The application for the Class of 2032 opens on October 30, 2026.

Chicago Scholars is looking for:

• Juniors in high school

• Students who live 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 United States) and/or students who come from a low-income household

• Students who are academically motivated and believe their unique superpowers

• Students who are leaders in their schools, communities, or homes

• Students who are committed to furthering their education and have a strong desire to attend a 4-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 you are a student with an academic profile that does not meet these criteria and would like to apply, we will provide a space for you to show an upward trajectory in your academic performance.

The online application will ask a student to submit the following:

• Basic personal information 

• Academic profile information, including GPA, test scores, and a transcript uploaded by your high school counselor

• 1 letter of recommendation 

• Information about your involvement in leadership and extracurricular activities

• 1 short answer essay and 1 personal narrative essay

• Household information 

The deadline to apply for the Chicago Scholars Class of 2032 is January 31, 2027 at 11:59 P.M. CDT. 

Please note that students who are applying from a referral partner must submit their application by December 31, 2026 to get the full benefits of that partnership. If you’re not sure if this applies to you, please contact your school counselor or program administrator.

Chicago Scholars Virtual (CSV) is a new flexible 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, like if you have an unpredictable work schedule or often have family responsibilities pop up at the last minute
• You live or go to school far away from the Loop and are worried that you might not be able to attend workshops in person
• You have a lot of commitments and want to be able 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 2031 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. 

Beginning in their junior year of high school, Classic Scholars participate in college readiness workshops, application and financial aid support, leadership development experiences, career exploration opportunities, and signature Chicago Scholars events. Scholars also gain access to exclusive scholarships, college partner benefits, career resources, and a network committed to helping them succeed in college and beyond.  

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. 

Yes, students interested in Chicago Scholars Virtual must go through the same application process as students interested in Chicago Scholars Classic. The application is the same for both versions of the program. Please note that we cannot guarantee placement in either version of the program.

To apply for Chicago Scholars Virtual, you must complete the Chicago Scholars application for the Class of 2032. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2027. Once you complete the written application, you will be invited to complete a one-way video interview, where you will record your answers to a few questions. This needs to be completed within two weeks of submitting your written application.

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.

Here’s what happens after your application is submitted: 

• February: Chicago Scholars staff review all submitted applications and video interviews.

• April: Chicago Scholars staff make final selections for the Class of 2032.

• May: Final decisions are sent to students who have been accepted to the Chicago Scholars class. Accepted students then begin the enrollment process. Students who are not admitted to the program are also notified and will receive information about other resources available to them. 

• June: Enrolled Scholars will kick off their Chicago Scholars journey by attending our New Scholar Orientation, either virtually (CSV) or in-person (Classic).

• July and onward: Scholars begin to participate in the Chicago Scholars programming.

If you experience any technological issues while completing your application, please email the Chicago Scholars team directly at highschool@chicagoscholars.org with a detailed description or error message that you are receiving (a screenshot helps!) so we can assist as soon as possible.

No, once you submit your application, you are unable to go back and change any of the information included. If you inaccurately reported information, or if you feel there is an essential component of your application that must be updated, please contact us at highschool@chicagoscholars.org.

Once a recommendation request has been entered through our online application portal, the recommender is responsible for submitting the recommendation, on the applicant’s behalf. All letters of recommendations should be submitted electronically, by the recommender, via the unique link shared within them via email.  

Note: Recommendation requests will be sent to all recommenders beginning in January.

Once your letter of recommendation has been submitted, both you and your recommender will receive a confirmation email stating that we received it. Students will not have access to the letter of recommendation or its contents.

Letters of recommendation are due by Monday, February 1, 2027.

Chicago Scholars does not evaluate or use standardized test scores to determine program eligibility or fit. Test scores are used as a supplemental resource to help inform our team on how we may be able to support and coach a student through their college access journey. 

Yes! Students who are non-US citizens are definitely encouraged to apply for the Chicago Scholars program. Our college counseling team is trained to work with students to identify colleges that will best support them through their undergraduate experience.

Once a transcript request has been entered through our online application portal, the high school counselor is responsible for submitting the transcript on the applicant’s behalf. All transcripts should be submitted electronically, by the counselor, via the unique link shared within them via email.  

Note: Transcript requests will be sent to all counselors beginning January 14th, 2027, and are due by Monday, February 1st, 2027.  

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 us directly at highschool@chicagoscholars.org to discuss any concerns.

The interest form is intended for students who are not yet high school juniors but would like to be reminded when the application opens for future classes. Filling out the interest form has no impact on your chances of being selected as a Scholar and it does not count as an application.

The application is intended for people who are in their junior year of high school during the application year. It asks for more personal information, essays, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. 

In 2026, the interview process is conducted via SparkHire for all applicants. Once you have submitted your written application, you will be invited to complete a one-way video interview. 

• Dress to impress! Business casual attire is a must for your interview. You want to look and feel professional.  

• Practice with someone. Ask a parent, teacher, mentor or friend to ask you some sample interview questions and give you feedback on your responses, including your volume, tone, and pace. 

• Plan ahead. You do not have to complete your SparkHire interview as soon as you receive the link. Make sure you’re in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed and feel calm and collected before you begin.

• Use REACH to practice. Our web app, REACH Pathways, has an interview simulation that will help you practice for your SparkHire interview. 

All video interviews are reviewed by a Chicago Scholars staff member or volunteer. We will consider what you say in your interview alongside your written application to make decisions about who to admit to our Class of 2032. You will be notified of our decision in early May.

Chicago Scholars creates a seven-year relationship with students that extends beyond the last year of high school. Once you select and enroll in your college, Chicago Scholars will continue to support you through your undergraduate experience. Scholars receive a College Success Team staff member who works to connect them with support resources on campus, assist them in understanding financial aid, and ensure that Scholars are adjusting to the academic and social atmosphere on their campus. Our support also ensures that students are taking advantage of internship and job opportunities to gain experience in their desired career field. Once a Scholar graduates from college, Scholars join a growing Alumni community of leaders in Chicago and all over the country.

Chicago Scholars does not award financial scholarships to Scholars. Instead, we assist Scholars with the process of applying to scholarships as a supplement to any financial aid awards/grants/loans they may receive directly from colleges. We also have over 10+ internal scholarships that are exclusively available for our Scholars to apply to for a variety of interests, career fields, and ethnic backgrounds.  

Additionally, our College Platinum Partners share our mission and are dedicated to supporting our Scholars with financial support, strong academic advising, and leadership opportunities as Scholars enroll, persist, and graduate from college. Platinum Partners have pledged to provide Chicago Scholars with full demonstrated financial need through graduation. This includes funding support to visit campuses even before committing to attend, on-campus liaisons, and access and encouragement to become involved in campus leadership initiatives once accepted.