Why should I apply to Chicago Scholars?
We stick with our Scholars from their first day in our program through their first job after college — and we never really leave. We don’t say “once a Scholar, always a Scholar” for nothing!
Scholars come from all over the city of Chicago to get the resources, training, and opportunities to navigate the college application process, graduate, and transition into a professional career.
Our Scholars are the next generation of leaders who will transform our communities, city, and world. So, when it comes to questions about college, sharpening your leadership skills, or emerging as a young professional—we’re your people.
As a Scholar, you’ll get support with:
Getting to College: During the first part of our program, Scholars receive support and guidance as they navigate the college application process to enroll in a best match-fit college.
Succeeding in College: Scholars receive experiential learning and leadership development opportunities that will help them become the visionary leaders they want to be.
Transitioning from College to Career: We prepare our Scholars for their careers by supporting them with resume building, internship opportunities, interviewing skills, networking, and much more.
Who is eligible for Chicago Scholars?
- Juniors in high school who will graduate in 2028
- Students who live in and attend high school in Chicago
- Students who will be a first-generation college student (neither parent graduated from a four-year college in the US) and/or students who come from a low-income household
- Students who are demonstrated leaders in their schools, communities, or homes
- Students who are committed to furthering their education and have a strong desire to attend a four-year college
- Mature students who can fully commit to a rigorous academic and leadership development program
- Students with a minimum GPA of 3.0*
*If your academic profile that does not meet this criteria and but you would like to apply, please continue on with the application. There will be a space in the essay portion of this application that allows you to provide proof of an upward trajectory in your academic performance.
Important dates and deadlines
Our application opens on October 30, 2026 and closes January 31, 2027. One-way video interviews must be completed within two weeks of submitting your written application.
Please note that students applying as part of a referral partnership must complete their application by December 31, 2026.
One program, two ways to be a scholar
No two Scholars are alike, and neither are their needs. That’s why we introduced Chicago Scholars Virtual, a remote version of our Classic program designed with busy students in mind.
Chicago Scholars Virtual (CSV) is a fully remote, and asynchronous version of Chicago Scholars Classic, our traditional program. That means that you can access all the learning and information of Chicago Scholars Classic anywhere, anytime through REACH, a web app owned by Chicago Scholars.
This might be a good option for you if:
- Your schedule changes a lot
- It would be difficult for you to attend workshops in person in the Loop
- You have a lot of commitments and want to move through your college and career journey when you have free time
- You learn best when you can move at your own pace, repeat lessons, and take breaks whenever you need them
CSV Scholars are part of the Class of 2032 just like their in-person peers.
CSV is a new program and we’re always working to make sure it’s the best experience possible. Students who join the Class of 2032 will:
- Attend ScholarCon for college interviews (a new program similar to Onsite)
- Connect with mentors online
- Get college application support and career and leadership development opportunities
- Attend Chicago Scholars’ exclusive, in-person College Fair
- Access virtual scholarship, college, and internship information sessions
- Access Chicago Scholars’ exclusive scholarships and internship job board
- Access full college partner benefits, emergency funds, and leadership development funds
It’s important to know that Chicago Scholars Virtual is not exactly like the in-person Chicago Scholars program. CSV Scholars will not:
- Attend orientation, workshops, or interview and writing labs in person
- Have a Chicago Scholars college counselor
Chicago Scholars Classic is our traditional program designed for students who want structured support and a strong community throughout their college journey. Through a hybrid model of in-person and virtual programming, Scholars receive personalized guidance from a dedicated college counselor, support from a mentor, and connection to a cohort of peers who are navigating similar experiences.
Chicago Scholars Classic is ideal for students who are looking for direct counselor support, mentorship, in-person community, and a structured pathway to earning a college degree and becoming a leader in their community.
FAQ
Chicago Scholars staff members take a big-picture approach to reviewing applications. We’re looking for students who are committed to their postsecondary success and will demonstrate their commitment through full participation in our program. As we read applications, we give careful consideration not just to a student’s academic profile, but also to their character, leadership qualities, academic goals, and potential contributions to the Chicago Scholars community.
When reviewing applications, we consider many aspects of students’ academic profile. We understand there are a multitude of reasons why a student may have a GPA that falls below our academic threshold. Test scores are only used to supplement a student’s academic profile. If in doubt, you may contact the Chicago Scholars team directly at highschool@chicagoscholars.org to discuss any concerns.
See more FAQs here.
Chicago Scholars does not share information with third parties, including consent or phone numbers to contact you by SMS.