Program Dates

The Data and Policy Summer Scholar Program is offered twice during the summer. The two sessions are identical. Participants can apply to the session that best fits their schedule.

• Session One: June 13 - July 31, 2022

• Session Two: July 25 - September 10, 2022

See an example of the weekly schedule.

Eligibility

This program is open to the public and UChicago community. This program is available for undergraduate and graduate students, recent graduates and working professionals. We welcome domestic and international applicants from all around the world. 

To enroll in the program, you must be at least 18 years old and have finished at least one year full-time study in an undergraduate institution one month prior to the start of the program. There are no prerequisites as this program is available for all academic backgrounds. All applicants are required to complete an online application.

Students are expected to have a stable internet connection and computer access to complete the virtual program. 

How to Apply 

Start Your Online Application

Start your application then follow these steps:

• Select "2022 Cred" and "Non-Degree" type 

• Select the "Data and Policy Summer Scholar Program” 

• Select the session you would like to attend

Once you start an online application, you have the ability to save it unfinished, come back to it later and edit any information you already entered. 

Submit Required Application Materials

• Complete online application

• Motivation statement in English (word limit: 300)

• Resume (one or two pages is recommended)

• Academic transcripts
  • Transcripts must clearly state your full name and name of university or academic institution. If your transcripts show your student ID number instead of your name, then please provide supplemental documentation with both your full name and student ID number. 
  • Transcripts detail the course names, dates (term and year), grades and grading scales for each year of postsecondary (college or university) education.
  • Provide a transcript for each degree conferred (undergraduate and graduate).
  • Unofficial transcripts are accepted. You may upload a PDF copy. 
  • An English translation must be submitted for all foreign language transcripts. 

• English language proficiency 
  • Applicants whose native language is not English are required to meet the English language requirement.

Read our Application Tips blog post

Application Deadlines

Admissions notifications are issued approximately two weeks after the deadline.

We encourage you to apply early to take advantage of the priority deadline discount, longer timeline to confirm acceptance, and join events exclusive for submitted applicants and admitted students. 

*Round 4 is the final deadline for Session One. 

**Please note the application may close before Round 5 if space is no longer available. Round 5 is open only for Session Two applicants.

Priority Deadline Benefits

There are several benefits to applying before the Priority Deadline. For example, you can:

• Provide input on policy topics for capstone projects and speakers

• Receive priority consideration for UChicago scholarship; Maximize your time for financial planning 

• Plan your summer schedule and make the most of UChicago activities

• Connect with your DPSS speakers, alumni and peers before the program begins

Learn about the full benefits of applying early. 

Program Fee and Payment

The program fee for the 2022 program is $4,500.

Scholarship

UChicago Harris offers a modest, partial scholarship to top applicants based on qualifications presented in application. Priority consideration is given to applicants who apply before the Priority Deadline.

As you proceed in the application, you will find the place in the Finance Section to indicate you would like your application to be considered for a partial, merit-based scholarship. There are no additional steps, prerequisites, or documents to submit in order to be considered for the UChicago Harris merit-based scholarship.

Scholarships are limited, and not guaranteed for all applicants. The scholarship average is $500. There are no full-funding scholarships. Priority consideration for scholarship is given to those who submit by the Priority Deadline. There are no other forms of discounts or financial aid provided by UChicago Harris. 

We encourage you to explore external funding resources. Past students have been able to receive support from their current academic institution or employer. Other students found external scholarships based on their academic study, career goal, citizenship or other affiliations. You may consider pursuing those options as well.

Read our blog post with Tips on Financial Planning.

Admitted students awarded a UChicago Harris scholarship will be notified at the time of their admission into the program. 

Paying the Enrollment Deposit

After being admitted and accepting the electronic offer letter from the admissions team, you are required to submit a $1000 USD enrollment deposit to confirm your attendance. The deposit is non-refundable. The deposit will apply to your total program cost and be reflected in the bill. 

Students who fail to submit the deposit by the deadline listed in their admission letter will be viewed as voluntarily giving up the seat to attend the program.

Payment for the enrollment deposit is accepted by credit-card in your application portal. If you have a third-party sponsor paying the enrollment deposit, then contact our office before your deadline (harriscredential@uchicago.edu) for additional instructions.  

Paying the Program Fee

The program fee remaining balance is due shortly before the session begins. Paying the remaining balance of the program fee is done in one transaction through your UChicago Student Portal, which is accessible during the summer term. Admitted students will receive detailed information about payment process and options.