The University of Chicago Summer
Career Insight: Law and Social Impact

Career Insight: Law and Social Impact


Course Status: Pre-College Application: Jan 2026

Applications for Pre-College courses will open in early January. We encourage you to review the courses offered below. Remember: you can select up to 3 in your application. We look forward to seeing you!

Course Description

Make a difference in the courthouse, legislature, think tank, or NGO!

Explore possible paths to follow during and after college, as you look deeper into how you might pursue your passions. Your journey begins here at UChicago, where fearless inquiry into new ways of understanding seemingly intractable problems is one of our core values.

  • In the morning, UChicago professors, lecturers, and researchers will introduce you to key concepts and practices in law, public policy studies, and the social sciences through lectures, discussions, readings, and hands-on activities designed to reveal a range of possible pursuits.

  • In the afternoon, connect with practitioners through presentations, informational interviews, and career treks around the city, and with Career Advancement staff who will help you consider what various career paths you might follow and cultivate the skills you need to begin to pursue those opportunities.

You will put your skills and knowledge into practice in a small-group final project as well as individual reflection essays and other assignments.

Discussion Intensive
The majority of class time will be devoted to seminar-style learning.
Reading Intensive
Students should expect to read at least 30 pages per night.

Academic Interest

Examining Culture and Society, Law and Politics, Social Sciences (e.g., history, psychology, sociology)

Application Materials

A complete application includes a transcript, two short essays, a letter of recommendation, writing sample, application fee, and a submitted parent confirmation. If you are seeking need-based financial aid, you must indicate that in your application before it is submitted. Please refer to the Application Instructions for complete details.

Instructor(s)

Select UChicago professors, lecturers, and researchers and professionals in related fields.

Cost

$5,890

Need-based financial aid is available. Students should refer the Costs & Aid page and apply for aid when they submit their application to Summer Session.

Course Duration

2 Week Experience

Session

Session 1

Arrival & Departure Dates

June 13th - June 26th

Course Dates

June 15th - June 25th

Class Days

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri

Class Time

9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Eligibility

9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade

Course Code

NOCR 00005 03

Modality

Residential

Other Courses to Consider

These courses might also be of interest.

  • Leadership, Engagement, and Discourse (UChicago LEAD)
    Leadership, Engagement, and Discourse (UChicago LEAD)

    This two-week residential program equips high school students with civic leadership skills through hands-on engagement with real-world issues.

    Led jointly by the University of Chicago Institute of Politics (IOP) and Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression, students will learn to ask better questions, analyze public problems, and engage constructively across differences.

    Through experiential workshops, seminars, and community-based activities with leading practitioners in public service, journalism, policy, and public affairs, students will develop lifelong skills to build shared understanding, inspire common cause, and advocate persuasively for both personal and collective goals.

    Upon completion, students will have gained practical experience and the confidence to contribute more meaningfully to civic life in their communities and beyond.

    Residential