UChicago's Summer Language Institute — Should You Apply?
If you’re a high school student looking for a summer program to strengthen your profile, why not learn a new language? Being multilingual is a valuable skill to add to your resume, and the earlier you start learning a new language, the easier it is to become more fluent. Speaking multiple languages can make you a better communicator and more culturally aware, something that college admissions boards and future employers value highly!
This is why participating in summer linguistics programs can significantly strengthen your skills and enhance your college applications. Here, we will review the University of Chicago's Summer Language Institute (SLI), a program designed to bolster your language skills and potentially set your application apart.
What is UChicago’s Summer Language Institute?
The University of Chicago's Summer Language Institute is an online program that offers six- to nine-week-long online intensive language courses for high schoolers and college students. SLI offers these courses across seven languages, comprising the full spectrum of language skills in each course– speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The courses provide 100 or 300 credit units upon completion, depending on whether you opt for a lower-intensity Reading course, or a comprehensive Summer Intensive. For each language, SLI offers courses addressing specific skill levels and use cases — introductory and intermediate courses, research-oriented sessions, and immersive, academic-year-equivalent courses.
How is SLI structured?
SLI offers two primary course structures: Intensives and Reading courses. Intensives are ideal if you want new language skills or significantly improve your proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. They provide ample opportunities to practice through interactive exercises and discussions. Classes are led by experienced UChicago faculty. Any intensive course demands at least four to five hours of practice daily, with an additional three to four hours for self-study. Along with textbook and classroom instruction, there are specific sessions dedicated to cultural proficiency so that you understand not only the language but also the context within which it has developed and is used. The list of available intensives includes:
On the other hand, Reading courses are designed to improve your reading comprehension skills in a particular language. These courses are suited for undergraduate and graduate students with a stronger foundation in the language who want to analyze and interpret written texts. Similar to Intensives, you'll benefit from expert faculty who will guide you through the finer details of the language. Reading courses focus on preparing you to conduct research, argue, and coherently present information in your chosen language. The available reading courses include:
What are the program dates?
The Intensives typically begin in June and run for six to eight weeks depending on the course. Reading courses begin in July. The 2025 program and application deadline dates are yet to be announced. Applications for 2025 will likely open in December.
Is the program prestigious?
UChicago's SLI offers good exposure and a rich learning experience, which can serve as a moderately prestigious addition to your profile. The program is paid and online only, limiting its selectivity and prestige. That being said, all their courses offer an in-depth learning experience in the language of your choice and help you test and improve your linguistic expertise.
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible for the SLI, you must be a current high school junior or senior. High school students are not eligible for Reading courses. Specific courses may have their eligibility criteria depending on the language and level of instruction you.
How does the application process work?
To apply, you must submit your application online and include the following information:
Transcripts: Submit your official high school transcript.
Test Scores (optional): While not mandatory, submitting standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT can strengthen your application.
Financial aid and scholarship program application: If you need financial assistance, complete the application to be considered for scholarships and grants.
Supplementary essays: As a part of your application, you’ll need to respond to the following two essay prompts:
Why did you choose the particular program/courses for which you have applied? How are they related to your current interests and future plans? Please be as specific as possible, and make sure your response covers each of the courses you selected. (Limit: 500 words)
Describe your most rewarding academic project or academic experience. (Limit: 250 words).
Writing sample: In addition to the supplementary essays, you will need to provide a legible copy of one of your essays or research papers typed in English and graded and commented on by a teacher.
Letter of recommendation: Provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor familiar with your academic abilities.
Application fee: Pay the $50 application fee.
How much does the Summer Language Institute cost?
The Summer Language Institute program fees are:
$7,960 for a 300-unit intensive course
$4,635 for a 100-unit reading course
Financial aid ranging from $500 to $6,000 is available to assist students with the program costs.
What are the pros and cons of the program?
Pros:
You can improve your language proficiency
SLI offers several courses based on your language level — you can opt for Intensive courses to learn a language deeply or Reading courses to better prepare you for academic research. You will gain fluency and confidence through intensive instruction from qualified faculty.
You can earn college credit: All of SLI’s programs let you earn valuable credit points that may transfer to your college degree, potentially reducing your course load.
SLI can boost your profile and college application: Having experience in an intensive linguistics program and a level of language proficiency can help you stand out from the crowd and showcase your academic initiative and intellectual curiosity.
Cons:
You have to dedicate a significant amount of time: While not strictly a con, SLI courses can be quite intensive, requiring several hours of study daily. Keeping up with the coursework can be difficult, especially if you plan on doing any other extracurricular activity during the summer.
You pay a lot of money: The program fees are quite high (nearly $8,000), which can be unaffordable to many students. Financial aid, though limited, may ease the burden.
Our review – should you apply?
UChicago's Summer Language Institute is a rigorous program that can significantly bolster your language skills and help you enhance your college application. It’s definitely worth considering If you're a highly motivated high school student passionate about languages However, the program requires a significant time commitment and is quite expensive, which can deter some students from applying. Weigh the pros and cons carefully to determine if the SLI aligns with your academic goals and financial circumstances!
One other option - the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.