Office of Admissions

At Harris, we are committed to the success of our international students. We want to make sure that our students not only engage in the culture of Harris, but have confidence in their ability to navigate their new surroundings. One of the ways we support our international students is by helping them build English proficiency and navigate campus resources through the Academic English Pre-Matriculation Program (AEPP), often referred to as Language Camp.

The AEPP, run by the English Language Institute (ELI) at the University of Chicago, features interwoven linguistic, cultural, and academic objectives. The curriculum is proficiency-driven, which means you will be seriously challenged regardless of your level of English. You will have opportunities to learn about the rich culture of the Hyde Park neighborhood and the vibrant city of Chicago. AEPP is also a great way for admitted students to connect and get to know your peers before the school year begins!

In the AEPP, students will: 

  • Build spoken or written Academic English proficiency through meaningful opportunities to improve linguistic performance in a range of North American contexts;
  • Establish a working knowledge of the City of Chicago, its history, neighborhoods, cultural diversity, and social issues through readings, films, television programs, and lectures;
  • Meet and network with students and professionals from different countries and areas of expertise.

AEPP Session One runs August 4–27, 2021. On August 4, all students check in with the English Language Institute to receive their course placement. Due to COVID-19, we anticipate the majority of AEPP 2021 students will participate remotely. The detailed session schedules are still to be determined. We will inform you as soon as possible via email once the English Language Institute determines those schedules.

Students attending AEPP will attend either the Speaking or Writing track. This is determined by your submitted English language requirement scores; students cannot choose which track to attend. You can read more about those sessions on the AEPP website. AEPP is a great opportunity to begin meeting your peers at Harris and the larger UChicago community.

Students do not need to attend AEPP if:

  • They have a total TOEFL score of 95 or higher, or IELTS total score equal or greater to 7 with the sub-scores equal or greater than 7.
  • They are eligible to be waived from the language requirement, as detailed on the Office of International Affairs Website.

If you meet the above requirements and do not need to attend AEPP, you have received an email confirming you do not need to attend. If you are still interested in attending, the email will provide you the option to register for AEPP.

Please see below for answers to frequently asked questions:

Can I retake the TOEFL or IELTS exam?

If you think your submitted test scores are not reflective of your English proficiency, then you can choose to retake the TOEFL or IELTS exam to achieve minimum requirements outlined above and submit new scores. Keep in mind that we accept the highest score and sub-scores from all valid exams.

If we do not hear from you by Monday, May 24, you will be automatically registered for AEPP-Speaking. If you have any questions, please contact harrisadmissions@uchicago.edu. 

What if I cannot attend the first session of AEPP?

All Harris students are strongly encouraged to attend AEPP Session One as Math Camp and mandatory orientation activities occur at the same time as the AEPP Session Two. If you have a conflict with AEPP Session One, then please email harrisadmissions@uchicago.edu.

What is the cost of the AEPP program?

The cost of the program is $700 for Master's students, which includes placement testing, weekday academic English classes, Friday workshops, weekend cultural programming, course materials, and advising. Additional orientation programming will also be offered by Harris during the language program to ensure that participants have a smooth transition into Harris.

The cost of the program will be billed to your student account during mid-August. Please visit this page for more information.

How is AEPP graded?

AEPP is a pass / fail course. Failure to successfully complete AEPP will result in an F on your University of Chicago Transcript.

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