The Chicago Academic Achievement Program (CAAP) is a year-long program that provides early exposure to scholarly and social life at the University of Chicago to a group of academically talented incoming first-year students, many of whom are the first in their family to go to college or are from lower-income backgrounds.
Through a two-week residential program prior to the start of their first year, CAAP students engage in skills building seminars and workshops, develop social networks, connect with campus resources, and explore the city of Chicago.
During the first year, students continue their personal development and leverage their strengths through resource workshops, social events, and individual advising with College staff.
CAAP Academy
Monday, September 8 through Monday, September 21, 2025
During the course of the CAAP Academy, students get a “head start” by becoming acquainted with the expectations of classes, meeting their peers, and learning about the campus, local neighborhoods, and the City of Chicago at large.
- Creating, understanding and building community
- Navigating academics and extracurricular and cocurricular activities
- Setting and managing expectations of self
- Budgeting and money management
A key component of CAAP is academic readiness and support. During CAAP Academy, students will have the opportunity to meet and engage UChicago faculty. In particular, students will attend introductory workshops geared towards skills development in the humanities, math and College-level writing. These sessions will provide students an idea of the rigor and expectations for the Core courses they will take during their first two years.
The First-Year Transition Seminars are designed to connect first-year FLI students and campus partners to forge meaningful relationships and discover ways to navigate undergraduate experiences through exploration of the following central themes: self-efficacy, College connections, and community connections.
These themes will be explored through discussions centered on topics such as:
Seminars will be offered daily during the two-week pre-orientation program and multiple times each quarter during the academic year. Seminars will also be supplemented with group outings, Chicago neighborhood exploration, and opportunities for community engagement activities within surrounding UChicago communities. CAAP students will also receive support through resources provided by the Center for College Student Success.
Developing a strong community and support network is another key component of the program. CAAP students will be supported by CAAP Interns, professional program staff, and various campus partners. The CAAP Interns serve in a mentoring capacity and also coordinate experiences to help CAAP students learn about residential life, campus resources, and the City of Chicago.
CAAP students will take part in resource seminars and community building initiatives during the CAAP Academy and academic year, in addition to study breaks and fun social activities.
There is no charge to participate in CAAP! Students participating in the program will be provided transportation to campus, room and board, and all materials required for CAAP Academy.
Getting Involved
Eligible incoming first-year students in the College will receive an invitation to participate in CAAP for the pre-orientation CAAP Academy, and continue with CAAP academic year supports and engagement components throughout the academic year.
Invites will be available through the UChicago Admissions portal by early to mid-March, if not sooner.
Program FAQs
If you would benefit from learning about navigating the University of Chicago and campus resources, building Core-level skills, and developing relationships with peers within the FLI (First-generation, Lower-Income) community, then CAAP might be a good option for you. Students who say they have gotten a lot from from the program have been first-generation college students (e.g. students whose parents have not completed a bachelor's degree); students who will receive need-based financial aid awards; and students from very small towns or rural areas.
The CAAP Academy is free of charge. Students selected to participate will have their transportation costs to campus covered by CAAP, and will coordinate with CAAP staff to plan their travels. CAAP students will also be provided additional support through resources offered by the Center for College Student Success (CCSS).
Students who participate in the two week CAAP academy, will not return home at the end of the program and instead will transition to Orientation Week activities and move into their room assignments for the academic year. Prior to coming to campus, information will be shared regarding items to bring to campus and where necessities can be purchased upon arrival on campus.