University of Chicago Summer Session Emerging World Leaders

UChicago doesn't publish an hour-by-hour timetable, but a typical Enrichment day starts at 9:00 a.m. with lectures, discussion sections or workshops, and the 2026 course listing put the end of the class day at 6:30 p.m. Afternoons usually bring a campus tour, a trip to another part of Chicago or a hands-on activity tied to the subject. Evenings are given over to events run by residential and program staff, or free time.

For this program, UChicago lists House activities led by current UChicago students, a river boat cruise to take in downtown architecture and Chicago history, a visit to the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures and its campus-wide Scav Hunt. In 2026 the week ran from arrival on 19 July to departure on 24 July, and Enrichment students usually check out after noon on the final day.

You need to be in 10th or 11th grade, at least 15 and at a high school outside the U.S. There's a second route for students whose school year ends in November or December: if you're in your final year and won't have graduated by the summer, you can apply by choosing "11th grade" on the form. Everything is taught in English with no ESL support, and UChicago expects your application to show strong English. TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores are optional if your writing already shows it.

The application asks for a transcript covering grades 9 to 11 (unofficial is fine), a graded essay or research paper in English with your teacher's comments, one recommendation from a teacher in a related subject, a parent or guardian confirmation and the $75 fee. A counselor or teacher can also send an optional nomination. UChicago publishes no acceptance rate or class size, but the 2026 course filled and moved to a waitlist. You can list up to four programs in order of preference, though you'll be admitted to only one. The two essays are:

• Why this program (up to 500 words)

  Why you chose it and how its topics connect to your current interests and future plans, covering each program you list.

• Your perspective (up to 300 words)

  How your perspective, experience or background would add to the program's culture of inquiry, and what you hope to gain from peers around the world.

At full price the 2026 week cost $3,000, plus a $75 application fee, and UChicago hasn't published the 2027 fee yet. The aid is what sets this program apart. UChicago waives the program fee for households earning US$125,000 or less, and at US$60,000 or less it also covers round-trip travel. Both depend on funds being available, so they aren't guaranteed.

You have to ask for aid in the application itself, because UChicago can't make awards once a decision is out. Students applying only to Enrichment programs don't need to upload financial documents, and completing the aid section also waives the $75 fee. Admitted students confirm with a $1,000 non-refundable deposit within a week and pay the balance within four weeks. UChicago's pages don't say how the deposit works when the fee is waived, so ask if that applies to you. In 2026 the fee, minus the deposit, was refundable only until 4 May 2026.

On top of the fee, budget for flights unless they're covered, your own U.S. health insurance, a possible tourist visa, spending money for outings and $50 if you lose your ID card.

Students live in a supervised residence hall with a 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew, and you sign in with your resident assistant (RA) during a 15-minute window from 9:45 p.m. each night. RAs, who are UChicago undergraduates or recent graduates, live on the same floor as students, and the residential director and assistant directors are available to students and families 24 hours a day. Halls have a 24-hour front desk and secured entrances, and a UChicago Police officer will walk you back to the hall after dark if you call.

For Enrichment programs, a staff member meets students at the airport and takes them to a shuttle. The University of Chicago Medical Center is on campus, and parents sign a medical treatment release after admission. Two rules carry real weight. Alcohol or drugs mean immediate dismissal, and if a student has to leave for health reasons, a parent or guardian must collect them within 48 hours at the family's cost.

You leave with a certificate if you attend every day, but with no academic credit, grade or UChicago transcript, because 1-week programs carry no credit. While enrolled you can also join the Admissions Academy, workshops run by UChicago's Office of College Admissions on application essays and how selective admissions committees review applications.

The one formal link to admissions comes later. UChicago says students who complete a residential or online Pre-College Summer Session program and are in their final year of high school can apply through its binding Summer Student Early Notification option under Early Decision I, between 1 September and 15 October. UChicago presents it as a way to apply and doesn't say it improves your chances.