United States · Current published requirements
UChicago supplemental essays
UChicago asks for two institution-specific essays in addition to the shared application: a short explanation of why the university appeals to you and an extended response to a prompt you choose.
Writing format
One Why UChicago response and one extended essay chosen from several prompts
What to prepare
- 1Use the Why UChicago response to explain a specific academic or campus fit in your own terms.
- 2Read the full current extended-prompt list before choosing the question that lets you show original thinking.
- 3Make the extended response coherent on its own rather than relying on a clever opening with no developed idea.
How to approach the writing
- Give the two essays different jobs: one explains fit; the other shows how you explore an idea.
- Do not assume last year's unusual extended prompts are still available in your application.
Before you submit
UChicago publishes the supplement through the Common Application or Apply Coalition. Check the exact prompt list and limits in your current platform.
Read UChicago required application materials ↗Official source checked 2026-09-25.
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