Graduate Student-at-Large In-person

Graduate Student-at-Large

Explore GSAL Student Profiles

See What It Means to Be Part of the UChicago Community

The Graduate Student-at-Large (GSAL) program is more than just the for-credit classes and valuable meetings they have with advisors and program staff. Students enter a community of fellow learners, professionals, and scholars. There are weekly get-togethers where students share their experiences and offer support. There are opportunities to build relationships with professors, alumni, and potential employers. The GSAL program can help you bridge the gap in your career or education in a unique and fulfilling way.

Go places you may never have imagined

10 y

The total years GSAL alumni have successfully pursued graduate studies worldwide (2013-2023).

41 %

The percentage of GSAL students that have chosen to bridge into esteemed MA, MBA, and PhD programs within the UChicago.

10 k

The number of active GSAL alumni, representing major industries, residing all over the world.

Join Our Community

Apply Today Get In Touch Explore FAQs

Helping You Bridge the Gap

Discover the unique opportunities and experiences available to all GSAL students at the University of Chicago. Our program stands out for providing scholars with the same rigorous classroom experience as MA and PhD students.

Here's what makes the GSAL program exceptional:

target-arrow icon

Fit Assessment: Determine if graduate programs match your goals and aspirations.

check-circle icon

Prerequisite Fulfillment: Meet the requirements to smoothly transition to a new academic field.

award-ribbon icon

GPA Boost: Improve your GPA with tailored coursework and support.

bishop-strategy icon

Record Enhancement: Strengthen your academic credentials for a competitive edge.

teamwork-four-hands-2 icon

Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in a vibrant and diverse cultural environment, gaining valuable cross-cultural skills and experiences, while pursuing coursework in a top research institution in the United States.

shield.rgb.maroon icon

Academic Excellence: Experience the challenging and supportive academic environment at the University of Chicago.

Want a Foot in the Door?

Enjoy all the perks of being a UChicago student, from personalized advising and faculty engagement to extracurricular experiences and access to student resources. It’s your bridge from where you’re at, to where you want to be.

Push Your Way Forward

Apply Today Get In Touch  Explore FAQs

UChicago campus during the fall.

Real Journeys, Real Impact: Testimonials from GSAL Students

UChicago Campus in the fall.

Thanks to GSAL, I had the opportunity to take courses at the University of Chicago, choosing the classes that PhD admissions committees are likely to appreciate the most (in my case, being an economist, math and statistics are crucial).

Federico Marciano, GSAL alumnus and Stanford University PhD Candidate

As a “career changer,” going back to school for my graduate degree was a daunting process, and GSAL was the perfect way to begin my journey. I highly recommend GSAL for anyone who is looking to bridge the gap between undergrad and grad school, or someone who is looking to change their career path!

Daniela Shorser, GSAL Alumnus

Being a GSAL student has been a truly amazing experience. The resources, help, and community are unforgettable and unreplicable. From the Program Director having faith in me to get into Harris to her helping me figure out what classes to take to help boost my Harris application, Esther Riske is what makes GSAL truly amazing.

Justine Silverstein, GSAL Alumnus

The GSAL program was truly an invaluable source of support and camaraderie as I worked hard to strengthen my admission application by completing rigorous graduate-level coursework. The academic advising team offered exceptional mentorship and encouragement, empowering me to reach my fullest potential.

Jose M. Diaz, GSAL Alumnus and Regional Director for Office of U.S. Senator Todd Young

The GSAL program helped me tremendously with getting admitted to a Ph.D. program in Biostatistics. I was able to take mathematics and statistics coursework that I was lacking from my undergrad, making my profile much stronger.

Daniel C. Posmik, GSAL Alumnus

I come from a background where college, let alone grad school, was never something I thought would be attainable. When I found out about GSAL, it was a dream come true. The ability to go right into graduate classes with professors that I had been reading and hearing about for years—I couldn’t have possibly hoped for something better.

Joe Quinn, GSAL Alumnus

Read Inspiring Stories from the GSAL Program

Also of Interest