The 2026-27 essay questions published by the University of Chicago College Admissions office come in two parts: a required first question asking how the University of Chicago, as the applicant knows it now, satisfies the applicant’s desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future; and an extended essay chosen from five new prompts or a past prompt of the applicant’s choosing. Early Decision I and Early Action applications both close November 2, 2026, which gives Irvine seniors a little over three weeks to finish both essays.
Who Is Affected by the UChicago Supplemental Essays
Seniors applying to the University of Chicago for fall 2027 entry submit both supplemental essays under all four application plans. This year’s five new extended prompts ask, in turn, how thoughts eat; how the principles of an artistic practice could solve a problem; for an invented mixed metaphor and how it could make sense; for a new Olympic event built on an everyday activity; and for the backstory of a mistaken acronym. The sixth option is any past prompt or a question of the applicant’s own.
| Item | UChicago policy |
|---|---|
| Early Decision I | Due November 2, 2026; decisions mid-December; reply by mid-January |
| Early Action | Due November 2, 2026; decisions mid-December; reply by May 1 |
| Early Decision II | Due January 4, 2027; decisions mid-February |
| Regular Decision | Due January 4, 2027; decisions late March |
| Application | Common App or Coalition on Scoir; $90 fee, waived for students applying for need-based financial aid |
| Recommendations | Two evaluations from teachers of academic subjects; the counselor submits the secondary school report and transcript; midyear report by February 1 |
| Standardized testing | Optional, under a “No Harm” policy: SAT or ACT scores are used only when they help the applicant’s chance of admission; self-reporting allowed; October ACT and November SAT scores accepted for Early Action and Early Decision I |
International students who may need aid at any time while enrolled must submit a financial aid application before admission.
What to Do Now About the UChicago Supplemental Essays
Treat the extended essay as an argument. The prompts look open-ended, but readers still assess reasoning, detail, and writing. Choose the prompt that lets the student develop a real idea, then settle on one clear claim rather than reaching for novelty. Planning and revision support is available through the EDUBUS College Essay Bootcamp.
Decide whether to submit test scores. Under the No Harm policy, submitting scores cannot lower the chance of admission. The binding terms of each early plan and score release dates are in Early Decision vs. Early Action: Which Are Binding and Early Deadlines: Will SAT/ACT Scores Arrive in Time?; college list and early strategy support is available through the EDUBUS University Admissions Planning service.
Sources
- University of Chicago College Admissions: Essay Questions (accessed October 10, 2026)
- University of Chicago College Admissions: Application (accessed October 10, 2026)
- University of Chicago College Admissions: Required Materials (accessed October 10, 2026)
- University of Chicago College Admissions: Optional Materials (accessed October 10, 2026)
- CSU Transfer Priority Filing Ends Nov. 30CSU priority filing for fall 2027 transfer applicants ends November 30, 2026; $70 per campus. ADT admission guarantee, upper-division requirements, and next steps.
- Notre Dame REA Nov. 1; Tests Required Fall 2028Notre Dame Restrictive Early Action closes November 1, 2026. Scores stay optional this cycle; SAT or ACT is required for fall 2028 entry. Dates, essays, and rules.
- Pomona Two Essays, Early Decision Due Nov. 8Pomona College Early Decision I closes November 8, 2026, decisions by December 15. Two supplement prompts of 150 and 250 words, plus recommendation and testing rules.
- Portola High Financial Aid Workshop Oct. 19Portola High School holds a mandatory financial aid workshop for all seniors on October 19, 2026, led by Irvine Valley College, with FSA ID creation. Parent steps first.
