Welcome to UChicago! The College Academic Advising Office is here to support you as you explore your individual academic interests and plan a path to graduation through a rigorous liberal arts education. We will also be available to help you navigate University policies and connect you with campus resources as needed. Finally, we will assist you in the process of self-reflection and making meaning of your UChicago experience.
Students enrolling in the College for Autumn 2026 will receive an email in mid-July with their assigned Academic Adviser's contact information and instructions for scheduling their first required advising appointment. This summer appointment will be held virtually. Until then, please explore the information and resources available to you below.
Every incoming student in the College is assigned to work with an Academic Adviser. You will always have an adviser during your time in the College and you are encouraged to meet with them regularly as you plan your course of study. In mid-July, you will receive an email from the College Academic Advising Office that will provide your Academic Adviser's contact information and a link to sign up for a required virtual summer meeting. Along with many other opportunities and resources you'll encounter this summer, your Academic Adviser will help you navigate the process of understanding the curriculum and registering for your Autumn Quarter courses.
During your first year and beyond, your Academic Adviser can help you with course planning, exploring majors and co-curricular activities, learning about campus resources, understanding policies and procedures and more. We look forward to building a lasting relationship with you as you embark on your college journey.
Before you register for Autumn Quarter courses, it is important that you understand what the requirements are to receive a degree. The UChicago undergraduate degree has three main components: general education requirements (commonly known as the Core), your major, and general electives (which can be used in pursuit of additional majors or minors). Read more about the degree requirements here.
Placement exams tell you which course is the best starting point for subjects offered at multiple levels (i.e. Math, Chemistry, Computer Science and languages beyond the first-quarter level). You may only register for courses that match your placement. You will receive an email inviting you to take your placement exams the week of May 5. All placement exams should be completed and AP/IB exam results ordered by the 2026 deadline (TBA).
Every incoming student must take the Math placement exam. Students interested in pursuing further study in language, Chemistry, or Computer Science must take placement exams in these additional areas. There is no placement exam for Physics -- Physics placements are based on math scores. Learn more about online placement tests and submit AP/IB exam scores.
In preparation for your first advising appointment over the summer, identify Autumn Quarter courses that align with your placements, interests, and goals by reviewing the first quarter schedule information here (updated info and link coming soon) and Autumn 2026 Schedule of Classes available on the Class Search webpage linked in your my.UChicago portal when it is released in July (exact date TBA).
All incoming students will participate in a process called "pre-registration" during which you will indicate your preferences for your Autumn Quarter courses. Step-by step guidance on registering for your courses will be made available to you via webinar and email as we approach mid-August. Read more abut registering for your autumn courses here (updated info and link coming soon).
Note: Pre-registration is an online process that requires internet access, so please plan accordingly. If you will not have internet access during the pre-registration period, you will be assigned to a Humanities sequence after pre-registration closes based on remaining course availability. Please notify your academic adviser during your summer meeting so that you can discuss other scheduling needs and preferences.
Each year, we are excited to welcome a new cohort of transfer students. As students new to UChicago, incoming transfer students follow the same procedures related to placement and pre-registration as other incoming students. As students who are transferring from another institution, we also recognize that you will have specific needs and questions, such as questions related to transfer credit. For more information, please review the transfer information page here and our Transfer Student FAQ.
