For Prospective Scholars

Are you a Chicago public high school student who is serious about going to college? Have you distinguished yourself through your academic achievements and contributions to your school and community? Then the University of Chicago Collegiate Scholars Program (UCCSP) may be for you. Visit our How to Apply page to learn more about how to become part of this challenging, fun, and rewarding three-year enrichment program designed to prepare talented students for academic success at the best colleges and universities. You can also download a copy of our brochure.

 

The application deadline for 2012 has passed.  Applicants will be informed by March 16 if they are invited to an interview.

 

 

What does the program involve?

Your First Summer

Once accepted into the program, you start the summer after ninth grade. You’ll select from a series of classes in literature, writing, mathematics, and science taught by University of Chicago faculty. You'll return for the two subsequent summers in high school to build on this course work.

During the Academic Year

During the academic year, you will participate in weekend and evening activities which include civic engagement, lectures, arts and cultural activities, career events, and college readiness workshops. You will also have the opportunity to prepare for the ACT and SAT.  Your parents will also have the opportunity to attend workshops in the college search and application process, and financial aid.

Your Senior Year

During the summer before your senior year, in addition to other courses offered by the program, you'll take College Countdown, which will help you identify colleges that will be a good fit for you, and help you prepare each aspect of your college application. 

 

 

What We Look For in Applicants

We look for a diverse group of high school freshmen to join our program.  We accept applicants from all Chicago Public Schools high schools.  

Strong applicants embody the following characteristics: 

  • Leadership and Self-Management: Active contributors to school or community environment; Ability to fulfill commitments and manage time well
  • Academic Success: Record of achieveing academic success
  • Ability to Overcome Obstacles: Perseverance when presented with a challenge; Ability to creatively problem solve and seek resources available
  • Fit with our Program: Desire to learn and grow; Desire to be exposed to new ideas and experiences; Desire to contribute in a postive way to our program
  • Positive Attitude: Optimistic when presented with challenges; Ability to work well with others

 

 

Watch a short video about the program.