1. What Is UChicago Summer Session?
UChicago Summer Session is a system of summer programs organized by the University of Chicago, bringing together intellectually curious and academically motivated students from around the world.
UChicago offers Summer Session programs for both college students and high school students. In this article, we focus on the Pre-College programs designed specifically for high school students.
By participating in UChicago Summer Session, students will:
- Study in a talented and diverse international student community
- Be encouraged to challenge themselves and explore subjects beyond the high school curriculum
- Engage in high-level academic discussions in a supportive and open environment
- Experience the UChicago campus and the vibrant city of Chicago during the summer
Students can choose to attend on campus (Residential Programs) or online (Remote Programs), depending on their circumstances and personal goals.
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2. Why Participate in Summer Programs at the University of Chicago?
Expand your knowledge and get familiar with college-level coursework
UChicago’s summer programs are designed with a high level of academic rigor, and many courses are taught at a college level. This is an excellent opportunity for students to become familiar with college learning methods, academic intensity, and ways of thinking in the higher education system.
Experience the learning environment at UChicago
Students study directly with professors, researchers, and experts within UChicago. If you are considering applying to the University of Chicago, these summer programs offer a valuable chance to learn more about the school, helping you make informed decisions about college selection and develop an effective application strategy.
Connect with a global community of talented students
UChicago Summer Session brings together outstanding students from many countries, allowing participants to broaden their perspectives, build an international network of friends, and learn alongside peers with similar academic interests and ambitions.
Opportunity for early admission to UChicago (Summer Session Early Notification – SSEN)
One of the greatest advantages of participating in UChicago Summer Session is the opportunity to apply early through ED0 (Early Decision 0) or Summer Session Early Notification (SSEN). SSEN is an early application option exclusively for students who have completed a UChicago summer program.
According to the university:
- Students who complete any Pre-College Summer Session program (both on-campus and online) are eligible for SSEN
- Students must be in their senior year of high school and have participated in a UChicago summer program during any high school summer
- Application window: September 1 – October 15
- Admissions decisions are released within three weeks after the application is complete (or by November 1 at the latest)
At the end of the summer program, students and parents will be informed about SSEN eligibility, receive detailed guidance, and be invited to informational Zoom sessions hosted by UChicago’s admissions office.
Although UChicago does not publicly state whether SSEN has a higher acceptance rate, applying early through SSEN allows students to demonstrate a strong commitment to UChicago, show their fit and familiarity with the school’s academic environment, and approach the admissions process more strategically.
3. UChicago Summer Session: Residential Programs
With the on-campus format, students can choose programs lasting from one to four weeks, depending on their academic goals and personal schedules.
The one-week summer programs at UChicago offer students the opportunity to explore the university’s distinctive academic fields.
Eligibility Requirements
- Students aged 14 or older
- Currently in Grades 9–11 (depending on the specific program)
- Must complete the application and meet the selection criteria for each program
Students may choose to participate in one of the programs listed below. Please note that each program has its own specific eligibility requirements, so be sure to carefully review the details.
- Emerging Rural Leaders (Grades 9–11 – for students in rural areas of the U.S.)
- Quantum Quickstart (Grades 9–10, focused on quantum science)
- Future Intelligence Institute
- Young Innovators Program
- Emerging World Leaders, New Horizons (for international students)
- Neubauer Phoenix STEM Summer Scholars
- Woodson Summer Scholars
- Young Innovators Climate & Energy Program
Application deadline: March 12, 2026
The two-week program is designed to combine intensive academics with hands-on experiences, helping students gradually explore their academic interests and future career pathways.
UChicago currently offers this program across five main areas:
- Business & Entrepreneurship: Helps students explore career paths in business, finance, consulting, and entrepreneurship, while developing business thinking and real-world problem-solving skills.
- Healthcare & Biological Sciences: Are designed for students interested in public health, medicine, and life sciences research with coursework that examines how these fields impact community and societal health.
- Law & Social Impact: Introduces career pathways in law, public policy, and social impact work, while strengthening students’ ability to analyze contemporary social issues.
- Technology & Innovation: Are ideal for students passionate about technology, engineering, and the natural sciences, offering exposure to fields such as molecular engineering, computer science, and the physical sciences.
- Leadership, Engagement, and Discourse (UChicago LEAD): Focuses on developing critical thinking, questioning skills, public issue analysis, and constructive dialogue, preparing students for future roles as leaders and engaged global citizens.
The program is open to students in Grades 9–11 (age 14 and above). Participants will live and study on campus in the University of Chicago residence halls and will receive a certificate upon completion.
