How to Apply

Application deadlines
Round	Deadline
Autumn 2021	Sep. 07, 2021 Google Yahoo! Outlook.com iCal / MS Outlook

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. 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 contact GSAL admissions staff or schedule an appointment.

Ready to Join the UChicago Community as a Graduate Student-at-Large?

Apply now to enroll in graduate and undergraduate courses, get academic and professional advising support, and take advantage of our extensive student resources.

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Step Two: Interview

The GSAL Associate Director 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 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.

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

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 matriculating as a GSAL or RS student. Failure to do so may result in the inability to register for courses and disciplinary action.

Meet the GSAL Team

Esther Pandian-Riske, MA, MAPSS

Associate Director, Graduate Student-at-Large

Esther Pandian-Riske is the Associate Director of the Graduate Student-at-Large Program. Originally from Singapore, Esther came to Chicago as a student, and has two master’s degrees from the University of Chicago: an MA from MAPSS and an MPP from the Harris School of Public Policy Studies. Esther was previously the Assistant Dean of Students at the Honors College at UIC, Dean of Multicultural Affairs at the Latin School of Chicago, and the Assistant Dean of Students for the Graduate Division of the Social Sciences at the University of Chicago. She has years of experience in student advising and her main objective at the GSAL program is to ensure an exemplary student experience, working towards successful graduate school and career placement. Esther oversees the special Bridge Scholarship Initiatives, the College Bridge Advising Program and supports international students attempting to bridge their academic efforts from GSAL to further Masters or PhD programs.

Charles Barkley

Associate Director of Enrollment Management

Charles Barkley serves as the lead advisor for prospective students to the Master of Science in Analytics program and Data Analytics for Business Professionals certificate. Prior to joining the University, Charles worked in post-baccalaureate pre-medicine program admissions at Northwestern University. He holds a master’s degree in English literature and undergraduate degrees in English and Art History.

Mary Morley Cohen

Associate Dean For Professional Programs

Mary oversees all of the professional masters and noncredit programs at the Graham School. Mary was most recently the Associate Dean, Academic Programs at Northwestern University School of Professional Studies, where she oversaw all undergraduate, graduate, and professional development programs. Mary had been with Northwestern since 2008 and also held posts as the Director and the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs. Prior to Northwestern, Mary oversaw academic operations and student advising at Cardean Learning, an innovative online learning company.

Mary completed her PhD in English, Communication, and Media Studies at the University of Chicago and has taught communications and writing courses for the Humanities Division, Medical School, and Booth School of Business. Mary has spent her career working in the field of adult and continuing education, and she is excited to return to University of Chicago and to contribute to the continued success of the Graham School.