The University of Chicago, located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, is one of the most intellectually rigorous and academically respected universities in the country. It’s one of the most popular colleges amongst our clients, and if you’re a UChicago kid, you know it’s the only place for you. Known for its Core Curriculum, culture of inquiry, and a student body that loves to debate just about anything, UChicago isn’t for the faint of heart. And with an acceptance rate hovering around 5%, it’s also one of the most selective schools in the nation. But if you’re here, you probably already know that, because one (or both!) of your parents went to UChicago, and now you’re hoping to follow their path.
Does UChicago care about legacy? Maybe! It’s complicated! We’ll get into that in a moment. But, with this uncertainty, you might be wondering how can you make the most of it? Let’s walk you through how to align your academic record, personal narrative, and extracurriculars to reflect the values UChicago is known for, and how to make your legacy connection feel like a meaningful part of your story, not just a footnote.
What’s up with Legacy Admissions?
Legacy admissions have found themselves in the national spotlight – and not in a flattering way. After the Varsity Blues scandal and the Supreme Court’s decision re: affirmative action, legacy has become the next big issue. Over the past decade, the number of colleges giving legacy applicants a leg up has been cut in half, according to Forbes. In some states, like California, Colorado, Maryland, and Virginia, lawmakers have gone so far as to extremely limit or ban the practice altogether. In Illinois, for public colleges and universities in 2024, so not UChicago.
Despite the growing criticism, legacy still plays a role at several elite institutions. Universities like Notre Dame, Duke, and Georgetown continue to give it meaningful weight in their admissions process. Others, like MIT and Johns Hopkins, have taken a different route – eliminating legacy consideration entirely in the name of ‘promoting more equitable admissions.’
So, does UChicago care about legacy? Let’s look at the factors they consider in admissions:
Huh. That’s weird. They literally do not fill out that part. A search of their admissions site also reveals about legacy.
In 2019, listed UChicago as a school that didn’t care about legacy, but from experience, we know that isn’t true. Legacy at UChicago is not meaningless, per se, but it’s not going to help you like it would at a school like Duke. There is a place to denote your legacy status on a UChicago app, but they do not explicitly state whether or not this is a positive boost on your application. In times like these, it’s best to assume that legacy is not going to be the thing that tips the scales for you, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck.
What Can You Do?
The truth of the matter is that the vast majority of legacy applicants will not get into UChicago, just like how the vast majority of applicants overall won’t get into UChicago. UChicago expects all applicants, including those with family ties, to meet the same rigorous academic and personal standards. And given that legacy students often come from well-resourced backgrounds, there’s even more pressure to prove you’ve made the most of your opportunities. That means top-tier grades, impressive test scores, and a set of extracurriculars that reflect real curiosity, impact, and intellectual depth.
Grades
We’ve worked with plenty of UChicago legacy applicants over the years, and there’s a clear pattern: nearly all of them have flawless academic records – think straight As in the most challenging classes their schools offer. Many come from environments where academic support and enrichment opportunities are the norm, not the exception. And UChicago expects students with backgrounds that include private schools and tutors to capitalize on those advantages. Last cycle, 97% of admitted UChicago students were in the top 10% of their class. You cannot slouch.
Class Rank of the Class of 2028:
Scores
UChicago is test optional, and they claim to have a “no harm” testing policy, which they define as this:
“Submitting an SAT or ACT is optional and not required for admission. In addition to being test-optional, UChicago practices a “No Harm” policy for application review when considering SAT or ACT scores. Any SAT or ACT score submitted will only be used in review if it will positively affect an applicant’s chance of admission. Test scores that may negatively impact an admission decision will not be considered in review. All applicants including domestic students, international students, and transfer students will be reviewed under this policy.”
We have a very, very high success rate with UChicago, and the students who get in are the ones a) submitting test scores and b) submitting only 35+ and 1550+, even higher is better. As a legacy, you need to have an undeniable application, and submitting a very high test score is an easy way to be undeniable.
Extracurriculars
At UChicago, a scattered, packed activities list or a solitary leadership title won’t carry much weight on its own – especially if you’re applying as a legacy. What really stands out is a focused, authentic narrative. If you say you’re passionate about economics but your involvement ends with a class and a club, that’s not going to make the cut. UChicago looks for evidence of intellectual curiosity in action: research, independent studies, competitions, creative projects – something that proves you’ve gone beyond the classroom. That’s why we work with legacy students early, often starting in 9th grade, to help them develop a strong, cohesive story, one that reflects genuine interest and sets them apart in a sea of highly qualified peers.
Apply Early
If UChicago is at the top of your list and you’re a legacy applicant, applying early is the smartest move you can make. While legacy status doesn’t guarantee anything, applying early shows the admissions team that you're serious, and not taking advantage of UChicago’s numerous early admissions options and applying RD will null and void any bonus that legacy might offer you.
UChicago’s acceptance rates are highly competitive across the board, but the early pool tends to offer slightly better odds. Submitting early is one of the few levers you can control – and it sends the message that UChicago is your first choice.
Stay Involved
Parents, if your dream is to see your child carry on the UChicago tradition, your involvement matters. It’s not just about checking the alumni box on the application. The legacy families who see the strongest results are the ones who stay actively engaged with the university long after graduation, which might mean participating in alumni interviews, contributing consistently, or serving on a volunteer board. Admissions takes note of that ongoing relationship! Even if they act like they don’t!
If UChicago is the goal, showing that your connection to the university is current and meaningful, not just a fond memory, can help reinforce your child’s application. We’re happy to help you think through the best ways to show that commitment.
As a legacy applicant to UChicago, your application needs to be nothing short of outstanding. There’s no wiggle room here – academic excellence, standout test scores, and extracurriculars that show real depth and focus are must-haves. Legacy status might offer a slight nudge, but it won’t make up for an application that isn’t already compelling. Your goal? Make the decision easy. Show UChicago you’re not just another well-connected applicant, you’re the kind of student they can’t afford to turn down.
If you need help crafting an application that helps you stand out among the crowd, reach out to us today. We can help.