellow Ribbon School?
Yes, UChicago proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program with eligible students in the College (our undergraduates) qualifying for support that covers the remaining tuition that the GI Bill doesn't cover. Many graduate programs also participate with the Yellow Ribbon Program.
As a service member/veteran, my high school grades do not demonstrate my current academic aptitude and potential. Will this considered?
Absolutely! We understand that for many veterans High School performance does not reflect them as students. While we will look at that performance, we will strongly consider college coursework (community college, military education, online classes etc) along with your writing samples, letters of recommendation, interviews, and experience.
What opportunities for housing exist?
Our Veteran Scholars live near campus in Vue 53. Apartments are offered at a special reduced rate and include studio, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedroom options that are welcoming to families and pets. Veteran Scholars are also welcome to share a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom apartment with another student veteran. The apartments come furnished or unfurnished and provide our students a community environment to live and study while being included in campus community culture.
Is an interview available?
Yes, our Veterans Application Process includes opportunities to interview individually and with committee. These interviews are not designed to be intimidating or “promotion board-style” but rather to give you an opportunity to share your experiences with us and highlight the performance you feel most reflects your potential for academic success.
Can I receive additional financial support beyond my GI Bill?
Yes! UChicago tailors a financial aid package for our Veteran Scholars that provides support designed to supplement the GI Bill. In addition, there are generous grants available to support summer internships and research experiences so that our Veteran Scholars are able to participate in competitive career development and academic opportunities when not receiving GI Bill support.
Have additional questions? Please contact Beau Butts or Troy Carlson.