University of Chicago GRE requirements (2026)
GRE policy varies widely by program: it is optional for Computer Science and the Physical Sciences Division, not accepted at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, and a GMAT or GRE score is required for the Booth MBA except for UChicago affiliates.
About University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is a private research university founded in 1890 and located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. It is organized into the College, several graduate divisions, and professional schools including the Booth School of Business and the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering.
QS World University Ranking 2026: #13
GRE requirement by program
University of Chicago sets its GRE policy by program, so there is rarely a single university-wide answer. Below is each program we have checked, with its status, a link to the program's own admissions page, and the date we last confirmed it.
| Program | Status | Official source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|
Department of Computer Science (PhD) PhD | Optional The department states that UChicago CS will not require the GRE exam for this PhD application cycle and that it is optional. | computerscience.uchicago.edu | Jun 2026 |
Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PhD) PhD | Not accepted The school states it does not accept GRE scores in any form for admission for this application cycle. | pme.uchicago.edu | Jun 2026 |
Booth School of Business (Full-Time MBA) MBA | Required Applicants must submit a GMAT or GRE score, though current UChicago undergraduates and UChicago program graduates are test optional; no minimum score is required. | chicagobooth.edu | Jun 2026 |
Physical Sciences Division (most PhD programs) PhD and masters | Optional The division states that no degree program requires GRE scores, though some programs recommend that applicants submit them, and no program requires a minimum GRE score. | physicalsciences.uchicago.edu | Jun 2026 |
The Graduate School (general policy) all graduate programs | Varies by program UChicagoGRAD directs applicants to read each program's requirements because programs have different instructions regarding standardized tests. | grad.uchicago.edu | Jun 2026 |
Each status was read from the program's own admissions page (last checked 12 06 2026). Policies change between cycles; always confirm on the linked official page before you apply.
Not the program you need? The status is set department by department. Use the three-step check on the is the GRE required page to confirm any program in a couple of minutes.
Should you submit a GRE score?
Where University of Chicago marks a program Optional, a score comfortably above the program's admitted-student median can strengthen a borderline application, especially for funded or international applicants. Below that median, your effort is usually better spent on the required parts of the file. Where a program is Not accepted, do not send a score, it will not be reviewed.
Unsure where you would land? Sit a free full-length mock and convert your scaled score to its exact official percentile before you decide.