Program dates: June 15–25, 2026 or June 29–July 10, 2026
Application Deadline
- Priority: February 11, 2026
- Regular: March 12, 2026
The 3-Week Immersion program is designed for students who want to dive deeply into a specific academic field and experience college-level learning at the University of Chicago.
Courses in this program are taught at the college level, with small class sizes that provide students with close guidance and support from professors, researchers, and field experts. In addition to lectures, the program incorporates in-depth discussions, research projects, seminars, and hands-on activities.
The 3-Week Immersion program offers a wide variety of course options, ranging from creative writing workshops, introductory level to advanced STEM courses, and even classes exploring theories in economic policy, philosophy, and intellectual inquiry.
Eligibility: High school students in Grades 9, 10, or 11; minimum age of 14.
Program dates: June 15–July 2, 2026, or July 7–July 23, 2026.
Application deadlines: Priority deadline is February 11, 2026; regular deadline is March 12, 2026.
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The 4-Week Practicum is an intensive four-week program focused on hands-on research and field experience, designed for students who want to engage with a high-level academic research environment. Participants have the opportunity to work directly on research projects under the guidance of professors, scientists, and leading experts at the University of Chicago.
Students can choose between two program options:
Research in the Biological Sciences
Dates: June 15 – July 10, 2026
The Research in the Biological Sciences program immerses students in an advanced biological research environment at the University of Chicago, one of the world’s leading research centers. Over four weeks, students learn and practice modern techniques currently used in biological research, ranging from approaches to cancer diagnosis and treatment to blood preservation research and the mathematical foundations of evolutionary genetics.
Dates: June 15 – July 10, 2026
Stones and Bones is an intensive, hands-on paleontology program organized in collaboration with the Field Museum, one of the world’s most renowned natural history museums. During the four-week program, students study in Chicago and conduct field research in Wyoming.
Students will have the opportunity to directly observe and participate in all stages of paleontology research, from excavating fossils in the field to analyzing, processing, and preserving specimens in the laboratory and at the Field Museum.
Eligibility: High school students in Grades 10 or 11; minimum age of 15.
Application deadline: February 11, 2026.
4. UChicago Summer Session: Online Programs
In addition to its on-campus offerings, UChicago Summer Session provides Remote Programs for high school students worldwide.
Currently, students can choose between two main online programs:
- Summer Online: Academic courses lasting 3–5 weeks
- Pre-College Summer Language Institute: Intensive language study programs lasting 6–8 weeks
Summer Online allows students to take college-level courses alongside peers from around the world, all from their home location. The program delivers UChicago’s distinctive academic experience through real-time interaction between students and instructors, using teaching methods that emphasize critical thinking and in-depth academic discussion.
Students can choose from courses across a wide range of disciplines, including biology, economics, psychology, social sciences, and more, depending on their grade level, academic preparation, and interests.
Summer Online offers two study tracks:
- For students in Grades 9, 10, and 11: The courses are specifically designed for pre-college students who are ready to engage with college-level content
- For students in Grades 11 and 12: They are given the opportunity to enroll in official UChicago undergraduate courses and study alongside current college students
Students can search for suitable courses by grade level and academic goals using UChicago’s course finder. All courses are graded and count for academic credit at the University of Chicago.
Application deadlines: February 11, 2026, and March 12, 2026.
The Pre-College Summer Language Institute is an intensive online language program that allows students to complete the equivalent of a full year of language study in just one summer. It is an ideal option for academically strong high school students who want to learn a new language or advance their existing language skills in a rigorous academic environment.
Students may choose from both modern and classical languages.
The program is open to high school students in Grades 11 or 12. Each intensive language course can be converted into 300 units of credit at the University of Chicago.
Application deadlines: February 11, 2026, and March 12, 2026.
5. Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for the UChicago Summer Session varies by program medium (in-person or online) and length of study.
In-person programs held on the University of Chicago campus range from $2,500–$15,200. For students unable to attend in person in the United States, UChicago offers online programs with tuition ranging from $4,980 to $8,550.
The University of Chicago provides need-based financial aid based on each family’s demonstrated financial need, following a rolling review process that prioritizes early applications until available funding is exhausted. International students may apply for financial aid for programs lasting 2–8 weeks. Financial aid for 1-week programs is available only to U.S. students. Students can find more detailed information about financial aid on the official website.
The UChicago Summer Session is an opportunity for high school students to gradually familiarize themselves with the rigorous academic environment of one of the world’s top universities. Through a wide range of offerings, University of Chicago programs help students develop critical thinking skills, deepen their academic interests, and clarify their future college and career goals. For students aspiring to attend the University of Chicago, these summer programs are an excellent choice.
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