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.
*We will begin accepting applications in November for the 2022 academic year.
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.
Start HereStep 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, 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, she 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. Pandian-Riske 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.
Pandian-Riske 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. She helps students choose classes and connect with faculty, departmental advisors, and admissions directors of UChicago graduate programs to explore courses and future programs of study. She 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.
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.
Make an appointmentStep 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
Charles Barkley
Senior Associate Director, Recruitment
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.
We Are Here to Support You Through the Application Process
Have a question about becoming a graduate student-at-large? Please contact our admissions team by email at gsgsadmissions@uchicago.edu.
Get in Touch