Graduate Student-at-Large | In-person

Graduate Student-at-Large: Returning Scholars

How to Apply

Start My App
Application deadlines
Round Deadline
Summer Quarter 2024 May. 15, 2024
Autumn Quarter 2024 (international) Jun. 03, 2024
Autumn Quarter 2024 Sep. 03, 2024

The application portal is now open! Please submit your app to the GSAL program now to be considered for enrollment. International applicants requiring a University- sponsored visa should apply by the international application deadlines.

Step One: Apply Online

The following materials are required to complete the online application:

  • Statement of purpose
  • Current resume
  • Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
  • Official documentation of BA/BS or equivalent if not included on transcripts
  • TOEFL/IELTS scores if appropriate*
  • $75 non-refundable application fee
  • Admissions decisions are rolling and applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Late applications will be reviewed for admission to the following quarter. Late applicants are advised to email GSAL admissions staff at gsgsadmissions@uchicago.edu.

*Applicants to the GSAL program who do not meet the English Language Proficiency waiver criteria must submit proof of English language proficiency.

A group of people talking to each other.

Revisit Your Passion Where it Started

Maintain your rigorous academic pace by enrolling in courses through the Returning Scholars program at the University of Chicago.

Start Here

Step Two: Interview

The GSAL Associate Director, Esther Pandian-Riske, and team will carefully review your application and, should you meet the general application standards, will invite you for either a telephone or in-person interview. The interview is a time for you to share your main objectives and goals for participating in the GSAL, GSAL-B, or RS programs and an opportunity for the interviewer to help contextualize your academic performance thus far, and make collaborative plans for your academic future. During this time, you will have the opportunity to review courses in the upcoming quarter. 

Applicants will be informed of the admissions decision by the end of the interview.

Esther Pandian-Riske, GSAL Program Director

Esther Pandian-Riske, MA, MAPSS

Program Director, Graduate Student-at-Large

Esther Pandian-Riske is the Program Director of the Graduate Student-at-Large Program. Originally from Singapore, she came to Chicago as an international student and has two Master’s degrees from the University of Chicago: a MAPSS from the Graduate Division of the Social Sciences and an MPP from the...

Learn more about Esther

Step Three: Submit Transcripts

Once you are admitted, you must submit official transcripts to:

The University of Chicago Professional Education
Attention: GSAL
455 North Cityfront Plaza Drive
Chicago, IL 60611

Or via email to gsgsadmissions@uchicago.edu. Transcripts must be submitted by the end of the first week of classes as a GSAL, GSALB, or RS student. Failure to do so may result in the inability to register for courses and disciplinary action.

Meet Your Admissions Counselor

Ali Case, Associate Director of Recruitment

Alexandra Case, MS

Associate Director of Recruitment

Alexandra Case, Associate Director of Recruitment, has over fifteen years of recruitment, admission, and marketing experience. She started her career in higher education at the New York Institute of Technology as Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admission, then served seven years at Illinois Tech...

Learn more about Alexandra

Elderly woman sitting down browsing the web on her laptop.

Is the Graduate Student-at-Large program right for you?

Book a meeting with the GSAL admissions team to help you determine if the program fits your educational goals and lifestyle.

Get in Touch