UChicago’s enhancements to its admissions policies aim to empower historically underrepresented communities in the highly selective admissions process and provide more ownership over the admissions process to students. UChicago’s expansion of its equity and access programming includes additional resources for first-generation college students, underrepresented students of color, military veterans, and students from rural high schools. Revised admissions policies, including a new test-optional selection for domestic students, offer students increased flexibility and ownership to define and share what they feel best represents them in the admissions process. Similarly, students now have the choice to make use of the media of their choice to better personalize elements of their application, including submitting a two-minute video introduction in lieu of the traditional college interview. Together, these changes reflect the University of Chicago’s ongoing commitment to engaging students with a diversity of identities, backgrounds, and experiences, building on the University’s Odyssey program, UChicago Promise, and the No Barriers philosophy. In keeping with these core values, UChicago’s updated application requirements and programming will ensure increased access to a University of Chicago education, empowering students from all backgrounds by providing them the freedom to craft an application that portrays their best, most authentic selves.

“The UChicago Empower Initiative continues the University and College’s unwavering commitment to access and inclusion,” said John W. Boyer, Dean of the College at the University of Chicago. “Throughout the past century, UChicago has considered a broad diversity of cultural perspectives and academic merit without regard to socioeconomic class to be fundamental—as exemplified by our Odyssey Scholarship Program, Jeff Metcalf Internship Program, and No Barriers offerings that enable outstanding students of all backgrounds to enjoy a UChicago education. We are delighted to now also provide an admission process that makes UChicago even more accessible by enabling students to present their best, most authentic selves.”