Department of Mathematics
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Applying to the Graduate Program

To apply, you will need to complete the online application form.

In addition to answering all questions on the form, you must also use the form to submit the following documents. The admissions committee will not formally consider your application until all of the materials listed below have been received.

The deadline for completed and submitted applications is December 15 for admission to the PhD program beginning in the following Fall quarter. Note that we do not allow students to begin in the middle of the academic year.

The admissions committee generally finishes making decisions by March 31. As soon as a decision on your application has been made, you will be notified either by email or first class mail or airmail (for foreign applicants).

Below are some more specific comments about each of the required documents.

Transcripts

Applicants who have attended international institutions whose transcripts are in a language other than English must upload those transcripts or certified attestations of study with certified English translations. Both the original transcript and the certified translations must be uploaded to your online application.

If you are admitted and accept our offer, we will require you to have an official transcript sent to our office from the Registrar's offices at any schools you have attended. Applicants to the University of Chicago's graduate programs are expected to be enrolled in or have completed a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. Official transcripts showing proof that you have received your baccalaureate degree and date conferred will be required before your Autumn classes begin. We reserve the right to revoke the offer of admission if there are any unexplained discrepancies.

Statement of Purpose

This is an opportunity for you to explain the reasons behind your desire to pursue graduate study in mathematics. You may wish to discuss any relevant facts about your education or experience with mathematics which are not apparent in the other material you submit, the kind of mathematics you find interesting or wish to pursue in graduate school, and what you plan to do after obtaining a Ph.D.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are received through our online application system. These should be written by people who know your work well, and can judge your potential for success in graduate study. Recommenders who can offer a detailed and candid assessment of your qualifications and motivation for graduate study are preferred.

GRE

Applicants should take both the general and the mathematics subject tests early. Please consult the GRE website for testing dates, and select dates which will provide results in time for the application deadline.

Please note that for the GRE's, our institution code is 1832, and the department code is 0703 for Math.

TOEFL or IELTS

The TOEFL or IELTS is required of all foreign applicants. Exceptions are made for students who are citizens of English-speaking countries (Canada, UK, Australia, etc.), and for foreign students who will receive a degree from an English-speaking university. The Mathematics Department requires an official copy of your TOEFL or IELTS scores if your native language is not English or if you have not completed more than one year of study in a U.S. college or university within the last five years. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years only.

Applicants whose first or native language is not English must demonstrate an adequate command of both spoken and written English, and they are required to submit English proficiency test scores as part of their application. We recognize the internet-based test (iBT) of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Applicants whose total score on the four-part TOEFL falls below 90, or score on IELTS falls below 7, will not normally be admitted. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years only.

For the TOEFL, our institution code is 1832 and the department code is 72.

Please visit the Office of International Affairs website for more about the University's TOEFL and IELTS requirements.

Application Fee

The application fee is $90. The University of Chicago does not refund or defer application fees. If you feel that you may be eligible for an application fee waiver, please look for the application waiver link online and follow the instructions. If you are applying for an application fee waiver, do not submit the application fee online. If your waiver is denied, you will be required to pay the fee online. Waivers cannot be granted to foreign applicants. Applications will not be considered without the appropriate fee.

Financial Aid

All students who are offered admission will also be offered a full financial aid award which includes a full tuition scholarship and a living stipend. There are no teaching duties during the first year. Financial aid is guaranteed to admitted students for up to five years, subject to satisfactory academic performance and satisfactory performance as a teacher. Aside from the Financial Data Form included with the online application, no special financial aid form or GAPFAS application is necessary.

Questions? Email admissions@math.uchicago.edu.

In addition, the department offers a separate Master of Science in Financial Mathematics. Please contact Meredith Muir, memuir@uchicago.edu for further information, 773-702-1902.