
Rome Start
Rome Start Admissions
Rome Start is a unique program for students attending high school outside of the United States and for select American high school students interested in studying abroad. If admitted, you’ll spend your first year studying at our Rome Center campus in Italy and then complete your degree in Chicago.
Admission to the Rome Start program includes admission to ºÚÁÏÃÅUniversity Chicago. The application for admission also serves as an application for Loyola's merit scholarships, which can be used in both Rome and Chicago.
For more information about the program, visit Rome Start.
Application Process
Complete the online application.
Submit the or Loyola’s . There is no application fee.
Send your official high school transcript(s).
- Electronic copies may come directly from your high school (i.e. Parchment, Naviance, National Clearinghouse or SCOIR). If the electronic service requires an email address, please use admissionforms@luc.edu.
- School officials may also email transcripts directly to admissionforms@luc.edu.
- Send paper transcripts to:
ºÚÁÏÃÅUniversity Chicago
Undergraduate Admission Office
1032 W. Sheridan Road
Sullivan Center, Room 150
Chicago, IL 60660 - College transcripts from dual enrollment courses are optional and not required for the admission process.
- If you were homeschooled at any point during high school, please complete this form.
Ask for a recommendation letter.
A letter of recommendation may come from a teacher or school counselor who can speak to your ability to be successful at Loyola. Students using the Common Application will submit a letter of recommendation through that system. Students using the ºÚÁÏÃÅapplication may send recommendation letter requests within the application. Recommendation letters may also be sent via email to admissionform@luc.edu.
NOTE: Letters must always come directly from a teacher or counselor to be considered.
Submit your Rome Start Essay.
One essay of 500 words or less is required. Please include information in your essay that describes your international experience or global interest that you feel prepares you for the Rome Start program.
OPTIONAL: Submit your ACT or SAT scores.
ºÚÁÏÃÅis test-optional so you can decide if you would like to include ACT and/or SAT scores in your application. ºÚÁÏÃÅsuperscores results, meaning we review the highest subscore from each section over multiple exams. If you include test scores, we recommend sharing all results. Students may self-report test scores or send them to ºÚÁÏÃÅvia the testing agencies. If accepted, you will need to have the testing agency send your official scores to ºÚÁÏÃÅby May 1.
- SAT Code: 1412
- ACT Code: 1064
OPTIONAL: Tell us more about yourself with a resume.
Complete the activities section of your chosen application, or submit a resume after you've completed the application.
Deadlines
Fall Semester Start
- August 1: Application opens
- December 1: Priority application deadline
- May 1: Enrollment deposit deadline, including completion of the Italian student visa process
Note: ºÚÁÏÃÅadmits Rome Start students after the December 1 priority deadline as long as space is available. If space is available in the first-year class, ºÚÁÏÃÅwill continue to accept deposits after May 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I learn more about the program?
This page has more detailed information about Rome Start academics, housing, student life, tuition, and more. You can also virtually tour the Rome campus .
What is the student visa process like?
Once you’re admitted, our Study Abroad office will provide resources about the visa process, including a pre-departure session and visa workshop. It will be your responsibility to acquire the visa from the Italian Consulate.
If I have already been accepted to ºÚÁÏÃÅas a first-year student, can I still apply for the Rome Start program?
Yes. Please email internationaladmission@luc.edu to let us know, and we will switch your application to Rome Start and review you for that program. You must submit the Rome Start essay to apply to the program.
Do I need to speak Italian to participate in Rome Start?
No. All classes are taught in English, except, of course, for Italian language courses.
How can I see if my application materials have arrived?
Visit your to review your application checklist. Keep in mind that it does take time for materials to be processed and connected to your application file so please be patient. If you are concerned that materials are missing or lost, please contact your admission counselor.
Where can I view my admission decision?
Your admission decision will be available on your and we will email you once a decision is made. Admitted students will also receive a letter to their home address with the good news.
Who will review my application?
Your admission counselor will review your application. They read every single page and are excited to learn more about you during the process.
How can I apply for a scholarship?
You’re automatically considered merit scholarships ranging from $14,000 - $31,000 when you apply for admission. Initial merit scholarship information will be shared in your acceptance letter. ºÚÁÏÃÅwill post additional scholarships that require separate applications on your portal in early January.
Can I transfer credit from AP, CLEP, IB, or Cambridge programs?
Yes! It’s not required at the review of your application, but once you’re admitted, you should submit this information during the summer before your first semester. Learn more about Loyola’s transfer credit policy.
Can I transfer credit from a college as a new first-year student?
Yes, incoming first-year students can receive credit for college courses completed during high school. Learn more about Loyola’s transfer credit policy.
Who do I contact for other questions?
Email us at internationaladmission@LUC.edu and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Rome Start is a unique program for students attending high school outside of the United States and for select American high school students interested in studying abroad. If admitted, you’ll spend your first year studying at our Rome Center campus in Italy and then complete your degree in Chicago.
Admission to the Rome Start program includes admission to ºÚÁÏÃÅUniversity Chicago. The application for admission also serves as an application for Loyola's merit scholarships, which can be used in both Rome and Chicago.
For more information about the program, visit Rome Start.