Jobs › University of Chicago

Admissions Counselor

University of Chicago · Chicago, IL · $55,000–$70,000 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 10, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

You would deliver information sessions and presentations, virtually and on the road. How do you make a presentation land with a room of seventeen-year-olds?

What they are checking: Presentation skill with the actual audience.

How do you stay fair and consistent when reading hundreds of applications during a season?

What they are checking: Consistency under volume, the quiet integrity question in admissions.

The posting mentions possible additional responsibilities with low-income and under-represented students. What would you want to do in that work?

What they are checking: Genuine interest in the outreach side rather than a generic answer.

This is an entry level position with travel of four to six weeks a year, expected weekend and evening availability, a preference for liberal arts or University of Chicago alumni, and a valid driver's licence. What would you want to know about the territory before accepting?

What they are checking: That they read the conditions and are asking the practical question.

What would you do

You would sit on the admissions committee. How do you advocate for an applicant when the room is not persuaded?

What they are checking: Making a case in a committee, which is where the decision is actually made.

You would counsel students and parents through the admissions process. How do you handle a parent who is pushing hard on their child's behalf?

What they are checking: Composure and boundaries with a familiar and difficult audience.

How do you talk honestly with a student who is unlikely to be admitted?

What they are checking: Kindness and honesty together, which this job requires constantly.

About the work

You would manage a domestic or international recruiting territory and be the primary evaluator of applications from it. What do you learn about a territory that makes you a better reader of its applications?

What they are checking: The connection between recruiting and reading, which is what territory ownership means.

Walk me through how you would read an application file.

What they are checking: Whether they have a method or would simply react to what they like.

The office uses Slate as its constituent relationship management system. How do you keep territory records useful rather than just complete?

What they are checking: Whether they would use the system or only feed it.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by University of Chicago.

Department ESA Undergraduate Admissions - Group 3 About the Department The Office of College Admissions has a staff of over 40 people, most of whom are Admissions Counselors. They manage marketing to, and recruitment of, prospective students as well as the admissions process for first year and transfer students into The College, and summer programs for high school students. The Office of College Admissions is a forward-facing department often providing the first impression of UChicago to visitors in-person and virtually as well as telephonically and via email engagement. Of its several schools and departments, The College is the single-largest entity and this office is responsible for bringing to campus a class of students with a diverse set of backgrounds who are prepared to take on rigorous academics while engaging with the University, surrounding neighborhood, and city of Chicago. For more information please visit http://www.collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu. Job Summary This is an entry level position supporting the work of the Office of College Admissions. Admissions Counselors are expected to work well both individually, and in teams, to problem solve, manage projects, and act as a positive representative of the University of Chicago. All Admissions Counselors act as a first line of engagement for prospective students and manage general recruitment and application review responsibilities in addition to managing other projects within various teams. Responsibilities • Manages a domestic or international territory, primary evaluator of applications for admission from those territories, and serves as a member of the admissions committee. • Managing the territory includes conducting high school visits, attending college fairs, and hosting presentations either virtually or by travel to the territory. Territory travel may last 4-6 weeks over the course of a year. • Delivers information sessions, specialized presentations, and participates in virtual and on-campus events for prospective students. • Responds to inquiries via phone and e-mail, providing a positive experience for all who interact with department. • Reviews applications of first year, transfer, and summer program applications. • Each Admissions Counselor will have additional responsibilities in the office. Possibilities include working with current student employees; low-income, under-represented, and first-generation applicants; print and web publications; social media; programs and events; and more. • Weekend and evening availability is expected throughout the year for some aspects of the position including application review, travel, and admissions events. • Travels and recruits in an assigned geography, assisting with planning and delivering public presentations, special events, and other recruitment activities. • Maintains relationships with all individuals involved in the recruitment process, including routinely counseling students and parents regarding the admission process. • Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- Preferred Qualifications Education: • Bachelor's degree. • University of Chicago alumni or liberal arts college alumni. Certifications: • Valid United States driver’s license. Technical Skills or Knowledge: • Proficient in Microsoft Office. • Knowledge of Slate CRM.​ Preferred Competencies • Excellent verbal and written communication. • Presentation skills. • Customer service skills. • Maintain confidentiality. Working Conditions • Work will take place in an office setting, and remotely during work-related travel, on- and off-campus events, and application review season. • Travel approximately 4-6 weeks of the year.​ Application Documents • Resume/CV (required) • Cover Letter (required) • References Contact Information (required)(3) • Please include this information as three independent documents, uploaded separately. The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions. When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Student Affairs & Services Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required Yes Pay Rate Type Salary ​ FLSA Status Exempt ​ Pay Range $55,000.00 - $70,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook . Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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