National Track FAQs

What applications do I have to submit to be eligible for the National Track?

To apply to the National Track, you must submit applications to one or more PhD program in the social sciences at the University of Chicago and a separate application to the National Track via the Center for Health and the Social Sciences (CHeSS) website.

Will I need to take any standardized tests?

It depends on the PhD program. Some PhD programs require GRE scores, and others have made it optional, or optional yet recommended.  Applicants should check the application requirements of the University graduate programs to which they plan to apply.

Can I apply to the National Track if I am applying to medical school outside of Chicago?

Yes. We welcome applicants from any medical school in the United States. Accepted students must be able to relocate to Chicago for the years they are enrolled in a PhD program.

Can I apply to more than one PhD program?

Absolutely. In fact, if more than one PhD program seems to be relevant to your interests, you are encouraged to apply to multiple PhD programs. This may improve your chances of acceptance to a PhD program and will provide more opportunities to receive a desirable financial aid package for your PhD studies. Please list all the PhD programs to which you are applying on the National Track application.

How do I apply to MeSH at the Pritzker School of Medicine?

To apply to MeSH at the Pritzker School of Medicine, you must follow the instructions on the Pritzker School of Medicine website to submit your application. You must apply separately to any PhD program(s) of interest.

I am a prospective medical student. May I apply to both MeSH at the Pritzker School of Medicine and the National Track?

Yes. You will need to follow the instructions on the Pritzker School of Medicine website to apply to MeSH at the Pritzker School of Medicine and apply to any social science PhD program(s) of interest at the University of Chicago. You should also email Kelsey Bogue at kbogue@bsd.uchicago.edu to notify the MeSH team that you are interested in the MeSH National Track.