A new way to tour UChicago
A typical UChicago tour can feel impersonal, leaving you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a guide the school assigns you.
SchoolScoops offers private University of Chicago tours tailored to your interests. Choose your own UChicago student tour guide and enjoy a personalized campus visit where you'll get candid answers to your questions.
SchoolScoops is the more personal way to tour University of Chicago
Private and personalized UChicago tours
On a traditional University of Chicago campus tour you’re just a number in a big group. With SchoolScoops, you can book a private University of Chicago tour led by a real UChicago student, giving you a personalized campus visit and the chance to ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own tour guide
Unlike a traditional University of Chicago campus tour, SchoolScoops lets you choose your own tour guide. Whether you want to meet an engineering major, a student-athlete or a fellow transfer student, you'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional University of Chicago campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the tour guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just honest, unfiltered advice about the UChicago experience.
Find out if UChicago is the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. A private UChicago tour helps you decide if University of Chicago is the right fit for your academic goals, career ambitions and college experience.
Can't make it to campus?
Book a 1-on-1 video chat with a UChicago student for personalized insights. Learn about academics, campus culture, and Chicago life without leaving home.
Book a video chat
Real feedback on student-led campus tours
Get to know University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is a world-renowned private research university known for its rigorous academics, intellectual inquiry, and interdisciplinary approach across the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and business. It is deeply rooted in a tradition of critical thinking, discovery, and academic freedom.
Overview
The University of Chicago, founded in 1890, is a private research university located in Chicago, Illinois. It offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its divisions and schools, including the College, Booth School of Business, and Law School.
Size
The University of Chicago has a total enrollment of approximately 18,000 students, including around 7,000 undergraduates and 11,000 graduate and professional students.
Acceptance rate
The University of Chicago has an acceptance rate of around 5%, making it one of the most selective universities in the country. Among admitted students who submitted scores, half have an SAT score between 1510–1560 or an ACT score between 34–35.
Cost
For the 2024 academic year, undergraduate tuition at the University of Chicago is $67,944, with graduate tuition varying by program. Approximately 57% of undergraduates receive financial aid, with an average need-based scholarship of over $60,000.
Ranking
According to U.S. News & World Report, the University of Chicago is ranked #12 out of 436 National Universities. The rankings are based on widely recognized indicators of academic excellence, including graduation rates, faculty resources, and student outcomes.
Academics
The University of Chicago offers a wide array of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across its undergraduate College and various graduate and professional schools. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1, the university emphasizes close mentorship, small class sizes, and rigorous academic engagement.
Traditions
The University of Chicago is known for its unique traditions, including the annual Scavenger Hunt (one of the largest in the world), the Latke-Hamantash Debate, Kuvia (a week of early-morning wellness events), and Summer Breeze, a campus-wide spring festival. These traditions reflect the university’s spirited, intellectual, and quirky culture.
Campus landmarks
The University of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks include the gothic towers of Harper Memorial Library, the striking modern design of the Joe and Rika Mansueto Library, Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, the quadrangles of the Main Campus, and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts—all showcasing the university’s blend of historic architecture and innovative design.
Student body
Over 80% of University of Chicago students come from out-of-state, with strong representation from states like California, New York, Texas, and Florida, as well as a diverse international student population from more than 100 countries.
Become a SchoolScoops guide
In college? Earn $40/hour hosting 1-on-1 campus tours and video chats with future students.
Become a guideYour University of Chicago questions, answered
What GPA is needed to get into the University of Chicago?
While UChicago doesn't have a strict GPA cutoff, admitted students generally have exceptionally high academic records, often with unweighted GPAs close to a perfect 4.0. Success in a challenging curriculum, including AP/IB courses, is highly valued.
What is the "Core Curriculum" at UChicago?
The Core Curriculum is a distinctive set of foundational courses required for all undergraduate students, covering humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, biological sciences, mathematics, and arts. It's designed to provide a broad liberal arts education and foster intellectual breadth.
Is the University of Chicago a "party school"?
The University of Chicago is not typically considered a "party school" in the traditional sense, as its culture emphasizes rigorous academics and intellectual pursuits. However, students do have a social life, with various campus events, student organizations, and opportunities to explore Chicago's offerings.
What are the popular majors at the University of Chicago?
Popular majors at UChicago include Economics, Biological Sciences, Political Science, Mathematics, and Public Policy. The university encourages interdisciplinary study, and students often pursue unique combinations of fields.
Where is the University of Chicago located?
The University of Chicago is located in the Hyde Park neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. Its campus is a historic and architecturally significant area, offering a distinct collegiate environment within a major urban setting.
What are the housing options at the University of Chicago?
UChicago has a unique house system, where first-year students and many upperclassmen live in small, supportive communities called "houses" within larger residence halls. This system fosters a strong sense of belonging and intellectual camaraderie.
Does the University of Chicago offer good financial aid?
Yes, the University of Chicago is committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted undergraduate students, without including loans in their financial aid packages. It also offers a limited number of merit scholarships.
How do I take an admissions tour of the University of Chicago?
You can take an admissions tour of the University of Chicago by registering for an official campus visit, which typically includes an information session and a student-led walking tour. You can find details and registration options on their official admissions website.
Does University of Chicago offer private campus tours?
Yes, through SchoolScoops, you can book a private campus tour led by a student guide of your choice.
Interested in other schools?
SchoolScoops also offers tours and video chats at many other schools
Search schools